Length: about 5 pages (1,200 words)
Points: Up to 20
Due:  NLT March 5

(NOTE: For this assignment, YOU SHOULD USE A BROWSER
THAT ALLOWS AUDIO STREAMING. THIS IS A LARGE AUDIO FILE, ABOUT 3 MEGS
and will take about 12 minutes to download otherwise). How do you
know if you have audio streaming? AOL's browser has it, as do the soci
lab computers. If the music begins playing, or if you see a place to click
to start the music, then you're fine).             

The goal of this assignment is to apply some of the theoretical
understandings we have learned.

The following song, SERGEANT KRUPKE from WEST SIDE STORY, reflects
several theoretical perspectives we have discussed. Select any
three stanzas or verses and describe in a paragraph each which
theory of crime it might represent.
  (Click here for the AUDIO OF SGT KRUPKE.

If you don't want to play the music, you can read the lyrics by
clicking HERE.

THE ASSIGNMENT:

Write a versa or stanza of your own. For example, Bill Minor
(the Sociology chair) and I came up with the following partial verse
(yours, of course would be a full stanza of 8 lines or more):

   My life is on a bubble 'cause I am lower class
   Don't give me any trouble, Or I will kick your ass!
   It's just 'cause we're bored that we do what we do,
   And ain't got no reason to stay in school.
   
Then, explain in strong paragraph which theory (or theories) 
that guided your verse(s).

For example: The above verse drew from Miller's focal 
concerns of "deviant subcultures and youth gangs." He emphases 
especially Miller's "lower class focal concerns" of toughness and trouble.
It also includes the focal concerns of exitement and fate ("why go to 
school?"). Your paragraph, of course, should be longer and more detailed.

Or, in an example of what would be an "A" for this assignment, click
 here.

NOTE: Your verses should match the music, so don't just "wing it" without
listening to the music.

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