Women In Prison

For your mid-term, you will write a 4-5-page paper about one aspect of prisons in the United States. This paper should clearly state your thesis (or your argument) about this topic. It is not enough to simply write a research brief, summarizing what other people have learned about this topic. I am interested in how YOU understand this research. In order to make your argument the most robust, you should consider an opposing view, and then rebut it.
This paper should be based on research, which can take the form of articles, books, surveys, and other secondary sources.
Length/Format: The paper should be 4-5 pages, double-spaced in 12 point font. It should use an APA citation style.
Subject Specifics: Your paper must be an argument, not a report. In other words, the entire should support your thesis statement through strategic use of your research. Think of yourself as a lawyer trying to argue a specific argument, rather than a detective showing all of the evidence.
Content: look to see that you have incorporated the following in the paper itself:
• A specific and defined thesis (no abstractions and philosophy- but grounded in concrete facts)
• A fully developed introduction, body, and conclusion. Please use sub-headings to help organize your paper. Refer to the suggested outline for your paper below.
• Your best research as evidence to support your claim/ thesis (primary and secondary sources, interviews, statistics, analogies, examples, etc.)
• An full explanation of the context and significance of this problem (remember the background section of the assignment that you’ve already completed).
• Understanding of the conventions of academic writing (correct usage, diction, syntax, grammar, and documentation format)
• Documentation of sources cited using APA style in the body and the Works Cited page
• No typos, careless errors, or proofreading mistakes that decrease credibility

Suggested Outline for Your Paper
Introduction – brief introduction to the topic, why does it matter? End with your argument (thesis)
• Women in prison are frequently over-looked because they are a minority. They frequently have to deal with programs, policies etc. that were originally designed for men. The U.S. should institute more gender responsive programs for women in prison in order to decrease recidivism and improve the conditions of imprisonment for women. (thesis)
Background information – more complete introduction to the topic, History of this topic.
• Women in prison are the fastest growing segment of the population due to mandatory sentencing in the 1970s.
Argumentative Move 1 – What are the points that you need to make in order for your argument to make sense?
• Women are frequently subject to one size fits all programs. Examples: programs and policies.
Argumentative Move 2 – What is the second argumentative move that you need to make in order for your thesis to make sense?
• Incarcerated women frequently have very different needs than men. Examples: more DV, more trauma, more likely to be parent.
Argumentative Move 3 – What is the third argumentative move that you need to make in order for your argument to make sense?
• Certain gender-responsive programs across the U.S. have been extremely successful. Example: Therapeutic Communities, Mother-Child Units at the Washington Corrections Center for Women.
Counter-argument and rebuttal – What is the counter-argument to your argument. How could you argue against it?
• Women should have the exact same programs etc. that men have because it is an issue of equity. Even though some might argue that women should have the same types of programs as men, this is wrong because women have different needs and issues.
Conclusion – re-state your argument

Rubric
Some Rubric (9)
Some Rubric (9)
Criteria Ratings Pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome Clear Introduction that provides an intro to the topic and clear articulation of argument. 10.0 pts
Full Marks 0.0 pts
No Marks
10.0 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome Argument is clearly stated in the introduction with a thesis statement. All research and evidence fully support this argument. 20.0 pts
Full Marks 0.0 pts
No Marks
20.0 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome Correct usage of APA citations both in-text and in the works cited guide. 10.0 pts
Full Marks 0.0 pts
No Marks
10.0 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome Evidence and research is based off of credible sources. 10.0 pts
Full Marks 0.0 pts
No Marks
10.0 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome Counter argument is clearly articulated and rebutted 10.0 pts
Full Marks 0.0 pts
No Marks
10.0 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome Background Information clearly gives an overview of issue. 15.0 pts
Full Marks 0.0 pts
No Marks
15.0 pts
Total Points: 75.0