This class is very challenging, but at the same time very rewarding. Before you is a wonderful and caring teacher that is very knowledgeable and determined to help you succeed. The assignments aren't easy but you come out knowing that you learned something new. Additionally, I feel that I am now equipped to tackle on the more complex courses on my road to graduation. NOW FOR THE ADVICE!
The main thing that one should remember about this class (and any class for that matter) is that YOU SHOULD NEVER PROCRASTINATE! Procrastination will break you in this course. I have always been a serial procrastinator and I thought that this might be the class to break the habit, unfortunately it was not. The fact that I am posting this at 12:30 AM the night before the researched paper is due is a testament to my procrastinating ways! Procrastination will be biggest enemy especially since there are probably other things going on in your lives, but understand that our University operates under the quarter system and time is a luxury most of us cannot take for granted.
My topic focused on the media and how it can influence violent/criminal behavior. My research question sought to answer whether or not the media alone (without any other factors) can compel an individual to act in a criminal manner. I found a TON of information of the subject and the challenge for me was to try and determine which articles were useful and which were expendable. Actually writing the paper and typing out the words was the easiest part of the assignment, more of it had to do with research and organization of your thoughts, which cannot be done overnight. Information is the key to success when it comes to writing papers. You can't write a paper if you don't know what it is you are writing about. When approaching a researched assignment, one can never be too prepared. It is always good to have an abundance of sources/articles for your paper because as I have learned through the article critique assignments, a source isn't necessarily useful just because it is peer reviewed.
The last piece of advice I have to give is that should make use of the resources available to you when writing this paper and to ALWAYS ASK QUESTIONS. You are not alone in your academic career and the University gives you all the tools necessary to succeed (University Writing Center, library, etc.)
As for useful sources I can pass down to a future CRIM 301 student... I was fortunate enough to choose a topic that I was very fond of that had many articles written about it. However, when skimming the internet for articles, I happened to come across a textbook with a chapter completely dedicated to my topic. The book is entitled "Criminal Behavior: Theories, Typologies, and Criminal Justice" by Jacqueline B. Helfgott. The book offers a comprehensive guide to criminal behavior from a theoretical standpoint. I would recommend this book to someone looking to probe the minds of criminals.
As for useful sources I can pass down to a future CRIM 301 student... I was fortunate enough to choose a topic that I was very fond of that had many articles written about it. However, when skimming the internet for articles, I happened to come across a textbook with a chapter completely dedicated to my topic. The book is entitled "Criminal Behavior: Theories, Typologies, and Criminal Justice" by Jacqueline B. Helfgott. The book offers a comprehensive guide to criminal behavior from a theoretical standpoint. I would recommend this book to someone looking to probe the minds of criminals.
All in all, this course was a wonderful experience. What I gained the most out of it was a sense of confidence that I didn't have before. I never thought that I would be able to write a true college level paper until taking this course. So remember, don't procrastinate, know your information, and always know what is available to you. Happy writing!
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