CRIM1000 – Semester 2, 2025

Crime Story Analysis: Theory as a Lens for Understanding

Due Date: November 10th, 4:00 PM (Exam Week)
Word Count: 2000 words (+/- 10%)
Weighting: 40% (40 marks)

Assignment Overview

Throughout the semester, lectures start with a true crime story to connect theory with real-life events. This assignment asks you to select one crime story and use one criminological theory to deepen your understanding of why it occurred.

You will:

1. Tell the story in a compelling narrative form
2. Analyse it using criminological theory
3. Reflect on your own positionality and biases

Think of theory as a lens that reveals patterns, connections, and explanations beyond surface-level facts.

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Assignment Components

Part A: Tell Your Crime Story (600–700 words)

• Choose a real crime story. Examples:
  • High-profile media case
  • Historical crime
  • Local or community incident
  • Family-related incident (with sensitivity)
  • International crime case
• Write a narrative including:
  • Key people involved (offender, victims, others)
  • Sequence of events (before, during, after the crime)
  • Social, economic, environmental context
  • Aftermath and consequences
  • Why the story is compelling or significant to you

Tip: Make it engaging, not just a list of facts.

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Part B: Unpack Your Story Using Criminological Theory (approx. 1000 words)

• Choose ONE criminological theory from your course readings.
• Explain the theory:
  • Key principles
  • How these principles explain criminal behaviour
• Apply the theory to your story:
  • Show how it illuminates aspects of the crime
  • Highlight patterns or explanations that are not obvious
• Discuss limitations of the theory:
  • What it cannot explain
  • Where it falls short

Use scholarly sources to support your analysis (minimum 6 peer-reviewed references).

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Part C: Positionality Statement (approx. 200 words)

• Reflect on why you chose the story
• Consider your personal background and perspective
• Acknowledge potential biases or insights you bring

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Suggested Structure

1. Introduction – why the story matters, preview of your argument
2. Crime Story – your narrative (Part A)
3. Theoretical Lens – explanation of your chosen theory (Part B)
4. Making Sense of the Story – applying the theory
5. Limitations & Reflections – theory’s weaknesses and positionality
6. Conclusion – insights gained from theory
7. References – APA 7th edition
8. AI Usage Statement – mandatory

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Research and Evidence

• Use scholarly sources to support theory and context
• Use reliable sources for case information (news reports, court docs, official reports)
• Ensure you have enough information about your case

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Ethical Considerations

• Treat all people in your story with dignity and respect
• Protect the privacy of individuals, especially if personally known
• Be sensitive to victims and ongoing impacts

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Assessment Rubric (40 Marks)

Criteria	High Distinction (7)	Distinction (6)	Credit (5)	Pass (4)	Marginal Fail (3)	Fail (1–2)
Crime Story Narrative (10)	Compelling, detailed, authentic voice	Well-told, clear personal connection	Adequate storytelling, some engagement	Basic story, limited engagement	Simple, minimal detail	Very poor, detached
Theoretical Understanding & Application (10)	Exceptional, original application	Strong, thoughtful application	Adequate, competent	Limited application	Poor, little analysis	Missing or meaningless
Research Integration (5)	Outstanding synthesis, seamless	Good integration, supports own thinking	Adequate, some synthesis	Basic, limited synthesis	Minimal integration	Very limited or none
Critical Analysis & Limitations (5)	Sophisticated, original	Good critical evaluation	Adequate	Basic analysis	Minimal	None
Positionality & Reflection (5)	Thoughtful, authentic	Good, clear voice	Adequate, some insight	Basic, limited reflection	Minimal	Missing
Presentation & Writing (5)	Excellent style, clear, within limit	Good style, minor errors	Adequate, some errors	Basic writing	Poor, multiple errors	Very poor, over/under limit

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