CRCJ1000B Criminology & Criminal Justice
Your critical reading assignment will address the following questions:
1. What are the main goals of the text? How does the author aim to achieve these goals?
Look for key words such as: The aim of this paper is …
This paper considers/explores/examines…
In this paper, I attempt/endeavor to …
2. What are the specific arguments advanced by the author in the text?
What is the author arguing? What claims are being made? How does she support the arguments she presents?
3. What theories/theoretical frameworks and/or concepts are engaged with in the text? Are these contested within the piece? If so, how are they contested?
In the second half of the course, we started to engage with the theories and theoretical frameworks that underpin different understandings of crime, e.g. biological theories, psychological theories, crime choice theories, etc.. In relation to the article for the assignment, what are the theories/concepts (terms that are used for abstract ideas) that the author discusses and uses to discuss solitary confinement and prison litigation?
Does the author present differing points of views, including possibly contradictory perspectives? If so, explain these perspectives.
4. What is the specific conclusion of the text?
What does the author conclude?
5. Do you agree or disagree with the author’s specific conclusion? Explain and support your
What is your educated opinion related to the author’s conclusion. Support your argument based on the information presented in the article. If desired, you may use other material from the course to support your position, but
