write an original 8–10 page typed double-spaced position or issue paper, (exclusive of the title page,
abstract, and bibliography) dealing with some aspect of criminology. Students will select a relevant
criminology issue. The topic will be submitted during Week 1 for instructor approval. Once students have
approval from the instructor, they may start the research process on their issue. Once the issue has been
approved, each student will write:
(1) an introduction indicating why the issue is important;
(2) a description of the issue, describing both sides of the issue; and
(3) close by stating his or her reasoned position on the issue.
The paper must include at least 10 scholarly sources (Wikipedia is not considered a scholarly source) and
it must be in APA style.
Topic Selection
Please post chosen topic/issue for my approval: Course paper."
Once I have given you approval, you can start your research. Grading criteria: content is worth a possible
10 points (3.0%)
Part One: Introduction and description of the issue
The first part of the paper introduces the issue (why is it important) and provides a brief description of
the issue. This section should be at least one to two pages in length.
Grading criteria: content is worth a possible 30 points (10%).
Part Two: Discussion of both sides of the issue
The second part of the paper is a discussion of both sides of the issue; that is the pros and cons. This
section of the paper should be five to six pages in length
Grading criteria: content is worth a possible 60 points (20%).
Part Three: Discussion of your own position on the issue
The third part of the paper is a discussion of the student’s own position on the issue taking into
consideration the opposing position. In other words, in this section of the paper students develop their
own positions on their chosen issues. This section of the paper should be two to three pages in length.
Grading criteria: content is worth a possible 45 points (15%).
Final Paper Submission
The final paper includes all three parts of the paper. In other words, the final paper will consists of three
parts:
Introduction and description of the issue,
a discussion of both sides of the issue, and
the student’s position on the issue.
Grading criteria: content is worth a possible 65 points (22%); editing is worth 30 points (10%);
organization 30 points (10%); and documentation is worth 30 points (10%) of your final grade. More
details on how this assignment will be graded see the grading rubric below.
