INTRODUCTION: The purpose of the final exam is to allow you to not only obtain information and knowledge about major theoretical approaches to understanding the causes of crime, but also transition you into thinking about what you do with this knowledge. You will write a (7-10 pages double-spaced) persuasive/argumentative essay. A persuasive/argumentative essay uses reason to show that one idea is more legitimate than another idea. It attempts to persuade a reader to adopt a certain point of view or to take a particular action. This type of essay must present evidence, facts, empirical data, statistics, theories, or examples, in order to defend ones claims. You are required to use information you have gathered from your readings over the course of the semester. Outside research is welcomed, but you will be graded on how well you summarize, integrate, and utilize information from the required readings from this course.
ESSAY QUESTION: You have just been named United States Secretary of Homeland Security. The U.S. government is considering the largest immigration reform policy in the history of the country. You have been asked to produce a report on whether the history of Mexican Americans and their struggle for civil rights is related to border identity, politics, policing, violence, militarization, and migration. You must first explain the history of Mexican Americans
named Police Chief of Las Cruces. Congratulations. The Las Cruces Police Department is undergoing the largest reform in its history and has chosen you to lead this endeavor. You will implement new policies to address current law enforcement issues impacting all Departments throughout the United States. But first, you must explain the theoretical foundation and underpinnings for your new policies. In order to achieve this, you must define, explain, and rank the top five theoretical frameworks that best explain the causes of crime, deviance, and criminal behavior. Furthermore, you must argue why these theoretical frameworks are important to understand in order to alleviate future crime in Las Cruces. Be sure to define and explain each theoretical framework and compare and contrast the theories to one another. You will be graded on your ability to connect the required readings from class to your argument. Again congratulations and good luck.
You may use any theoretical framework covered in class: Classical School, Positive School, Chicago School, Differential Association, Anomie Theory, Subculture Theory, Labeling Theory, Conflict Theory, Social Control Theory, Gender-Based Theory, Rational Theory, Critical Criminology.
