Research Paper Assignment Instructions

Overview

In developing your expertise in transnational organized crime (TOC) you will be writing a series of research papers. All together the writing contained in all these papers combined would be quite significant project! You will find that in some modules, the research papers mimic our readings with respect to subject matter and some modules, the research papers do not mimic the reading. Again, the goal of these research papers is to stretch the depth and breadth of your knowledge. You should feel well prepared to teach a course in TOCs after completing this course. The research papers and PowerPoints you create could serve as the basis for such class. Additionally, you will find that this course and the course CJUS701 Comparative Criminal Justice Systems complement each other very well.

Instructions

Each research paper should be a minimum of 6 to 8 pages.
The vast difference in page count is because some countries and/or crime/topics are quite easy to study and some countries and/or crime/topics have very limited information.
In some instances, there will be a plethora of information and you must use skilled writing to maintain proper page count.
Please keep in mind that this is doctoral level analysis and writing – you are to take the hard-earned road – the road less travelled – the scholarly road in forming your paper.
The paper must use current APA style, and the page count does not include the title page, abstract, reference section, or any extra material.
The minimum elements of the paper are listed below.
You must use a minimumof 8 recent (some countries/crimes/topics may have more recent research articles than others), relevant, and academic (peer review journals preferred and professional journals allowed if used judiciously) sources, at least 2 sources being the Holy Bible, and one recent (some countries/crime/topics have more recent than others) news article. Books may be used but are considered “additional: sources beyond the stated minimums. You may use .gov sources as your recent, relevant, and academic sources if the writing is academic in nature (authored works). You may also use United Nations and Whitehouse.gov documents as academic documents.
Again, this paper must reflect graduate level research and writing style. If you need to go over the maximum page count you must obtain professor permission in advance! Please reference the Research Paper Rubric when creating your research paper.

These are minimum guidelines – you may expand the topics covered in your papers.

Begin your paper with a briefanalysis of the following elements:
1. Introduction to the country
Analyze the nature of organized crime in the assigned area (you may narrow the scope of your analysis through your introduction or thesis statement if needed)
Analyze the impact of organized crime in the assigned area on the government.
Briefly propose policies that may be helpful in mitigating organized crime in the assigned area.
A Holy Bible comparison/analysis of the nature of the organized crime system, the impact on the country, or your proposed policy to mitigate the system.

The following is an outline of the minimum points to be covered in your paper – Crime Typology Topics:

These are minimum guidelines – you may expand the topics covered in your papers…

Analyze the nature of assigned crime/issue with respect to (at a minimum):
1. Scope of the crime/issue
2. Financial impact – if possible
3. Human impact – if possible
4. Analysis of various countries laws dealing with the crime/issue.
Briefly propose policies that may be helpful in mitigating the crime/topic on a specific country or transnational scale.

A Holy Bible comparison/analysis of the crime/topic

SOLUTION

Struggling with where to start this assignment? Follow this guide to tackle your assignment easily!

Step-by-Step Guide to Writing Your Transnational Organized Crime Research Paper

This assignment is designed to deepen your expertise in transnational organized crime (TOC). You’re expected to write with the rigor and analysis reflective of a doctoral-level scholar. Below is a structured, step-by-step guide to help you meet the expectations outlined in the assignment.

✅ Step 1: Understand the Purpose and Scope

The assignment is 6–8 pages of content, not counting the title page, abstract, or reference list.
You are writing a scholarly research paper, not a report or opinion essay.
The goal is to demonstrate depth, breadth, and the ability to engage with academic and biblical sources.
Always use current APA style formatting.

✅ Step 2: Outline Your Paper Based on Required Elements

Use the following structure as your outline. Each numbered section corresponds to a required component in your assignment instructions:

I. Introduction to the Country (1/2 – 1 page)

Provide brief background: geography, political structure, and socio-economic context.
Clearly state the thesis and the specific organized crime focus (e.g., drug trafficking, cybercrime, human trafficking).

II. Nature of Organized Crime in the Country (1–2 pages)

Analyze:

Type of organized crime (drug trade, arms smuggling, cybercrime, etc.).
Historical development of this crime in the country or region.
Key actors (cartels, gangs, syndicates, corrupt officials).
Use recent peer-reviewed journals and reports from reputable organizations (UNODC, Europol, .gov sources).

III. Impact on the Government (1–1.5 pages)

Discuss:

Corruption and infiltration into politics, law enforcement, or judiciary.
Erosion of democratic institutions or sovereignty.
Economic consequences for governance.
Use news articles and governmental reports to highlight real-time data.

IV. Proposed Policy Solutions (1 page)

Propose realistic and research-backed interventions:

Domestic solutions (e.g., legislative reforms, law enforcement restructuring).
International collaboration (e.g., treaties, intelligence sharing).
Support proposals with peer-reviewed sources and case studies from similar nations.

V. Biblical Comparison/Analysis (1 page)

Select one of the following areas for biblical integration:

The nature of organized crime (e.g., injustice, violence, exploitation).
The impact on the nation (e.g., leadership accountability, corruption).
The proposed solution (e.g., justice, righteousness, restoration).

Support your analysis with at least two scripture references, properly cited in APA format using study Bibles or theological commentaries.

Example:

“Woe to those who make unjust laws, to those who issue oppressive decrees…” (Isaiah 10:1, NIV)

VI. Crime Typology Analysis (1.5 – 2 pages)

Dive deeper into the selected crime type using the following subtopics:

Scope of the Crime: How widespread is it (national/regional/transnational)?
Financial Impact: Estimated revenue, money laundering, economic disruption.
Human Impact: Effects on victims, communities, public health.
Comparative Legal Analysis: How different countries legislate against the crime.

Use scholarly articles, UN documents, and .gov sources. Tables or charts are acceptable to illustrate comparative laws.

VII. Final Policy Proposal (0.5–1 page)

If needed, expand your earlier policy ideas to include:

Feasibility analysis
Biblical justification (e.g., Proverbs on justice, laws in Deuteronomy)

This section can bridge your policy and theological perspectives.

✅ Step 3: Source Requirements Checklist

You must use:

8 recent, relevant, and academic sources (peer-reviewed journals, .gov, UN, Whitehouse.gov, etc.)
At least 2 Holy Bible references (integrated in your biblical comparison/analysis)
1 recent news article
Books are optional, but only as supplementary sources

✅ Step 4: Writing & Formatting Tips

Follow APA 7th edition formatting.
Use section headers to guide the reader.
Ensure smooth transitions between sections.
Write in a scholarly tone—avoid conversational language.
Proofread carefully or use tools like Grammarly.

✅ Step 5: Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Don’t over-rely on news articles or Wikipedia.
Avoid generalizations—use specific data and examples.
Do not insert Bible verses without connecting them to your argument.
Don’t forget the thesis in your introduction—it guides the entire paper.

✅ Step 6: Sample Structure Summary

✅ Step 7: Final Reminders

Reference the Research Paper Rubric provided by your professor.
Get approval if you think you’ll go over 8 pages.
Your paper should reflect doctoral-level critical thinking, analysis, and writing.

Structuring Research Papers on Transnational Organized Crime