1: Compose a graduate level question related to the relationship/connection between social policy and capital punishment as a deterrent to criminal behavior and/or controversies associated with the insanity defense covered in class thus far.

Note: In forming your question, one of the following verbs must be used: argue, interpret, assess, defend, propose, develop, analyze, or compare.

Also, please note the reading while at first glance is extensive this week (roughly 300 pages), it consists of several chapters focused on this topic (i.e. criminology and its impact on social policy).

2: Fully answer the question you have created.

Note: This Discussion is directly connected to the following Course Learning Objective:

LO3. Judge the impact of criminological theory and research on social policy

LO6. Evaluate the use of capital punishment as a deterrent to criminal behavior

LO9. Examine the controversies associated with the insanity defense

Instructions: Now as always, within your post, please place the first Discussion response (i.e., your draft question this week) on top of the second Discussion (i.e., your response to the question you composed), i.e., both Discussion responses should be in the same post within the Discussion.

Again, this is an approach that teaching research has shown to be very capable of not only including a much wider variety of topics and discussions but to also aid enhanced learning for all.

Zero Points

Beginning

Developing

Accomplished

Exemplary

Substance (Possible 40 points)

Zero points: Student failed to respond to the question(s)

25 points: Presentation is unclear; a basic understanding of the topic and issues is not evident; explanation is lacking; segments of the required answer are lacking; sources and supporting facts are not utilized.

30 points: Student’s initial posting did not adequately discussed the topic/question and or source requirements; and/or presentation evidences some confusion concerning topics under discussion; analysis may be lacking and/or elements of the question are not answered; support and references may be lacking.

35 points: Student answered/addressed most aspects of the question/topic posed in the Forum; initial posting adequately discussed the topic/question and source requirements; a basic understanding of relevant concepts/theories is demonstrated; relevant sources were located; minimal or no facts/examples were used in support of presentation.

40 points: Student answered/addressed all aspects of the topic/question posed in the Forum; initial posting adequately discussed the topic/question and source requirements; analysis of concepts and theories clearly demonstrates superior knowledge and a clear understanding of the topic; relevant and scholarly resources were located and used appropriately; facts and examples are used in support of presentation.

Collaboration (Possible 30 points)

Zero points: Student filed none of the required replies.

15 points: Student filed only one of the required replies OR filed the required replies but failed to meet source requirements.

25 points: Student filed the minimum number of replies, meeting the source requirements and evidencing an understanding of the issues under discussion and the views of colleagues. Student failed to respond to specific queries posed to him by colleagues or by the Instructor. Student did not take initiative in advancing the discussion throughout the week.

30 points: Student filed at least the number of required replies and they met the source requirements; the replies were substantive, thoughtful responses and contributed to the discussion; student exceeded minimum requirements by answering all queries posed to him by others and remained present and actively engaged in the discussion throughout the week; student led the discussion by raising complex issues, connecting concepts, and illuminating the discussion with examples.

Timeliness (Possible 10 points)

Zero points: Student filed more than two required postings in an untimely manner.

2 points: Student filed two required postings in an untimely manner.

7 points: Student filed one required posting in an untimely manner.

10 points: Student filed all required postings in a timely manner.

Writing (Possible 10 points)

Zero points: Student failed to respond to the essay question

4 points: Writing contains several grammatical, punctuation, and/or spelling errors. Language lacks clarity or includes some use of jargon and /or conversational tone; sentence structure is awkward.

6 points: Student demonstrates consistent and correct use of the rules of grammar usage, punctuation and spelling, with a few errors; there is room for improvement in writing style and organization.

8 points: Student demonstrates consistent and correct use of the rules of grammar usage, punctuation, and spelling. Language is clear and precise throughout all submissions. Sentences display consistently strong, varied structure and organization is excellent.

10 points: Student demonstrates a quality of writing consistent with scholarly works in the relevant discipline; student is facile in the use of subject-matter vocabulary and terminology consistent with the level of instruction; student applies concepts with ease; writing style and organization are designed to successfully convey the message and the related information to the reader with maximum effect.

Citations (Possible 10 points)

Zero points: Student failed to include citations and/or references

4 points: Citations of reference sources exist; citations apparently correspond to the correct source but do not enable the reader to locate the source.

6 points: Attempts to cite reference sources are made, but the reader has difficulty finding the sources.

8 points: Reference sources are cited as necessary.

10 points: Reference sources relied on by the student are cited appropriately and accurately. No writing of others is left without quotation and/or attribution, as appropriate.