Option 1: Comparing Media Representations to Criminological Research
You will be undertaking a comparison of media representations of a selected topic (examples provided on page 2) to what is currently known about these topics from sociological and criminological research. This is where you will explore how your media sources reflect or do not reflect “the truth”. The goal is not to find one sentence or two in a source that matches the media image(s) (i.e., do no just quote from journal articles). Your analysis must stand on its own as a discussion of the scholarly literature.
For this option, you will need to identify at least five media images/articles on your selected topic and use a minimum of five scholarly sources (not including course material). Scholarly sources should be used in conjunction with one another, not as separate paragraphs summarizing each article (i.e., multiple sources should be included in each pargraph, to emphasize support for the topic beind discussed). Your paper should be no less than 3 pages in length (excluding the title page and reference page), but will likely be closer to 4-5 to encompass the necessary information. Your paper should use APA formatting.
Option 2: Literature Review Students will each select a topic of interest (examples provided on page 2) to write a research literature review. The goal of this assignment is to:
a) thoroughly review and synthesize the literature and identify gaps in current knowledge on the topic and
b) provide any suggestions for gaps in research or where future research is needed.
For this option, you will need to identify at least ten scholarly sources for your topic. Scholarly sources should be used in conjunction with one another, not as separate paragraphs summarizing each article (i.e., multiple sources should be included in each pargraph, to emphasize support for the topic beind discussed). You should identify main points of your topic and then use scholarly sources to emphasize those points in conjunction with one another. Examples and sources for writing a literature review will be provided. Your paper should be no less than 3 pages in length (excluding the title page and reference page), but will likely be closer to 4-5 to encompass the necessary information. Your paper should use APA formatting.
NOTE for both options:
You do not need to include an abstract for this assignment, though APA formatting generally requires one. You must include a title page, with your title, name, course number, and date. You also must have a reference page that includes all of your sources used. You should include an introduction to state your purpose, a “body” which includes the relevant comparisons and synthesis of research, and a concluding paragraph.
Your paper should be in APA formatting. Visit the resources on the course canvas page for help if needed.
Your paper requires you to synthesize information from research articles, to show that you have read and understand the research articles. This means that you can state in your own words what research says, while appropriately citing the research. Please see the resources on the course canvas page for help if needed.
Your paper will be graded on the thoughtfulness of your articles, based in the research you have found. Meaning, you should think critically about your topic, but that it should be based in scientific research. Additionally, your grade will be based on following the instructions as indicated, such as appropriate number of sources, use of APA formatting, and meeting the minimum page number length. Additional information on grading may be found in the rubric for the final project on Canvas.
Topic Examples
Law enforcement
Sentencing and Corrections
Public Perceptions
Video Games & Crime
Social Media/Technology
Race & Crime/Victimization
Gender & Crime/Victimization
Crime type
