Transnational Organized Crime Research Paper Series

That’s a great introduction to your research paper series on Transnational Organized Crime (TOC)! Here’s a breakdown of some key points and suggestions:

Project Scope:

• You’ll be writing a series of research papers on various aspects of TOC.
• The combined length will be significant, aiming for in-depth knowledge.
• Papers will delve into both well-researched and under-explored topics in TOC.

Learning Outcomes:

• By the end, you’ll have a comprehensive understanding of TOC to potentially teach a course.
• Research papers and presentations can serve as course materials.
• This series complements the “Comparative Criminal Justice Systems” course.

Paper Guidelines:

• Each paper should be 6-8 pages long, with flexibility based on information availability.
• Strong writing skills will be essential for managing content within the page range for information-rich topics.

Next Steps:

1. Topic Selection:

• Consider a range of TOC areas: specific criminal activities (drug trafficking, human trafficking, etc.), criminal organizations (cartels, mafias, etc.), or the impact of TOC on specific regions or countries.
• Explore synergies with “Comparative Criminal Justice Systems” for a holistic approach.

2. Start Researching:

• Utilize reputable sources like academic journals, UNODC reports, government publications, and credible news outlets.
• Consider the course readings as a starting point for some topics.

3. Organize Your Papers:

• Maintain a consistent structure across papers, typically including introduction, literature review, methodology (if applicable), findings, discussion, conclusion, and references.

Additional Tips:

• Develop a strong thesis statement for each paper, outlining the central argument or focus.
• Use evidence and data to support your claims throughout the research.
• Consider incorporating different research methods like case studies or interviews (if feasible).
• Maintain a clear and concise writing style, following academic citation guidelines.

This research paper series presents a fantastic opportunity to delve deep into the complexities of TOC. By following these guidelines and leveraging your knowledge from related courses, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a TOC expert!