Behavior of a Fictional Law-Breaker
Project Guidelines
Overview: Students will complete a project worth 50 points that applies a theory to the behavior of a fictional law-breaker. This project will allow you to (1) demonstrate your understanding of the concepts covered in class, (2) demonstrate your ability to apply concepts and theories to a novel situation, and (3) engage with course material in a creative-as-desired way.
Format: This project has no required format. It can be an essay. It can be a PowerPoint presentation. It can be a recorded speech. As long as all components are addressed, it can take any format. Be as creative as you want!
Components:
- Identify a law-breaking fictional character.
- Identify a criminological theory that explains the character’s behavior.
- Discuss the theory, including its propositions for why people commit crime and its empirical support.
- Apply the theory to the character’s background/behavior.
- Explain how the character’s law breaking may have been prevented in accordance with the theory.
Submission: All accepted file types are listed at this link: https://help.blackboard.com/Learn/Student/Assignments/Supported_File_Types
Rubric:
This project is worth 60 points. You will be graded using the following breakdown:
Identification of the character and theory — 5 points
Discussion of theory — 15 points
Application of theory — 15 points
Explanation of prevention possibilities — 10 points
Presentation quality and polish — 5 points
Criminology Theories
Deterrence and Rational Choice Theory
Psychological Theories of Crime
Routine Activities Theory
Social Disorganization Theory
Social Learning Theory
Strain Theories