Final Theory Application Assignment (30%)

Goal of this assignment

Final Theory Application Assignment (30%)

I have two goals with this assignment. First, I want you to demonstrate that you understand the theories we have discussed in this class. Second, I want you to demonstrate that you can apply these theories to an ongoing, entrenched crime problem. This will show me how well you understand the topic material, and will demonstrate what you have learned this semester

I have provided you with access to a CBC 5^th Estate video, on both Google Drive and YouTube, entitled The Hood: Cops, Gangs, and a Community in the Crossfire. This video outlines a major, complex, and ongoing crime problem in Regina, Canada, and is approximately 40 minutes long.

I have also included a hyperlink here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jYo2ai8UpP4  

On August 12, before 11:59 PM, you will give me a paper between 1,500 and 2,000 words in length (roughly 5 – 7 pages, double-spaced—NOT including references or title pages). 

In this paper, you will systematically and critically identify and analyze the social, legal, political and/or cultural forces at play in this video. Include the following components:

1. First, you will write 1 – 2 pages describing the social context of the video, and relating it to criminological theories.

2. Describe the community, the stakeholders, and the problem(s) this video is analyzing

For instance:

What are the gang problems?

What are the community issues?

How do the police respond to these issues?

What are the drug issues?

What are some of the solutions proposed by stakeholders? Etc.

3. In the remaining 3 – 5 pages of the paper, you will analyze the issues in this video using two major criminological theories which we have discussed in class (for instance: Strain Theory and Cultural Criminology; Conflict Theory and Social Control Theory; Feminist Theory and Critical Criminology; etc. etc.). You will identify specific themes from the video, and will apply theories to those themes.

• Assess the proposed Focused Deterrence program; outline what critical theory/strain theory/differential association would say about this program, and draw tentative conclusions about whether a Focused Deterrence program is a good idea  
• Describe how critical theory explains police behaviour in the neighbourhood, in comparison to rational choice/routine activities theory
• Describe how strain theory would explain unemployment in the neighbourhood
• Explain how rational choice/routine activities theory underpin police behaviour and solutions
• Outline how interactionist theory ensures young men join/stay in gangs
• Explain how critical theory/structural racism would explain who lives in these neighbourhoods.
• Discuss how street codes are related to violence in the neighbourhood
• You will identify two theories you believe most accurately explain the themes you are analyzing. You must:
• Explain whythe theories you have chosen are the most appropriate for your chosen analysis
• Compare/contrast the two theories you have chosen considering your analysis, using examples drawn from the analysis
• Explain the strengths and weaknessesof each theory as they apply to your selected analysis
• Support your arguments using examples drawn directly from the case study.
• Draw connections to the larger body of criminological literature which we discuss in class.
• Use between 5 – 10 ACADEMIC sources to support your argument (which do NOT include Wikipedia, Twitter, or the like. You CAN use news articles—but, you must back up your arguments with academic articles. The textbook counts as an academic source)
• To conclude, you will identify which theory you believe is most applicable and appropriate to explain what happens in the case study. Draw tentative conclusions about how this theory could/should inform future interventions across Western Canada
• Include a bibliography identifying your references

Ensure that you use proper citation styles—I prefer/suggest you use APA 7^th edition formatting, but you are free to use other citation styles (e.g., MLA, Chicago) as long as you use it consistently. All assignments must be double-spaced, Times New Roman 12-point font, with 1-inch page margins. Please include page numbers. I also require a title page, which must include a title, your name, the course number, and the date.

 I have uploaded a sample APA paper on EClass, which includes a title page template. It ALSO includes a sample reference page. Please use these to help answer any formatting or citation questions you have.  

For instructions on how to use APA formatting (including examples of APA title pages), see https://guides.library.ualberta.ca/citing/apa, or

https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/apa_style/apa_formatting_and_style_guide/general_format.html.

The Purdue Owl link (the 2^nd one) answers every dumb question you’ve ever had about APA formatting in easy-to-follow detail. Use it freely!