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Your task for this assignment is to choose two recent media articles/stories (newspaper, cnn,
online news source, etc.) within the last year that cover different types of criminal offending (i.e.
violent, property, drug, financial, etc.) in which you will apply two theories from different
schools of thought covered in class. The paper will include a brief description of the crimes
covered in the two news stories you selected. You will then proceed to apply two criminological
theories of your choice from different schools of thought (for example: learning & control, or
deterrence/rational choice & biological/psychological) to these criminal offenses. You will
explain the offense from the perspective of one theory, and then from the perspective of the
other. What are the strengths and weaknesses of these theories when explaining these specific
offense types? You will then develop and provide an argument for which theoretical perspective
(or perspectives if you want to choose both) more effectively explains the criminal behavior in
each of the chosen news stories and why. The theory application paper should contain the
following information:
1. A brief summary of each of the chosen news articles. Each article covering a different
type of criminal offense.
2. Application of the theories you chose to explain the criminal behaviors in each story. You
will explain the offense using one theoretical perspective and then the other.
3. Provide an argument for which theoretical perspective (or perspectives if you want to
choose both) more effectively explains the criminal behavior in each of the chose news
stories and why. Make sure to include the strengths/weaknesses of each theoretical
perspective to help support your argument. This needs to be more than an opinion. It is an
evidence-based argument.
Paper Requirements:
• Paper should be 2 to 3 pages; Double-spaced, typed, 1 inch margins and 12 point font.
• Quotes of more than one sentence should be single-spaced and indented (per APA
format), and don’t count toward the page limit.
• Use of at least one peer reviewed academic sources other than the textbook.
• Reference list of academic sources** cited in text also not included in page count. All
scholarly work must be referenced according to APA citation format.
• All individual papers must be submitted online to Blackboard by the syllabus due date
• Students agree that by choosing this assignment option, papers will be submitted for
textual similarity review to Turnitin.com for the detection of plagiarism. All submitted
papers will be included as source documents in the Turnitin.com reference database
solely for the purpose of detecting plagiarism of such papers.
• Late papers will be penalized. 5 points per day late.
SOCI 3336, 2024 Individual Theory Paper Media Rubric (30 Points Total)
3 pts Introduction
Is there a clearly defined thesis? What is the chosen topic? Does the introduction provide a roadmap for the
reader?
0-1 pts = poor; 1-2 pts = ok; 2-3 pts = good/great
3 pts Article/Story Summary
Are the following adequately described: Summary of the news story? Clear identification and description of
the topic/issue/problem?
0-1 pts = poor; 1-2 pts = ok; 2-3 pts = good/great
9 pts Relevance to Course
Is the relevance to course clearly explained? Does the author have a good understanding of the subject in the
context of the news articles/stories? Is there a clear connection between the news story and specific course
topic?
0-3 points:
3-6 points:
6-9 points:
Poor –theory is incorrectly applied or the author demonstrates only minimal knowledge of
the theory, little or no explanation of theoretical application
Ok/Good – theory is sufficiently applied, but explanation showing overall understanding is
limited and/or theory is NOT adequately applied to the crime
Good/Great – theory is accurately applied to the crime, including a detailed explanation of
the theory, and the correct application and explanation of all major theoretical concepts
9 pts Problem or not? /Or is the problem being addressed effectively based on the story? Explain
Is the topic an issue in criminal justice/criminology and/or is the program/policy necessary? Does the author
have a good understanding of the topic? Is there scholarly literature cited to support the author’s argument?
0-3 points:
Poor –an evidence-based argument is not established for and/or no argument is made at all
3-6 points:
6-9 points:
3 Conclusion
Ok/Good – an evidence-based is established, but a limited argument is made, the author’s
understanding of the topic is unclear and/or their position is not clearly explained/established
Good/Great – Clear evidence-based arguments are made, the author’s understanding is clear,
and at least one peer reviewed scholarly articles are incorporated into their argument/position
Does the author summarize and reiterate his/her arguments? Does it end with a strong statement/question
(good) or does it leave the reader hanging (poor)?
0-1 pts = poor; 1-2 pts = ok; 2-3 pts = good/great
3 pts Format
Spelling, punctuation, grammar, proper citations, organization, overall quality of paper
0-1 points:
poor – numerous spelling or grammatical errors or improperly cited material
1-2 points:
2-3 points:
good – few spelling/grammatical errors; only 1 minor improperly cited work
great – very few/no spelling/grammatical errors; no improperly cited work
Deductions: 5 pts per day late
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