CRMJ 2244 Serial Killer Research Paper Instructions

Step 1: Read Serial Murder: Multidisciplinary Perspectives for Investigators which can be found online and downloaded as a PDF:

 https://www.fbi.gov/stats-services/publications/serial-murder

• There is also a PDF copy attached to this assignment on Blackboard.  
• You must use the definition of serial murder found in this document. 

Step 2: Begin researching possible serial killers on the internet and pick one that interests you.

• Begin this step early.  
• You are permitted to use Wikipedia or other popular websites for this initial search for a name only. You may not use Wikipedia, Murderpedia, or other unreliable websites as sources for the content of your paper.   
• If you need help selecting a killer, please contact me.  
• You must email me your serial killer’s name for pre-approval.  See the syllabus for the deadline for this email.  I will only allow two people to select the same killer to make sure there are enough sources to go around.  

Step 3: Once you have selected your killer, emailed the name to me, and I have approved it, you should begin to find sources for the content of your paper.  

• • • You must use at least 3 sources (you already have the FBI report listed above which you may use).  These sources must be books, periodicals, and reputable documentaries.  You are only allowed to use one documentary.  
  • To reiterate, you may not use Wikipedia/Murderpedia (or similar unreliable internet sites) as a source.
  • Seek help at LCC’s Library.  
    • Library Books at Lakeland "serial murder*
    • Books from OhioLINK about serial murderers
  • Check this site created by the library for help: http://research.lakelandcc.edu/Criminology
• We will have a class on how to find sources through the library taught by an LCC librarian.  See the syllabus for that date.  
• You must include a References (APA) or Works Cited (MLA) page at the end of your paper listing all your sources in the appropriate format.  
• Make sure to review how to properly use in-text citations in either APA or MLA format.  See the links under “format” and also resources that have been posted on Blackboard.   
• Remember, your paper must comprise your own original thoughts and ideas or you must properly cite (within the body of your paper) any use of material that is not your own.  Plagiarism is defined as: “to steal and pass off the ideas or words of another as one's own, use another's production without crediting the source.”  Any plagiarism or unethical behavior with regard to your paper will result in a zero for the assignment.  
• Remember, your paper must comprise your own original thoughts and ideas or you must properly cite (within the body of your paper) any use of material that is not your own.  Plagiarism is defined as: “to steal and pass off the ideas or words of another as one's own, use another's production without crediting the source.”  Any plagiarism or unethical behavior with regard to your paper will result in a zero for the assignment.  
  • You are prohibited from using Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology (e.g., ChatGPT, Google Bard, Microsoft Bing Chat, Jasper, etc.) to complete this assignment.  Plagiarism will be penalized by a failing grade.  Refer to your Student Handbook for an extensive explanation about the consequences for plagiarizing and/or academic dishonesty: http://www.lakelandcc.edu/studenthandbook  
  • Check out this site about avoiding plagiarism: https://www.plagiarism.org/
  • Another great resource is the Lakeland Library Research Guide: Preventing Plagiarism: http://research.lakelandcc.edu/c.php?g=753893&p=5887170  
  • You do not have to cite things that are common knowledge. Here is an example: The earth revolves around the sun.  This is common knowledge; Galileo does not have to be cited as a source for that. However, 
    • A quote from Galileo’s work would need to be cited because by quoting  you are incorporating the exact thoughts of Galileo into your paper.  These would be considered direct quotes.
    • Paraphrasing is putting Galileo’s quote into your own words. You may use different words and change the sentence around, but it is still Galileo’s idea and a paraphrase still needs to be cited.

• Research Help: 
  • One-on-One Personal Research Assistance: Lakeland librarians offer personal help with research for assignments, projects, and papers. Schedule an appointment for a 20-, 30- or 40-minute session. You need to provide 24 hours’ notice for the librarian to prepare for your session.  Click here to complete a Request Form. You will be prompted to log into myLakeland.
  • Reference help is available by sending an email to reflibrarian@lakelandcc.edu
    • Reference help by telephone: 440-525-7425.
    • For chat reference help - see the Help tab on this guide
  • Michelle Rossman, LCC Librarian 
    • mrossman@lakelandcc.edu
    • 440-525-7423

Step 4: Write your paper. 

• You should cover the following in your paper: 
  • Background/history of the case (who? what? where? when? how?; important dates, how was it solved, if solved, etc.).
  • The victimology. 
  • The killer’s background, including childhood.
  • Modus Operandi/signature aspects of the crime (if present)
  • Why? What criminological theory of crime causation that we have covered in this class do you think applies to your killer? 
• The paper must be no less than 1,000 words, not including the cover page and references/works cited page.
• Typed, double spaced, 12-point font, 1-inch margins.
• Include a title page.
• Use either the MLA or APA styles for citing your sources (both for in-text citations and the references/works cited page.
  • If you use the APA format you do not need to follow it for the title page or have a “running head” or an abstract.  
  • Use these two websites to learn more about MLA and APA formats (and there are additional handouts found under this assignment in Blackboard):
    • MLA:https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/mla_style/mla_formatting_and_style_guide/mla_formatting_and_style_guide.html
    • APA:https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/apa_style/apa_style_introduction.html

Additional Information:

• Late assignments will receive a zero.
• Your paper will be graded with a rubric.  The rubric is available on our Blackboard site under this assignment and it would be very beneficial for you to review it prior to starting the paper.  
• Your paper must be uploaded through Blackboard under this assignment and it must be in DOC, DOCX, or PDF format.  Apple Pages documents will not be accepted and must be converted to the above file formats before submission through Blackboard.
• I would strongly suggest that you seek help at LCC’s Writing Center well in advance of the deadline.  A writing tutor will review your work and offer suggestions to help improve your paper.  Students who use the Writing Center always do well on this assignment. 
  • They can be reached here: http://www.lakelandcc.edu/web/about/contacts-learning-center
• Grammatical errors will affect your grade.  Use spellcheck and have someone else proofread your paper prior to submission. 
  • Try using the free version of Grammerly:  https://www.grammarly.com/
  • Check out these handouts to help with your writing: http://www.lakelandcc.edu/web/about/learning-center-documents

Contact me if you are having problems finding a serial killer or if you have any other questions about this assignment.   

Dan Winterich, J.D.

Office: C-1001M

Phone: 440-525-7519

dwinterich2@lakelandcc.edu