For this assignment you are to analyze a current news article from a reputable source, this includes, newspapers, online news or reputable sources, magazines, etc., in criminological terms.
Find a current story that intrigues you about a crime or deviant behavior from the news. This should be within the last week or so and from a newspaper, either online or physical.
Critically analyze the article using the theories and concepts we’ve discussed (or will discuss; you can look ahead if you wish) in class. This is the most important part of the assignment and should take up the most space in your paper.
Part 1
This first paragraph should briefly introduce the crime in question. You’re summarizing the events of the article. Specifically, this should include:
Who is involved?
What happened?
Why did it happen?
Where did it occur?
When did it occur?
What crime was committed?
Part 2
Be sure to include the following points:
How can at least one (or more) of our theories explain the behavior?
Acceptable theories include: rational choice/classical, routine activities, conflict, consensus, critical, interactionist, social process theories (like labeling, differential association, social learning theory), social disorganization and other social structure theories, concentric zones, social control/bonding theory, strain theory, life course, developmental, etc. Any criminological or sociological theory discussed anywhere in the class will work.
Additionally, you may also use acceptable course concepts include: mens rea, actus rea, deviance, social construction of reality/crime, Thomas Theorem, social structure, self-fulfilling prophecy etc. You must use at least one theory to explain the crime and using concepts don’t ‘count’ as a theory.
Be sure to apply at least one theory completely, explain all parts of the theory and explain them in relation to the facts of the case you’re analyzing (you may need more than one however) and key concepts (at least two) correctly! In the body of your paper be sure to underline, bold or italicize the theory/concept name.
Apply the theory (and key concepts) correctly. Use the theory(ies) to explain and analyze the events discussed in the article you chose.
How (if) could this crime have been prevented? This discussion should follow your analysis. What you discuss in 1) and 2) should inform your answer here. Theories explain behavior but they also shed light how to prevent behavior.
Are the mythmakers involved and if so, in what regard? This is not a yes or no answer. Be sure to elaborate whether or not they were involved and to what extent (they almost always are involved in one capacity or another). If they are not, thoroughly explain how no one is talking about the crime, this also includes police reports, media reports and politicians. If they are, how are they helping to shape the narrative about this crime?
Formatting
Assignment must:
Be typed, double-spaced, and in a normal size font
This paper should take 750 – 1,000 words (3-4 pages) at least.
Be proofread (have someone else do it for you).
Include the article’s URL
Answer all the questions above (there are five in the analysis)
I have already chosen an atricle the essay to wtiteabout (article link is below) . Above is pretty much what the essay prompt is.
https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2021-08-31/tarzana-couple-convicted-of-18-million-pandemic-relief-fraud-flee-considered-fugitives
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