Through this paper, you will have an opportunity to demonstrate the range of knowledge you have acquired through this course and apply it to some specific context in people's everyday lives.

In grading your papers, I will be looking for evidence that you are actively engaged with the class material and making it your own. In particular, I will be expecting you to draw significantly upon insights gleaned from at least two of the workshop presentations you attended (in addition to any outside peer-reviewed literature or reputable resources you might use).

For this project, you are to select a specific health disparity of concern to you, affecting a particular at-risk population (defined by factors such as age, race/ethnicity, gender, and region), and then thoroughly research the topic (analyzing the available information and identifying specific directions for further action).

While I am not requiring you to run your topic by me in advance, I encourage you to do so (through Discussion Board postings) in order to resolve any potential issues of suitability or scope.

In your paper, you are to do the following:

a. Provide adequate background information about the specific disparity you selected (populations affected; historical, biological, psychological, cultural, political, and social influences; etc.).

b. Indicate how you would address the disparity with regard to reducing it (at what level-micro or macro; type of intervention; potential obstacles to success; etc.).

c. If your intervention worked, indicate what would be the expected outcome (i.e., your measure of success). Cite!

d. If the intervention did not work, state what you would change to improve your approach. Cite!

The grading rubric I will be using to evaluate your paper is located on the next page. Your paper should be 8-10 pages, not including title and reference pages (12-point type, double spaced, 1-inch margins, and APA 5th or 6th edition style).

Include at least 10 references from outside, peer-reviewed sources (Rule of Thumb: At least 2 references per page of text). Only academic journal articles and professional literature are to be used and cited-i.e., no use of the popular press or Wikipedia and other unregulated Internet sites.

You may use reputable sites such as National Institutes of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as well as national non-profits such as the American Heart Association or the American Cancer Society.