FALL 2020
CRIM 3312: ONLINE CRIMINOLOGY
Theoretical Research Paper Instructions
The purpose of the theoretical research paper is for students to demonstrate their understanding
and competency in applying neo-classical, biological, psychological, and sociological theories to
criminal behaviors depicted in films. Furthermore, students are required to demonstrate their
ability to analyze criminal behaviors in the real world and identify ways in which criminal
behaviors can be prevented by reviewing empirical research.
Watch one of the following films:
1. Zodiac (2007)
OR
2. Dark Crimes (2016)
OR
3. Patriots Day (2016)
After you have finished watching the film, complete the theoretical research paper by answering
the questions in each of the following three sections.
________________________________________________________________________
Section 1 (14 points): Summary of the Movie and Offender (1 to 2 double-spaced
paragraphs)
Using 1 to 2 double-spaced paragraphs, summarize the movie by describing the offender.
Consider the following questions when completing this section:
1. Who is the main offender (e.g., age, sex, race, family, etc)?
2. Describe the crimes he/she have committed.
a. Who were the victims? Were there more than one victim?
b. How did the offender target the victim?
c. Provide details of the crimes the offender have committed.
Section 2 (31 points): Theoretical Explanations (2 to 3 double-spaced paragraphs)
Based upon the information from the textbook and class lectures, identify one criminological
theory that best explains the deviance and criminal activities as depicted in your film. Students
may select any theories presented in the course materials. A good paper will use specific details
from the film (including names of the characters, descriptions of scenes, specific dialogue, etc.)
to support its premise. Students should give actual examples from the story line to illustrate their
reasoning in choosing a theory. Students must use careful logic and analysis in applying
supporting evidence from the movie to their selected theories.
Consider the following questions when completing this section:
1. Which theory did you select and why that particular theory above all others?
2. What are the premises of the theory you have selected? In other words, briefly
explain how that theory explains crime/criminal behavior.
3. How does this theory apply to your offender? Use specific examples from the movie to
answer these questions.
What individual, familial, and ecological factors contributed to the
individuals perpetrating in the film?
Section 3 (31 points): Criminal Justice System Interventions and Policies (1 to 2
double-spaced paragraphs)
To complete this last section of the theoretical research paper, students must review at least one
empirical (research) study to identify criminal justice system interventions/policies that have
derived from the criminological theory you have selected in the previous section to prevent or
reduce future criminal acts depicted in the film. Please review the list of journals in criminal
justice and criminology.
Students should consider the following questions when completing this section:
1. Describe the criminal justice system interventions/policies that have derived from the
criminological theory you have selected.
a. Provide details of the program or policies in how they attempt to prevent
or reduce future crime. For example, describe the sample, methodology,
and findings.
i. Does the program or policies fit the theoretical explanation of crime as
explained by your theory? How? If not, why not?
2. Describe the effectiveness or ineffectiveness of the program/policies.
Section 4 (9 points): Format, Organization, and General Guidelines
1. Your research paper must follow the APA guidelines. This means each sentence must
include in-text citations and all of your in-text citations must be in the reference section
(hint: Per APA guidelines, reference section will start on a separate page).
2. Abstract is not required.
3. Typed using Times New Roman, 12 point font, and have one-inch margins.
4. Responses must be in double-spaced paragraph format and the required number of
paragraph per Section (Do not exceed the limit).
5. Void of grammar and spelling errors.
