From the list below, select one key issue. If you would like to do something completely different from one of these please email me.
Write a 3-5 page reaction paper that focuses on your key issue. You should summarize your issue, including the debate that exists surrounding that issue, and weigh in with an informed opinion. Be sure to refer to at least five peer reviewed sources (books are great sources and you should use them, but NB that they're not peer reviewed).
o Electroshock
o The drugging of children (please avoid discussing ADHD as that topic has been overused. Also NB, that the topic uses the word "drugging", not medicating)
o DSM-5 and the proliferation of psychiatric labels
o Community Treatment Orders
APA is essential and will cover many questions like what font to use, and if the paper should be double spaced. If you are unfamiliar with APA then please consult the reference manual at your local university's reference section or the APA website. There are also a number of other websites that you may find with your favourite search engine.
The paper will be marked on the following criteria: writing style including such things as grammar and punctuation, overall organization of the paper including coherence of sentences, paragraphs and the paper as a whole, lucidity and originality of thesis, lucidity and originality of arguments, academic support of arguments, and adherence to guidelines.
All papers should be academic in nature, i.e., have appropriate source material that is referenced according to APA guidelines. First, regarding source material there are a few dos and don'ts.
o Do use books and peer reviewed journal articles. If you don't know how to find these sources please ask the librarian and she or he can help you. I've tried to incorporate some resources
o Although it's not strictly forbidden don't use material from online sources, the dictionary, or the encyclopedia. We're in university now and those sources are really more appropriate for the high school level. Also, don't cite the lectures. Much of the material from the lectures comes from source material-look for the originals whenever possible.
o Feel free to use the textbook but do go above and beyond your textbook for material. You will definitely have to go to the library.
o Do you know what constitutes a good thesis? You may not. Have a look here. I find a good theses are often counter intuitive. It states something the reader might not expect and uses the rest of the paper to support the statement. You should also be considering counter-arguments to your thesis and respond to them in your paper.