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Library Resources for CRIM601 Students: Paper Requirements

This guide provides CRIM601 students with valuable resources they can use to successfully complete their research paper.

Research Topic

Students will be required to select a research topic from the list provided or to submit an alternative topic for approval by Monday, Sept. 9th. Once paper topics have been approved, that particular topic will not be available for other students. Any changes to the topic must be with the authorization of Dr. Merlo.

Examples of Paper Topics

  • Domestic Violence: Prevention, Treatment, or Enforcement
  • Exoneration of Offenders
  • Juvenile Waiver
  • Police Use of Force
  • Bail Reform
  • Plea Bargaining
  • Media and Crime
  • Elderly in Prison
  • Drug Treatment Programs
  • Sex Offender Treatment Programs
  • Megan’s Law: Sexual Offender Notification Laws
  • White Collar Crime
  • Women Offenders
  • Medical Assisted Treatment (MAT) and the Opioid Crisis
  • Organized Crime and the System’s Response
  • Crime Prevention Strategies
  • Juveniles Sentenced to Life without Parole
  • Environmental Crime
  • Comparative/International Criminal Justice
  • Human Trafficking
  • Prisoner Reentry
  • Probation Initiatives
  • Environmental Crime
  • Mental Health and Corrections
  • Fees/Fines and Other Economic Sanctions for Offenders
  • Rural Crime or Rural Offenders
  • School Violence
  • Child Maltreatment and Abuse
  • Asset Forfeiture Issues
  • Police and Mentally Ill
  • Mentoring Programs for Youth and Adults
  • Race and Justice
  • Felony Disenfranchisement
  • Trauma-Informed Care for Youth

 

Abstract

Students must also submit the title of their paper and an abstract (approximately 100 words) once the topic has been submitted and approved. Title and abstract are due by 11:00PM on Monday, September 16th.

Click the following link for information on writing an abstract: https://www.verywellmind.com/how-to-write-an-abstract-2794845

Outline

Students will submit a written outline with at least six references by 11:00PM on Monday, Sept. 23rd.

Click the following link for information on writing an outline: https://www.verywellmind.com/apa-outline-format-4685910

References

In writing the paper, students must utilize at least 14 references exclusive of the text.  Please note that the references should be scholarly, from books in the discipline or peer-reviewed journals (2013-present), and/or from the Internet. Internet sources must end in .edu, .gov, and/or .org.  There are no .com references permitted for this research paper. At least 9 of the references must be peer-reviewed journal articles (2013-present). In terms of style, please use the APA 6th Edition. The Online Writing Lab at Purdue University is an excellent resource for APA Style. Be sure to include a separate reference page.  

Final Draft

Carefully proofread your final paper before submitting it. Double-space the text of the paper, use 12-point font, and 1" margins.

Before submitting the final paper, you are also required to schedule an appointment for an online review through the Writing Center at IUP. Please be advised that the Writing Center sends notifications to faculty about each student session.