Assignment: Example Of Substance Use

Assignment: Example Of Substance Use
Assignment: Example Of Substance Use
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Assignment: Example Of Substance Use
his assignment meets the following Course Learning Objectives:
– Articulate basic drug terminology and drug taking behavior
– Identify the various addictive substances – legal and illegal – and their classifications
– Analyze the reasons people commonly abuse substances
– Analyze how substances affect the mind and body and society
In 2010, The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) released a policy statement addressing the complex relationships among children, adolescents, substance abuse, and the media. This assignment requires a critical examination of the AAP publication and a critique of a media portrayal of substance use, with links made to the AAP statement and course material. Conclusions about the implications of the media portrayals and the policies recommended by the AAP also should be made. Successful completion of this paper will require work over multiple weeks. A two paragraph summary of the proposed example of substance use portrayal in the media was due by the end of Week 3. The full paper is due at the end of Week 7.
This assignment proceeds in four steps:
Preparation
Step One: Read the AAP Policy Statement located below. Make some notes for yourself about points of agreement or disagreement you have with the statement and specific findings regarding media depictions of substance use that you want to assess when you write the paper.
Step Two: Find a current example of substance use portrayal seen in the media; for example, scenes from a movie, a television show, or a commercial; print ads; or portrayals found in “new media” as discussed in the AAP article. The Internet is a good tool for finding film or television portrayals of substance use as well as examples of print ads if ready access to first-hand media is not available. A two paragraph summary of the proposed example of substance use portrayal in the media that will be used for the paper is due by the end of Week 3. This proposal is a separate assignment and is worth 10 points.
Construction
Assignment: Example Of Substance Use
Step Three: Write the paper. Begin the paper with an introduction that summarizes the main findings of the AAP article and previews what will be covered in the coming pages.
Next, compare and contrast the portrayal of substance use found in the media with the information learned about that substance in the class and textbook. What messages about the substance are being portrayed? How accurate are those messages relative to the actual data on substance use? Be sure to cite the textbook as needed.
Continue by comparing and contrasting the portrayal of substance use found in the media with the criticism of media portrayals found in the AAP paper. Does the media example match their arguments or contradict them? What links and connections can be made? Be sure to cite the article as needed.
Next, draw some conclusions about the portrayal of substance use found in the media, addressing the following: What are the implications of this type of portrayal? What messages are being sent and to whom? Are those messages an accurate representation of the use of this substance? Should media portrayals be required to be accurate in their depictions of use, showing both positive and negative consequences?
Finally, review the guidelines suggested by the AAP at the end of their policy statement and address the following: Although directed specifically at pediatricians, which of those recommendations is most important? Why? Are these recommendations necessary? If followed, will they be effective in addressing the concerns raised earlier in the article? Be sure to cite sources as needed.
Step Four:
The required length of this paper is 11 pages, plus a required a cover page and a reference list. Papers must comply with APA formatting rules, including font size and margins, and must have a scholarly focus and tone. Quoting of published material and use of the first-person “I” are not permitted and will result in point loss. All source material must be paraphrased into your own words and cited appropriately.
On submission your work will auto-run through Turnitin.com’s plagiarism checker software.
The grading rubric below details specific grading criteria.
PSYC324 Major Paper Grading Rubric
Points
Proposal
Media example proposal submitted and approved
10
Introduction
Clear introduction which summarizes the AAP article and previews the major points to be covered in the paper.
15
Choice of Media Example
Discussion of chosen media portrayal is clear, accurate, and related to the assignment. Sources are credited and cited appropriately.
15
Comparison of Media Example to Class Material
Comparison of media with information from class material is clear and thoughtful. Questions outlined in the assignment are answered. Sources are credited and cited appropriately.
25
Comparison of Media Example to AAP article
Comparison of media with information from the AAP article is clear and thoughtful. Questions outlined in the assignment are answered. Sources are credited and cited appropriately.
25
Strength of Conclusion
Conclusions about the broader implications of these topics are clear and thoughtful. Questions outlined in the assignment are answered. Sources are credited and cited appropriately.
40
Paper Format and Mechanics
Paper is well organized, easy to follow, and followed formatting guidelines. Paper is the required length, is double-spaced with 1-inch top, bottom, left and right margins, and in Calibri or Times New Roman styles, size 12 font. Cover page, paper body, citations and References are in the correct APA format.
20
Spelling, Grammar and Punctuation
There are few to no spelling, grammar, or punctuation errors.
10
Total: 160