Description
In a previous extra credit assignment, you examined how non-fiction documentaries
represented crime. For this assignment, please select one episode from a fiction-based
television series or a movie that deals with policing and law enforcement. The type of
show you choose is entirely up to you. For example, you could watch one or two
episodes of a fictional cop show that focuses on catching counterfeiters or watch a movie
that represents the lives of police officers. The only selection requirement is that it
should be fiction and strongly related to policing. Whatever you choose, I want it to be
something that people enjoy consuming. If you get stuck and need help selecting a show,
email me and I can give you suggestions.
After you watch your show(s), please develop a three-page paper that examines how your show communicates the “reality” of policing. How you do this is mostly up to you and will depend partly on the show/movie you select. However, your overall goal for this paper should be to analyze how the TV show/movie represents policing, and how that
might influence the public’s understanding of this type of criminal justice work.
Structure of the Paper
A. Introduction:
You should write a very brief introductory paragraph where you introduce the show/movie
you choose.
B. Critical Review and Discussion
In this section (which should comprise most of the paper) you should critically review and analyze the show/movie. While your paper can briefly describe the main plot points, you should not provide a point-by-point summary of everything that happened in your show.
Instead, I want you to critically discuss and analyze how the show/movie constructs policing. For example, your paper could address one or more of the following questions.
What does this show tell us about the police/law enforcement? If all of the public’s
knowledge about policing/law enforcement came from this source, what would they “know”
about this institution? How accurate is this representation of policing? Does the show or
movie imply that there is one particular way that policing/law enforcement should be
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conducted? Are there any potential consequences for how policing is represented in this show?
Overall, I am willing to grant you some flexibility in how you structure this section. You also have a great deal of discretion regarding the types of issues, questions, and concerns you raise. However, your discussion must be thoughtful and well reasoned.
C. Conclusion
In this section, you should provide a summary of your argument and very briefly reflect on
the implications of your findings