Overview
Choose one question from each sessions
1a. What is theory? What are the components of theory? Why is criminological theory important in the study of crime? Explain the relationship between theory, research and public policy?
1b. Define ideology as it relates to our conception of crime and crime policy. Discuss the concept of ideological hegemony as the basis of defining “conventional street crime” as the most “serious” crime in society. Explain the Uniform Crime Report (UCR) and how it frames measurement, policies, and practices of criminal justice? Use an example to support your discussion
2a. What is the cause of crime from the perspective of the classical school? Discuss the views of the key theorist of the positions. Discuss the major distinction of neo-classical approaches today? What are the problems with theory of the classical school?
2b. What is positive criminology? Why was this shift an important distinction from classical criminology (i.e. Lombroso)? How has this early positive approach influenced the new approaches in bio-criminology? Do you agree or disagree with is new approach?
3a. Explain the Sociological Perspective on crime. What are the historical factors influenced the development of this view of crime? Discuss the social structural approach to crime? Select one theory from this approach and briefly describe its key assumptions? How does this theory explain crime? Give an example to support your answer. What are the major criticism of social structural view of crime?
3b. Discuss the relationship between Park & Burgess Social Ecological model and Shaw and McKay Social Disorganization. Why is the zone in transition so venerable to high rates of crime and delinquency? From a policy standpoint, how does this theory address the social disorganization of these communities?
4a. What is the primary difference between Merton’s anomie theory and Agnew’s general strain theory? How does the economy undermine other social institutions that impact the social structure and improvised communities and create a criminogenic society?
4b. Differentiate between Walter B. Miller’s Focal Concern theory and Albert Cohen’s Reaction Formation theory. Discuss the conceptual distinction of how youth address the culture conflict from mainstream society. How would each explanation address social policy and needs of these communities?