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Northern Essex Community College

Module 5 Prep Activity

Review the activity overview, learning objectives, directions, and submission expectations before submitting your work.

Overview

This activity is designed to help you compare major schools of criminological thought and evaluate how different theories explain criminal behavior. Based on the first letter of your last name, you will be assigned to a group representing a specific theoretical school and select at least three theories from that school. You will analyze why those theories best explain why individuals commit crime and prepare to defend your position. Working within your group, you will engage in a comparative discussion with other groups to assess the strengths and limitations of each theoretical perspective. The goal is to strengthen your understanding of criminological theory through analysis, collaboration, and reasoned argument.

Learning Objectives

(These objectives support the prep activity and are not the questions to be answered.)

  • LO1: Compare and contrast theoretical perspectives from the Chicago School of Criminology. (SLO5)
  • LO2: Discuss the relevance of both sociological and environmental factors that may encourage criminal behavior. (SLO6)
Prep Topic

After completing this week’s assigned readings, prepare to participate in an in-class debate comparing the major schools of criminological thought. Based on the first letter of your last name, identify your assigned group:

  • Group #1 (A–F): Sociological School
  • Group #2 (G–L): Psychological School
  • Group #3 (M–R): Biological School
  • Group #4 (S–Z): Neo-Classical & Classical School

Before coming to class, prepare a bulleted list (not full paragraphs) that includes:

  • At least three theories from your assigned school of thought.
  • The major principles of each theory.
  • Why each theory explains criminal behavior.
  • At least one real-world or hypothetical example that supports each theory.
  • The strengths of your assigned school of thought.
  • Potential weaknesses or criticisms that other schools of thought may raise.
  • At least three arguments supporting why your assigned school provides a stronger explanation of criminal behavior than the other schools.
  • One question or discussion point you would like to raise during the class debate.
Acceptable & Ethical Use of AI
  • Use AI to help you review and organize key criminological theories within your assigned school so you can identify which three best explain criminal behavior before preparing your group contribution.
  • Use AI to assist you in comparing the strengths of the theories you selected with those from other criminological schools, helping you clarify how to defend your group’s position during the discussion.
Directions

Please read all instructions carefully before submitting your prep activity.

  • Your prep should be no longer than one page.
  • This is not a paper; it should consist of concise talking points and bullet statements for our in-class discussion.
  • An abstract is not required.
  • Sources are not required.
  • Focus on key concepts, analysis, and examples that will help guide classroom discussion.
  • Do not overthink this activity. A simple list of well-developed talking points is sufficient.
Submission Guidelines
  • Submit your prep activity through the designated submission area.
  • Accepted formats include Word or PDF unless otherwise specified.
  • Review the grading rubric before submitting your work.
  • Submissions are checked using both a plagiarism checker and AI detection software.
  • Direct quotations should not exceed 15% of the total submission.
Important Reminder

Important: All work must be your own. AI may be used only in the limited and ethical ways described above. Using AI to write your submission is considered academic dishonesty. This activity is intended to prepare you for class discussion, so focus on creating your own talking points and analysis.

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