Prior to beginning work on this discussion forum, read Chapters 1 and 3 of the course text. Review the Capstone Paper in Week 5 and select the issue in social and criminal justice that you will address. Identify and develop your thesis statement and your resolution of your chosen issue. Remember that this is just your initial version of the thesis statement for the Capstone Paper; expect that it will evolve after receiving feedback from your instructor and classmates and as you conduct more research on solutions for your chose issue. At the end of the week, reflect back on the feedback your classmates and instructor have provided.
The IF/THEN approach to thesis writing. PLEASE READ!
As we start our week, each of you will be posting your thesis. Remember, this is a rough thesis and I will be providing feedback throughout the week. In an effort to streamline your thesis statement I would like to introduce you all to the IF/THEN approach.
The common hiccup I see in this early part of the process is really presenting a statement that is way too broad and will be difficult to prove or disprove in your research. Building on that premise, the BEST way I have found for students to clearly present a workable thesis is what I call the IF/THEN approach. This approach can be applied to ANY topic you wish, which makes it easy for every student to use even with very different subjects.
Here we go! Let me give you an example.
IF more counties implemented red light cameras THEN the number of traffic fatalities would decrease. (You can see how very simple that statement is but you can also see how your research will allow you to introduce evidence to support or dispute that topic).
Let’s try another one.
IF more law enforcement agencies required their officers to use body warn cameras, THEN the number of excessive force incidents would decrease. (You can see how this too is a simple statement that will allow you to research those agencies that have implemented BWC’s into their practice. You can find research on the number of complaints, criminal charges etc., You can also see how you will be able to introduce many topics there such as the role the community also plays in that statement).
If any of you need another example, I am happy to help.
Your thesis statement is not a fact but is a statement that your research will show supports your statement or discredits your statement. This will be clear by the end of the paper for the reader. You will see above in the discussion board requirements your thesis is to include the problem and the resolution in a very clearly stated sentence (Not paragraph). This thesis statement MUST be included in each written assignment, as it is the basis for written work.
I would ask each of you to play around with the IF/THEN approach to your thesis and see what you come up with. Don’t forget to post those thoughts here in the classroom so I can provide you feedback as your thesis MUST BE APPROVED by me before the start of week two. I would ask that you do not wait until the end of the week.
Requirements: 200