My Lot In Life

I have posted information regarding your paper in our PSYC 351 class, the “My Lot in Life” project, in Week 8. General information about the paper structure and expectations are posted in this module, and will be relevant to all topics (e.g., length, APA style, reference requirements).

Your randomly-assigned “lot” is having to decide whether to keep your daughter, when she turns six years old and is tested as “gifted”, in her current grade, or to have her skip a grade next school year. You are responsible for finding relevant and meaningful material on this topic and using the material to write an integrated essay as to how your story or plan for the future would unfold, given this “lot” you have been assigned.

Your paper is due by 2359 on Sunday, March 4. In Week 5, one of our Discussions will be based on finding and choosing research articles on your topic. In the meantime, take some time to consider what this experience would mean in your life, and to start reading up on the topic.

As always, please email me with questions or post in the Ask the Professor forum.

Syllabus Information (I am unable to download complete syllabus to attach):

The major project in this course is called “My Lot in Life.” In the paper you will address the issue in “your lot” (e.g., your child is born with Down syndrome). Topics will be randomly assigned to you during the second week of class via email.

The paper involves presenting the issue, identifying the relevant psychological theories and concepts, summarizing the current research, and stating why the issue is important. Your summarization of current research must identify both sides of the arguments or all ways of dealing with the issue; for example, whether to mainstream or institutionalize children with Down syndrome. You must also discuss how you would deal with this “lot.” The paper may not consist only of answers to these questions; it must be an integrated essay. You will tell the story from your point of view but will incorporate research about the topic that is informing your decision-making process.

You must include at least four peer-reviewed empirical journal articles, two scholarly website references, and one current article in a popular-press magazine (this may also be a television magazine–show piece).

The paper is to be 6–8 pages long, not including the title and reference pages. The title page, reference page, page numbering, and in-text citations must be in proper APA format. You will submit this paper via TurnItIn (see below module). Papers are due by 2359 on Sunday March 4.

Grading Rule Brick below:

Presentation of “Lot”

Exceptional

5 points

Exceeds Expectations

4 points

Meets Expectations

3 points

Meets Some Expectations

2 points

Meets minimal expectations

1 point

Not Done

0 points

Basic Information

 

Current Research and Trends

 

Discussion of Options

 

Decision

 

Overall

Met expectations

2 points

Partially met expectations

1 point

Did not meet expectations/did not complete

0 points