You are required to write an essay that responds to the following question:
“What can we learn about the criminal justice system and/or criminology by analysing the connections between the research papers we have covered this semester?”
Instructions
This assessment task asks students to analyse the connections between at least two of the research papers we have examined this semester. Your essay should demonstrate the shared conceptual, ethical, and practical concerns among the papers, as well as the significant ways in which they differ from one another.
Inspiration
Although the topics we have studied may appear different, they share some underlying themes. For example:
- Social inequality and power: mutiple papers examine how power dynamics and language affect policy outcomes and social inequalities
- State intervention and criminalisation: mutiple papers explore how the state intervenes in people’s lives and criminalises certain groups, often in the name of public health or protection
- Marginalized experiences and intersectionality: mutiple papers highlight the experiences of marginalised groups and the compounded effects of intersectionality on their experiences with the law and criminal justice institutions
- Discourses and narratives: mutiple papers analyze how the stories and beliefs surrounding criminalisation and disadvantage shape policies and practices
- The impact of the criminal justice system: mutiple papers investigate how the criminal justice system affects specific populations and contributes to social inequality and disadvantage.
- Technology and violence: multiple papers consider the relationship between technology and violence, including how technology can facilitate violence but also be used to seek justice.
These themes are just a few examples that are prevalent across the papers we have looked at. You may use these themes as inspiration for your essay, but you are also encouraged to be creative and form your own connections between the papers. So, think outside the box, and explore how these papers may relate in new and unique ways.
Step-by-step instructions:
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Choose at least two research papers that we have discussed in this subject
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Analyse these papers to identify common themes and concerns, noting similarities and differences between them, and considering how these papers contribute to our understanding of criminology and criminal justice more broadly
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Write a well-structured essay that critically evaluates the commonalities and differences between the two papers, drawing on the themes discussed in class, supporting your analysis with evidence from the papers
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Consider using additional sources to support your argument, such as other relevant literature in the field.
To support your essay, you should discuss specific examples and evidence from the research papers you have selected. This might include some direct quotations, but it is recommended that you prioritise your own voice in the essay and use direct quotations sparingly. Paraphrasing, instead of directly quoting, demonstrates your understanding of the material and shows that you are able to synthesize ideas in your own words.
Incorporating wider reading and research
To enhance your analysis and understanding of the topics covered in this assessment, it is encouraged that you also source and read other relevant literature in the field. This might include academic journal articles, books, or reports that provide further insights into the themes and issues addressed in the papers we have discussed.
To do this, you could begin by searching academic databases or online libraries to find relevant resources. Once you have identified relevant sources, you should read and review them carefully, considering how they contribute to your understanding of the themes and issues discussed in the papers covered in this course.
In your essay, you should demonstrate your engagement with this additional literature by incorporating relevant ideas and insights from these sources into your analysis. This will help to strengthen your argument and demonstrate your ability to engage critically with the wider field of research on the topics covered in this assessment.
Please note that it is important to appropriately reference any sources you use in your essay.
Assessment criteria
You essay will be assessed based on the following criteria:
- Demonstrated understanding of research papers and themes connecting them
- Identification of commonalities and differences between the papers
- Clarity of argument and evidence supporting it
- Use of relevant and credible sources to supplement analysis
- Coherent and well-structured essay, with clear introduction, body, and conclusion
- Adherence to academic writing conventions, including referencing and formatting