Instructions: Write a research essay on a substantive issue in the field of youth crime.
You must use some kind of framework for your analysis. Don’t just describe something. Provide a discussion and assessment of the topic.
The essay should be approximately 10 pages. This assignment is designed to assess your
critical thinking, problem solving, and communication skills. You are not being asked
to describe an issue or problem, you are being asked to provide a critical analysis of
it. Your answer will be judged for its clarity, relevance, coherence, logic, depth,
consistency, and fairness. More specifically, when I evaluate your paper, I will be asking
the following questions:
Is the question at issue well stated? Is it clear and unbiased? Does the expression of the question do justice to the complexity of the matter at issue? Since you only have 10 pages or so to work with, provide a brief context for your argument and then get straight to your argument. Get to the point quickly, then develop your argument?
Does the writer (you) have an argument? Is the argument clearly stated?
Does the writer cite relevant evidence, experiences, and/or information essential to the issue?
Does the writer clarify key concepts when necessary?
Does the writer develop a definite line of reasoning, explaining well how he or she is arriving at his or her conclusions?
Is the writer’s reasoning well supported?
Does the writer show sensitivity to alternative points of view or lines of reasoning? Does he or she consider and respond to objections framed from other points of view?
Does the writer show sensitivity to the implications and consequences of the position he or she has taken?
Paper should have between 10-15 sources
Topic for the paper:
What evidence does the criminological literature provide to support Differential Opportunity theory as an explanation for violent youth crime? through this make the connections to how Differential Opportunity theory goes in hand with violent youth crime?
Some other things to add to the paper
You want to give an introduction with your arguments and thesis
You want to give an overview/description of Differential Opportunity Theory. What did Richard Cloward and Lloyd Ohlin explain about the theory.
Also, you want to show connect by talking about the three subcultures of Differential Opportunity Theory – conflict, criminal, and retreatist (give an overview/description of the 3 subcultures)> connect back to how violent youth crimes. For example, what does Cloward, and Ohlin say about conflict, criminal and retreatism > how do they play a role in criminal activities of youth crimes. (This could be part of your evidence)
What are somethings Cloward and Ohlin explained that leads to youths not having the opportunity to succeed. For example, discuss in depth using the theory how stable lower class ethic neighborhood plays a role. Does the stability of the environment play a role? Do low-income neighborhoods have any connections. (Could be part of your evidence)
How does Cloward and Ohlin explained youths with limited opportunities would use different means to achieve success.
The main goal is to critical analyzes and show the correlation/correlation by telling the reader why Differential Opportunity Theory is fit to explain violent youth crime.
The paper should contain:
• A brief introduction to the problem you are examining.
• Your precise question.
• A clear statement of your main argument (thesis statement).
• A coherent argument which demonstrates your ability to link concepts.
• An appreciation of the usefulness (or not) of an alternative perspective or perspectives
on the subject.
• The integration of your research findings (meticulously documented in APA 7 style) as
evidence for your argument.
I pay close attention to overall organization and literacy in evaluating your paper.
Marks are deducted for poor grammar.
Research
Your grade will be based not on your ability to regurgitate what you have read, but on how well you have made your argument, i.e., how logical are its sequential steps and how well data is marshaled in support.
Assume you are writing for a reasonably intelligent audience.
Evaluate your topic for the following:
Are you interested in it? If not, then pick something else. You should have enough interest in the topic to sustain reasonably deep research over the coming weeks. Also, the more interesting the topic is to you, the easier it is to write about it.
What is the goal of your paper? Since this course emphasizes critical thinking, don’t just describe something. Analyze it. Ask yourself questions. Compare and contrast. Argue and analyze. Ask why is something happening? Why is something not happening? Why is this good or bad? How did this thing happen? What is this a case of? Tell the reader a story but don’t write fiction.
Notes:
Use some quotes to show engagement
Make sure your notes have provenance, meaning that it is crystal clear in each note where it came from.
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