You have spent the entire semester learning about theories of delinquency and crime. The purpose of this essay assignment is for you to demonstrate to me your ability to apply what you have learned through a formal essay. You will do this by presenting an argument as to which theory of delinquency and crime we have covered you feel best explains the delinquent or criminal behavior exhibited in one of four films. The films you can choose from are City of God, Monster, The Town, and The Mule. You are to choose and watch one of these films, paying attention to the lives of the individuals depicted in the film, including their names, behavior, attitudes, circumstances, upbringing, friends, etc. Upon viewing the selected film, it is your task to decide which single theory of delinquency/crime we have covered this semester you believe best explains the delinquent/criminal behavior of one or more specific individuals in the film. To be clear, it would inappropriate to select ‘control theories’ as your focus, given that there are several different control theories, just as it would be inappropriate to select ‘strain theories’ as your focus, given that there are several different strain theories. Instead, you should focus on one specific theory. Such examples would include, but are not limited to, social bond theory, self-control theory, the theory of collective efficacy, social disorganization theory, general strain theory, and social leaning theory.
There are three required components to this essay. First, you should describe for me in detail what the selected theory argues. In other words, what are its central claims, concepts, and explanations for delinquency and/or crime? You should make full use of notes from class, the book, the video lectures, and any assigned readings that address the theory you have chosen. Second, provide a thorough synopsis of the life experiences of one or more persons depicted in the film you watched. Be specific – name the individuals, describe for me what their lives were like, where they lived, who the spent time with, etc. Also describe for me the types of delinquent and/or criminal behaviors they committed. Third, apply the arguments of the theory you previously described to the delinquent/criminal behavior engaged in by the individual(s) in the film. For example, were they not effectively deterred? Did they lack social bonds? Did their neighborhood lack collective efficacy? Did they experience certain strains? This third section of your essay is the most critical. By the time I finish reading through your essay I should be convinced that you: 1) understand the arguments of the theory you have chosen to focus upon, 2) closely watched the film, and 3) can articulate the factors that explain the delinquent/criminal behavior in the film based on the arguments of the theory.
The assignment is to be formatted in the form of a formal essay. This means you will write in complete sentences, form separate paragraphs, avoid using roman numerals or bullet points, employ spelling and grammar checks, and do not use section headings. You are expected to edit and revise your essay; no one ever writes a perfect essay the first time around. Use standard 1″ margins all around, double-space Times New Roman 12-point font, and number your pages. There is to be no title, date, class section, or anything else at the top of the first page. Rather, simply have your name as a header for the document (If you do not know what a header is or how to insert one, refer to the help section of your word processer program). Your essay should be no less than three complete pages but no more than four complete pages.
Theories to choose from:
Anomie Theory/ Robert Merton
Subculture Theory- Albert Cohen
Differential Opportunity Theory- Richard Cloward and Lloyd Ohlin
Routine Activity Theory/ Lawrence Cohen and Marcus Felson
Critics of Rational Choice Robert Merton
Differential Association- Edwin Sutherland
Theory- Ronald Akers