Capstone Seminar for BS in Criminal Justice

The final assignment for the course is a capstone paper in which you will take a step back from
all of your courses at John Jay College. Drawing from earlier works, experience from your
policy groups, and additional research, use frameworks discussed in class to write a paper on the
topic you have chosen, such as Cyber Terrorism, Gun Control, Immigration, Police Use of
Deadly Force, Terrorism, and the War on Drug/Mass Incarceration vs. The Opioid Crisis. .
§ Capstone Paper should:
o Be approximately 15-17, 12-point font, double-spaced pages in length (4750-
5350 words), with 1-inch margins.
o Use headers and sub-headers as outline below (without Roman numerals or
Arabic numerals), and follow APA format, including reference page.
o Use at least two peer-reviewed articles, no more than 5 years old (under
seminal work).
o Full length of assignment is required — do not go over assignment length.
Required Outline:
I. Abstract (not included in page requirement)
Describe in paragraph the beginning, middle and end of the paper. Think of a oneparagraph executive summary or article abstract.
II. Introduction (one page)
Provide a brief introduction to the paper. Be sure to include the purpose of the
paper/thesis statement and provide a roadmap what the paper will cover.
III. Statement of Problem (5-6 pages)
Summarize:
1. Statement of problem
• How is the problem defined?
2. Key factors surrounding the policy/problem (i.e. ideology/theology, media, politics,
stakeholders, interest groups, lobbyist, socioeconomic, contextual, extralegal, budget,
etc.)
• Who is affected and in what numbers? Are some groups impacted more
than others? What are the unmet needs/issues of the various groups?
CJBS 415
Capstone Seminar for BS in Criminal Justice
Capstone Paper Assignment
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3. Provide a literature review on the present state of the topic with regards to
public/policy debate.
• What are the controversial issues?
IV. Knowledge base and Research (5-6 pages)
Using peer-reviewed journals and think tank or government reports, provide a summary
of the research and knowledge base that informs the public/policy debate. Summarize
theoretical framework used as basis for discourse.
Integrate previous courses, class work, and group work to discuss the policy or the topic. It must
be done so in a logical, systematic, and thoughtful manner.
V. Conclusion (2 pages)
Provide closing paragraphs which summarize the information contained in this paper and
conclude with reference to purpose/thesis statement. Include your own analysis and
thoughts on the topic.