The MIDTERM will be emailed out (and also placed on webboard)
about Weds, July 3. It MUST be returned at class time on Tuesday, July 9.
I will give four (4) essay questions, and you will select two.
Some sample questions:
*. I will give you a crime from CURRENT EVENTS. Select any three of
following theories to explain the crime:
1) Classical theory
2) Psychological theories
3) Biological/genetic theories
4) Chicago School
5) Anomie
6) Culture conflict
7) Differential Association
8) Differential Opportunity
9) Drift
10) Conflict Theory
11) Labelling Theory
12) Symbolic Interactionism
*. Select any three theories we have discussed in class and compare and
contrast them (it's helpful to make a chart to study from). Answer should
include:
1) Summary of the theory
2) Locus of study (the individual? culture? society?)
3) Definition of crime (legal? normative?)
4) A few key representatives
5) At least three key points of the theory
6) Weaknesses of the theory
7) Policy implications
a) For law/police
b) For sentencing/social response
c) For reducing crime in society
*. We have argued that theories emerge from HISTORICAL circumstances.
Fully describe how social factors have influenced the growth and
development of criminological theory from 1750 thru 1995.
*. Take any two theories from the list in the first question and
compare and contrast the social conditions that led to their creation
and development.
*. Which two theories do YOU feel are best to explain crime for
law/police, for sentencing/social responses, and for reducing crime?
*. Do current crime policies reflect any particular theory? (answer fully)
*. You text examines the variables of race, age, and gender on crime.
You are sitting in a bar, and your friend says:
"The reason whites move out of a neighborhood when blacks move
in is because everbody knows that statistics for black perpetrated
crime."
Drawing from lecture and text, how would you respond?
*. That same friend in the same bar says:
"You academics spend too much time talking about theory. We just
just lock these criminals up and throw away the key."
Is he/she right?
*. What is an ideology and why is it a crucial concept for corrections?
Answer should include:
a) Definition of ideology
b) Identification and description of
ONE SPECIFIC ideology as an example
c) Discussion of how THIS ideology shapes how we
handle prisoners or influence criminal justice issues (eg,
definitions of crime, how we process offenders, etc)
d) Which ideology is closest to YOUR perspective, and WHY?
e) Compare and contrast the ideologies of you, our Governor,
and our President
*. Do the media distort crime? Draw from lecture, text, and
to to the FOLLOWING STORY as your guide.
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TIP FOR ESSAYS:
1) You *MUST* Present your argument using facts, and you must present
them in a coherent manner. Unsubstantiated opinions WILL BE GIVEN A ZERO.
2) REMEMBER: Your essays are your chance to show what you've learned in
this course. Questions allow you to INTEGRATE material from current events,
lecture, and text.
In addition to lecture and handouts, answers must
reflect supplmental readings, assignments, and ADDITIONAL RESEARCH
on your own.
The exam will cover CHAPTERS 1 THROUGH 8
**** An "A" answer will be expected to reflect far more than
simply the text and lectures. ****
Essays MUST integrate course material and be high on facts and logic.
Unsubstantiated opinions are unacceptable.