Overview
write a reflection memo on a given prompt to reflect and integrate course materials in order to critically consider race, gender, and crime issues. Reflection Prompt
. Race-Variant vs. Race-Invariant Debate in Theoretical and Empirical Explanations of Crime –There are many mainstream criminological theories that can explain criminal behaviors and criminal events. Most of these mainstream theories assume "racial invariance." Racial invariance meaning that these theories can apply to different racial groups “as is” without making any modifications. In fact, these theories have numerous strong empirical support from years of research to demonstrate that the theoretical processes are indeed applicable to different racial groups. However, some criminologists have argued for racial variance approach. Racial-variance approach posits that different racial groups experience society differently. Accordingly, these criminologists argue that we need to either modify existing theories or generate new theories to accommodate racialized social landscape in order to better understand the issues of crime. Drawing from course materials, describe your thoughts on this debate by:
. Stating your position (are you racial-invariant or racial-variant believer? Or are you still undecided?)
. Demonstrating the importance of racial invariant and/or racial variance in trying to understand the issues of race and crime
. Discussing why considering racial-invariance and/or racial-variance would be important in considering crime controlling/reduction strategies
. Reflecting on what you have learned about “what causes crime?” and racial implications by considering these theoretical nuances.
Important Notes
At the top of your paper, make sure to note which prompt(s) you are answering in your memo. A paper that does not indicate the option will automatically receive a one full letter grade deduction.
Your main task here is to answer the prompt(s) as you refer/connect to course materials. There is no strict guideline on how many materials you need to include given that what you can draw from course materials might be different for each prompt. However, you need to try to include and refer to at least 3-6 course materials. Course materials can be required readings, lectures, and supplemental readings. You are also highly encourage to refer to discussions that we did in the course.This also means that you are required to bring in and use concepts/theories that appeared in lectures and/or readings. When you bring in concepts/theories, you should provide a brief definition. Although the audience of your memo is just me, you still need to provide definitions so that I can assess whether you have good understanding of the concepts/theories.
Moreover, depending on the prompt(s) that you chose to answer, you are also required not only to use/connect course materials, but also to use/connect current events/issues. When you chose prompt(s) that require you to bring in current events/issues, you are also required to find sources (such as news articles) and provide proper citations. When you bring inn current events/issues, make sure to briefly describe what the case is/was.
Formatting of the Memo
Font: Arial, size 11.5 pt
Spacing: Single, 1.2, or 1.5 spaced.
Length: 475-850 words (this is equivalent of 2-3.5 pages in Times New Roman 12 pt double-spaced)
Use proper paragraphing
Using proper headings/subheadings are not required but recommended
Margins: 1 inches all around