Another important component in this course is the Reaction Paper. The drop box for the paper opened at midnight on the first day of Week 2 so you can begin working on your paper. There are detailed instructions for the paper in the Paper folder (Course Content, Paper). Here are the highlights:

The Reaction Paper

Write a 1,000 word Reaction Paper using the instructions and links in the Instructions for Reaction Paper document in the Paper folder, completing the following tasks and gathering the following information for your paper:

1. Watch the epigenetics video from PBS. Begin your paper by defining epigenetics in your own words and discussing your reaction to the video.
2. Research and locate one article on epigenetics from a reputable academic source through the College Library (log in with your MDC ID number. Your password is the last four digits of your MDC ID unless you have changed it). Note that journal articles are reputable sources, as are some government publications based on research (Wikipedia is NOT a reputable source and is not an acceptable source for this paper).
3. Read the epigenetics article you find. Continue your paper with a discussion of the epigenetics article. Be sure to paraphrase (put things in your own words) and be sure to cite the author(s) of the article you find using APA style. Aim for about a page for this part of your paper.
4. Complete the Family History-Dr. Oz.pdf  (find out which diseases run in your family by interviewing your family members). Discuss the concept of epigenetics in light of your family history. Aim for one page for this section of your paper. You do NOT have to attach the questionnaire.
5. Complete the Life Expectancy Questionnaire on the Blue Zones website. You will receive a report. Print the report and integrate your findings into your discussion. Aim for another page. You do NOT have to attach the report.
6. Discuss how you can improve your health and longevity in light of your findings in these questionnaires, your understanding of epigenetics, and your knowledge of your family history. This should be your final page.

General Rules for an "A" Paper

• 1,000 words
• Original work; plagiarism score of less than 10% (90% original work)
• Double-spaced, 12-point font, 1-inch margins
• Covers all 6 tasks
• Spell checked
• College-level grammar
• Cite your article APA style (cite your sources within the body of the paper and at the end).
• No abstract, no cover
• Place your name and reference number on the first page. Use page numbers.