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CRIJ 1307 TR Romero

This is a course guide for students taking Crime in America – CRIJ 1307 from Steve Romero at the Trinity River Campus

Research Assignment Summary

The research project in this course serves several key purposes. Firstly, it aims to explore the intricate nature of criminal behavior through the lens of criminological theories and real-world data analysis. Secondly, the project seeks to inform evidence-based policies and practices in crime prevention and criminal justice. Additionally, it delves into historical and contemporary crime trends to provide insights into their evolution. Moreover, it investigates the social, biological, and psychological factors underlying criminal behavior. Furthermore, the project fosters critical thinking skills and knowledge enhancement. Ultimately, it aims to contribute to creating safer communities by reducing crime rates and enhancing overall well-being.

Research Topics

The students are allowed to choose the topic of their research assignment. Here are some suggestions for possible topics.

  • Explain personality theory, frustration-aggression theory, and crime as adaptation thoroughly. Explain the concepts associated with Why psychopathy is a disorder that can lead to a life of crime
  • How has sociological criminology been shaped by Emile Durkheim's beliefs, and in what ways did his perspectives contribute to the development of social positivism in criminological thought?
  • What is Trait Theory? How does trait theory differ from other personality theories in psychology, and what implications does it have for predicting individual behaviors, including criminal tendencies?
  • What is the foundational premise of Social Control Theory in criminology, and what are its central tenets? How does this theory articulate the reasons individuals engage in criminal behavior?
  • Define the concepts of 'Punishment' and 'Neoclassical Thought' in the context of Just Deserts and Deterrence. Can you elucidate why the Just Deserts model emphasizes punishments proportionate to the offense's severity? 
  • Give an overview of Classical Criminology. In the Mid-18th century, what did social philosophers argue for regarding punishment? Who is Cesare Beccaria, and what are his beliefs? 
  • What is conflict criminology? What are Karl Marx’s contributions to conflict criminology? What is Marx’s premise regarding the means of production and their contribution to crime?
  • How has Feminist Criminology challenged traditional criminological theories, and what is the foundational premise of this approach to understanding crime and deviance?
  • How does Attachment Theory conceptualize the nature and significance of close emotional bonds formed in early life, and what are its foundational tenets? How do these tenets shed light on an individual's development and relational behaviors throughout their lifespan?

Content Guidelines

  • Your presentation should convey the most significant and relevant information about your chosen topic. Given the potential length of some readings, selecting key points that best fit the presentation format is essential. Conversely, provide in-depth analysis or incorporate additional sources as needed for shorter readings.
  • Grammar and Spelling: Ensure that the content of your PPT is free from grammatical errors and misspellings.
  • Research Depth: Conduct deep research to address the selected topic(s) and gain a comprehensive understanding of the subject.
  • Substantiated Responses: All information in your PPT must be substantiated through research. Avoid cutting and pasting or copying verbatim from sources. Present the information in your own words.
  • References: Include at least 5 references in APA format from reputable sources. Sources may include books, peer-reviewed journals, professional journals, and court case information from Federal or State Courts and official government agencies. Use APA formatted citations within your presentation.

Additional Recommendations

Important Notes

  • Avoid using Wikipedia or similar sources; reliance on such sources may result in a substantially low grade.
  • Be aware that TurnItIn has been activated for this assignment to maintain academic integrity.
  • The Research PPT Presentation is worth 90 points, and your submission must be accessible to the instructor for grading.
  • These instructions will help you create a comprehensive and well-structured PPT presentation while adhering to the assignment guidelines and academic integrity standards.