For the paper, you will choose three different criminological theories we have learned in class and use them to analyze the situations presented in the video. Video Link: https://archive.org/details/boyz-n-the-hood_202210
Theories We Learned
-Social disorganization theory
-Social learning theory
-Learning theory
-anomie and strain theories
-control theory
-Labeling theory
-Conflict theory
-Feminist theory
-Life course theory
-Rational choice theory
-biosocial theories
-Routine Activity theory
In your paper:
Provide an adequate review of the three theories selected. In doing so, make sure that you explain what “causes” someone to become a criminal according to a particular theory. Make sure that you address the key concepts, arguments and empirical evidences of the theory adequately.
In discussing a theory, rely on information from the textbook and class lectures, and one journal article that empirically tests that theory. This means, each of your papers will include information from three journal articles (these articles should not be assigned class readings). journal articles must be accessible for me to view and free to access !!!!!
Use information from the journal articles as empirical evidence either supporting or disapproving the theories.
Once you have described a particular theory, use it to explain the theme of the video.
Write in details and clearly why and how the theme, scenes, and storylines of the video provide support for the theory. Use concrete examples from the video to illustrate how the theory applies to the situations in the video, and to illustrate the key concepts and propositions of the theory.
This part of paper is critical as it shows your ability of applying knowledge. Try to integrate your analysis of the video and the theories well. Be thorough, and be thoughtful.
Avoid lengthy descriptions of the video. I am not testing your memory of the storylines of the video. Instead, save space to discuss how the video can relate to and illustrate the theories.
After your coverage of the three theories and their relationship with the video, discuss whether, and (more importantly) why, you think one of the theories may offer a better explanation than the others.
In sum, your papers should demonstrate that you took time to (1) understand all reading materials accurately; (2) fully consider how the video relates to course material and how the issue(s) discussed in the video reflect the explanations of crime and its control, and (3) write in a clear, logical, and error-free way.
Technical guidelines:
Your paper should run 7-8 typed, double-spaced pages in length, not including the title page and references.
Make sure the paper is well organized, starting with an opening paragraph and ending with a strong concluding paragraph.
The paper should be typed in Times New Roman, with 12 point font and 1-inch margins.
Your grade will be determined by the quality of your writing, which reflects a combination of your reading, writing, and critical thinking skills.
Your paper must be written with proper spelling, punctuation, and grammar. Slang, overly informal language, grammar errors, and incomplete sentences will significantly lower your grade.
Cite all sources appropriately and provide a complete reference in APA style.
Plagiarism in any form will not be tolerated.
Revise, revise, and revise, before submission.
Journal article guidelines:
The articles should be integrated as part of your review of the theories. As three theories will be discussed in the paper, three journal articles should be selected and presented in the paper.
These articles should provide evidence that supports or does not support the theory. Pay attention to the quality of the articles. They should be published in high-quality, peer-reviewed journals (e.g., Criminology, Justice Quarterly, Journal of Research in Crime and Delinquency, Journal of Criminal Justice). These articles should be published within the past thirty years.
In your paper, you should briefly report what questions these researchers have asked and what they have found. Be sure to point out the principle tenets of the theory that were supported and/or those that were not by the journal articles.
The three Journal articles must be accessible for me to view and free to access.
LINK – MOVIE “Boyz N Hood”
https://archive.org/details/boyz-n-the-hood_202210
