CRIMINAL JUSTICE MIDTERM

From the 3 questions asked in the following page, answer 2 questions separately in the form of a short
essay. A short essay should be 600 words, minimum and maximum (approximately 1 page single spaced).
1 PAGE FOR EACH QUESTION. Introductory and concluding statements are not required, but feel free
to include them if they help you organize your own writing.
Format: Times New Roman, 12-point font size is required, single spaced.
● You must use a minimum of 5 outside sources for EACH question! Combined total of 10
outside sources. (that means, other sources than used during the semester). If you use
newspapers, use reputable ones like the Washington Post or the New York Times. Your sources
can be in any format style (e.g., MLA or APA)but you must pick a style and keep it consistently.
In addition to your 5 outside sources, you can use upto 1 (one) newspaper article. Use reputable,
reliable ones like the Washington Post or New York Times. Submit your document as a Microsoft
Word Document, only.
Although this midterm is open book, copying verbatim from the lectures/readings is prohibited. You must
paraphrase the content, that is, use your own words to write your answers.
Do not select the same material to answer both questions. That is, if you use a particular reading to answer
Question 1, you cannot use the same reading to answer Question 2 or Question 3.
Question 1
We have covered two different theories throughout our class so far analyzing the relationship between
race and crime, biological and social formation. For this question, you will select one of these theories
and:
● Summarize 3 main points of the theory. Connect the theory to a situation or story that has been in
the media recently related to racism and the criminal justice system, and explain how the theory is
connected. Use reputable, reliable newspapers like the Washington Post or New York Times
Question 2
● Watch: Slavery, Documentary, 13TH, Ava DuVernay: https://youtu.be/krfcq5pF8u8
● Summarize the content the documentary
● Select 5 key terms or concepts from the below list
[1] and analyze them using your
understanding of 13
th
-discrimination
-dominant group
-ethnic minority groups
-gender norms
-genocide
-ideological racism
-institutional discrimination
-intersectionality
-minority group
-patriarchy
-power
-prejudice
-racial minority group
-sexism
-social classes
-social constructions
-stereotypes
-stratification
Question 3
● Prepare a minimum of three critical questions based on the selected reading we have done so far,
using 3 key terms or concepts in each answer. These questions are meant to spark discussion, so
avoid asking factual or simple yes/no questions. You must answer the questions according to the
instructions given in the first page of this Mid-Term.
Grading Rubric
To grade your answers, I will evaluate if you have demonstrated:
● The ability to select appropriate material from the information learned in class in order to best
answer each question.
● The ability to organize that material in an effective manner.
● The ability to show how ideas relate and interact in a specific context or stories.
● The ability to support your arguments with evidence, not merely opinions.
● The ability to identify the strengths and weaknesses of a theory or concepts.
● The ability to follow guidelines.
● The ability to develop arguments for and against a given topic, regardless of your own personal
assessment.
● The ability to write effectively in both sentences and paragraphs.
● The ability to follow guidelines.