Our Previous Samples

Compare and contrast the classical and positivist schools of criminology.  Do they share similarities?  What are the differences?

Answer the following with respect to classical school of criminology:

 A. Discuss the historical context of the origins (emergence) of this perspective.  When did it arise?  Was it a response to any previous perspectives?

 B. Discuss the assumptions made by this school of thought regarding the nature of human beings and their behavior (i.e., the “essential ideas” of classical thought).

 C. Describe why crime occurs, according to this perspective.

 D. Discuss the crime-control implications of this perspective.  What should be done to reduce crime?

Describe and discuss modeling and reinforcement concepts, including their advocates. How are the two concepts related to moral development? (pp. 83-84 and Lecture Notes)

Explain restorative justice and community justice, and include how they differ from each other (pp. 67-69 and Lecture Notes

Define what Deontology and Teleology are. Then discuss in detail  two different types of deontological ethical systems and two different types of teleological systems (pp. 33-37 and Lecture Notes)

Discuss in detail the four branches of ethics presented in the text (pp. 6-8 and Lecture Notes)

1. Think of an example of how behavior is shaped by the environment. Discuss the different examples and the question which environmental forces may lead to crime.

2. Media Tool

Watch the video "Testosterone and Crime" at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O0AOUNN051Q

• For a TV discusses evolutionary biologist Steve Jones' notes that genes responsible for circulating testosterone in men are also to blame for most violent and criminal behavior.
• Summarize the information from the video.
• Discussion: Assume that there is a relationship between testosterone and crime. Also assume that young males have high amounts of testosterone. Should they be monitored closely? What may be the positive and negative consequences of closer monitoring?

3. Debate whether nature or nurture is more responsible for criminal behavior.

4.  Discuss the concept of collective efficacy and how it relates to social disorganization and crime. Why can some neighborhoods remain stable while others cannot.

Discuss the underlying assumptions about human decision making made by Cesare Beccaria and Becker. What is the importance of these assumptions for classical theory?

Do people bear some of the responsibility for their victimization if they maintain a lifestyle that contributes to the chances of becoming a crime victim? That is, should we "blame the victim"?  

 Discuss the question whether victims of assault should receive financial compensation for their pains suffered, including medical bills, psychological counseling, reimbursement for wages etc. What other costs would you expect if you were assaulted and unable to work for several months? Who should pay for it?