Part A: Theory Plan Essay

Task: The purpose of this assessment is to help you prepare for the major essay by  constructing a clear and concise plan of how you will be using selected theory. Below are the  essay questions for Part B (Research Essay). You are required to pick ONE of the theories  specified in the essay topics. 

By accessing the ‘Part A: Theory Plan’ link on LMS (via Assessment block), you will need to  answer 4 questions about the theory you will be using in Part B (Research Essay). You will  need to demonstrate your understanding of selected theory by explaining key elements of  the theory. In addition, you will also have to clearly explain the usefulness of selected theory.  

Questions:  

1. Which theory will you be using for your essay?  

 There will be a list of all 5 theories specified below (in essay topics) and you  will need to select one.  

 You need to ensure that all your responses that follow match the theory you  selected for this question.  

2. In approximately 200 words, specify at least 5 key points for your selected theory.  You can use dot points, but please be clear and formal in your writing.   Please ensure you provide sufficient information within each of the 5 points to  demonstrate your understanding of the theory.  

 It is important you avoid using quotes here – copy and pasting quotes does  NOT demonstrate an understanding. Instead, you should use your own words  to explain the key points.  

 Please note that paraphrasing here is crucial – do not copy and paste key ideas  from lecture slides or readings; use your words to explain key ideas.  

3. Identify at least 2 scholarly resources for your theory. Please make sure you use  appropriate Harvard referencing style.  

 It is important that the two sources you specify here are scholarly sources.   Please ensure the referencing style is correct, you will be marked on this.  4. How is the theory you will be using useful in examining your chosen topic? Provide  an answer (approximately 50-100 words) demonstrating the usefulness of the  theory application.  

demonstrate an understanding.  

 This question is designed to help you formulate your argument for Part B of  the Research Essay assessment. 

Essay Topics for Part B: Please choose ONE of the theories specified in the topics below.  TOPIC 1: Social class, crime and theory in Australia  

The overarching theme in this essay should be around social class, class inequality, and  intersections with crime in Australian context. In addition, you need to apply either structural  theory OR conflict theory to help you argue your points and to demonstrate an understanding  of the topic. You have an option to select between a specific question to answer OR a quote  to interpret in a critical manner.  

1. a) How can theory illuminate your understanding of the links between social class and  crime in Australian context?  

OR  

1. b) “Rich get richer, poor get prison” (Reiman, 1979).  

TOPIC 2: Gender, crime and theory in Australia  

The overarching theme in this essay should be around gender, gender inequality, and  intersections with crime in Australian context. In addition, you need to apply feminist theory  OR queer theory to help you argue your points and to demonstrate an understanding of the  topic. You have an option to select between a specific question to answer or a quote to  interpret in a critical manner.  

1. a) How can theory illuminate your understanding of the links between gender and  crime in Australian context?  

OR  

1. b) “…men and women can be criminals, and criminality structures opportunities for the  expression of varieties of masculinity and femininity” (Britton 2011, p. 26).  

TOPIC 3: Race, ethnicity, crime and theory in Australia  

The overarching theme in this essay should be around race/ethnicity, racial inequality, and  intersections with crime in Australian context. In addition, you need to apply postcolonial  theory to help you argue your points and to demonstrate an understanding of the topic. You  have an option to select between a specific question to answer or a quote to interpret in a  critical manner.  

1. a) How can theory illuminate your understanding of the links between race/ethnicity  and crime in Australian context?  

OR  

1. b) “Higher rates of offending in Indigenous communities can also be understood as a  consequence of colonial processes…” (Pereira & Scott 2016 p. 333)  

You are not required to respond to the same question for the essay however it does make  sense to do so. 

Referencing:  

You need to use Harvard Referencing style. If you require help with referencing, try accessing  La Trobe Library’s Referencing Tool: https://latrobe.libguides.com/referencing-tool. Please  note that referencing is very important in your University work. Every time you refer to ideas  you have learned through reading a book, a journal article, or a report, you need to refer to  this source in your writing. You need to also be mindful of Academic Misconduct policy (for  more information see: http://latrobe.libguides.com/academic-integrity/ethical_use).