CJ 618 Crime in America Assignment

Instructions: 

Drawing on Agger and Luke’s book, Gun Violence and Public Life, students are to submit a reflective essay in which they react or respond to this book.  In particular, students are instructed to provide a conceptual and comprehensive overview of the book, but also include a critical/reflective component – somewhat similar to a book review.  In other words, students should provide a nice summary of the key sections in the book, along with the key points/findings the author generates, concluding with the student’s own personal reflection on the readings (e.g., in your view, does the author make valid points?  Is the argument logically presented?  Does he or she use appropriate methodology – if relevant – to come to their conclusions?) – and in the event that the student has personal or professional experience related to these topics, how does the author’s argument relate to your own direct experience with these matters?  As mentioned earlier, these assignments are best classified as critical summaries of the books –i.e., I want you to summarize the main focus/findings/of the text, but also offer your own reflections. 

Format: 

The reflective essay summary/critique should be at least five, but NOT exceed eight double-spaced pages.  The assignments MUST be typed, with 1” margins throughout the document.  All students must use 12-point, Times New Roman Font.  All assignments must be double-spaced, including between paragraphs.  Please indent all new paragraphs. 

Grading Procedures: 

The assignment will be evaluated based on how well the student captures the central issues/focus of the readings, as well as how effectively the student summarizes the key findings of the piece.  Moreover, students should provide a solid, logically-argued critique of the readings.  It goes without saying that the assignments should adhere to all of the popular conventions of the English language, and be virtually free of all egregious grammatical/spelling errors.