Writing Credit Term Paper

To receive a writing credit for the course, students will write a well-developed research based position paper on drug policy, focusing on one of three responses to drug use: legal, therapeutic, and preventive.

Students must submit an outline, literature review, rough draft, and final draft of this final position paper, which must be at least five pages long (typed double-spaced, Times/New Roman 12 pt. font). Further instructions and due dates will be posted on Blackboard.

I. Introduction:

a. Overview of the three responses to drug use/abuse/addiction:

i. Legal response to drug use, with argument for either a "get tough approach" OR for legalization and decriminalization of drugs

ii. Therapeutic responses to drug problems, include "medical model" stance

iii. Preventive responses to drug use (include drug education & testing)

b. Statement of your selected response/position to drug abuse and addiction

II. Review of the Literature on stated response/position:

a. Sociological/Criminological concepts/theories applicable and/or relevant to your stated position based on class text as well as at least one peer reviewed journal article

III. Conclusion:

a. Specific policy recommendations based on your review of the literature

IV. Reference Section:

a. Peer reviewed journal article(s) to support theory application and/or research on issues, problems, practices relevant to your stated position

i. List at least one citation/reference to a peer reviewed journal article