Criminal Justice System

Additional copy of these instructions is available in Blackboard

· This paper is an important part of your semester grade since it is worth 20% -100 out of 500.ASK for help before deadlines! Late work is not accepted in this class. Submit EARLY.

· Draft of paper due by noon March 5^th (Wed)

o Submit within Blackboard DRAFT Semester Paper link

o Drafts will be reviewed and given back to students with grade/comments.

· Final Paper submitted BEFORE noon April 2 (Wed))

o Submit within Blackboard Semester Paper link

PRESENTATIONS: April 7-10 students will present a summary of their paper to classmates. This is worth 10 points and there maybe extra for those who bring handouts, use PowerPoint or some other audio/visual aids.

1) Choose one of the following topics:

· Family

· Health

· Poverty

· Sexual Orientation/Sexuality

· Government

· Education

· Economy

· Criminal Justice system

2) Read the textbook chapter on the topic. NOTE: Students must choose their own topic and hypothesis and not use/copy the ones in the textbook or other sources. Yes, you may get ideas from sources but remember this is to be YOUR original work. Academic honesty is essential and taken seriously.

3) Think about which theory would best explain this topic. (Chapter 1)

1) Social Conflict

2) Structural Functional

3) Symbolic Interaction

4) Make sure you understand the scientific approach and research methods (Chapter 2).

a) Identify a problem: Choose a subtopic within your topic that interests you the most and focus on the macro approach (impact on United States or global).

· Examples: Poverty & Feminization of poverty (good topic for global); Criminal Justice System and the impact of drug laws and sentencing on society; Criminal Justice system and sentencing of racial/ethnic minorities; Education and equality for women and minorities (good topic for a global perspective); Health and impact of obesity on health care costs; Family and divorce on society; Government and laws that impact families. There are many more issues that could be explored (Sexual Orientation and laws; Economy and government influence (good one for global).

b) Review literature: Read the chapter that discusses your issue AGAIN then go to the library or online review of literature (academic resources). It is best to read a “GOOD” number of articles before choosing THREE (3) that will support your paper. Keep in mind your theory’s perspective as you chose the articles. These are to be academic sources from Education (edu) or Government (gov) sources NOT from Commercial (com) or Organizational (org) sites. If in doubt, ASK Ms. Steinhauer or SPC librarian.

c) Form Hypothesis: This is a theoretical statement on how your variables connect. Ex: Children from single parent families are more likely than those raised in two-parent households, tolive in poverty. (Social Conflict theory would be best for this topic.)

d) Research Methods: Most students will use just the three secondary sources (the academic journal articles) rather than doing their own research. However, if you wish to be creative and possibly earn extra credit, you can design your own surveys, interviews or observational research then you will still need your three (3) academic sources.Additional copy of these instructions is available in Blackboard