+1 (845) 317-8489 [email protected]

What are the implications for how we understand or respond to organized crime?

Seminar questions and assigned readings form the basis of double spaced, 1500-word critical reflections papers prepared in APA format (7th edition). All papersshould include general introductions to the area and discuss two seminar questions in relation totwo associated sources from the assigned readings. In addition, each paper will include at leasttwo additional references (for a minimum of four in total).

This can include primary andsecondary sources beyond the assigned readings or additional assigned readings. Papers shouldalso include sections that provide students critical analyses (e.g., How did this reading challengeyour previous understanding of some aspect of organized crime?

What are the implications forhow we understand or respond to organized crime?)

.Each critical reflection paper focuses on two questions from the entire set of questions examinedduring that section of the course. For example, within the first section, there is a main topic calledDefining Organized Crime, wherein a student might choose to write the first half of a criticalreflection based on the question: What are some of the key developments in the history oforganized crime in Canada? From the second main section (Exploring Organized CrimeGenres/Dominant Groups), a student might opt to answer the question: What does theorganizational structure of the mafia look like? to write on in the last half of the criticalreflection. Students complete a total of 3 critical reflection papers over the course of the term. Acritical reflection paper is turned in at the end of each main section of the course (see gradeevaluation for weightings and due dates). Critical reflections include original ideas that portraystudents insights into the topic. They are not meant to be just descriptive summaries of assignedreadings. For a high mark, students need to demonstrate a critical understanding of a key issue bymaking meaningful connections among concepts and integrating information from the readingswith their own experiences, located examples, and critical analyses. Critical reflections shouldfocus on a few key points that can be well developed rather than introduce several ideas that arenever fully explained. In addition, critical reflection papers should be carefully organized,include information that clearly relates to the main topic, and be free of grammatical errors.Note: All of the course requirements will be discussed in more detail in class.Preparing for the seminar and critical reflection papers:Read the assigned article/book chapter for that seminar and try to answer the following: What did I learn about organized crime from this reading?

What is one of the author(s) main claims? What is the general issue that links the articles?/Why is this issue important? Are there differences in how this issue is viewed?

How do the findings increase our understanding of the issue?

What is my own critical appraisal/personal reflection concerning this issue? What real-life examples support or refute this position? Do the findings fit my everyday observations and life experiences? Are there issues that remain to be resolved? What else did this reading get me thinking about?

Topic: What are some of the key features of outlaw motorcycle gangs and Are there ways to prevent organized crime stemming from outlaw motorcycle clubs In Canada? use sources: von Lampe, K. V. & Blokland, A. (2020).

Outlaw motorcycle clubs and organized crime.Crime and Justice, 49(1), 521-578.2. Quinn, J. & Koch, S. (2003). The nature of criminality within one-percent motorcycleclubs. Deviant Behavior: An Interdisciplinary Journal, 24, 281-305. and Bjrgo, T. (2019). Preventing organized crime originating from outlaw motorcycle clubs.Trends In Organized Crime, 22, 840-122.