Your essay should be at least 1500 words and should be readable—double spaced, 10-12 inch fonts. You should use the reading, lectures, and films but some to a significant amount of outside research might be needed. Any outside research should be based on scholarly sources (contact me or reference librarians for help here) well and consistently cited. NO WIKIPEDIA, OTHER ENCYCLOPEDIA, OR ONLINE DICTIONARIES. No particular citation style is needed, but you need to be consistent. Avoid plagiarism. Get acquainted with what that is and understand that significant plagiarism will mean you get a 0 on the assignment.The essay will be evaluated on the basis of the following:Responds to the problem.The problems have no single correct answer, but the better responses utilize the major historical/political development(s) referenced in the problem and appropriate rhetorical strategies, i.e., definition, explanation, comparison-contrast, etc.Makes good use of the readings and other in class material.Avoid direct quotation from the texts, paraphrase and summarize using your own words, but give a parenthetical reference using the author’s last name and the page where you have found the information. For example, (Healey, 234) placed just before the period at the end of the appropriate sentence(s). Has a clear and complete thesis.This is a sentence that contains the purpose of your essay. It names your subject and makes a statement about the subject. It briefly presents what you will develop in the following paragraphs that constitute the essay.Exhibits organization and coherence.The purpose is accomplished with a clear, logical sequence of supporting points, and each part of the essay supports the purpose.Utilizes well-crafted sentences and paragraphs.Make the effort to proof read and revise for spelling, grammar and syntax. Verify that each paragraph has one idea expressed in a topic sentence with appropriate supporting sentences.Late papers will be docked up to `10 points for every day missed, including week-ends.Rubric:40 points effort-turned in on time, on-topic40 points content--Analytical skills, accuracy, balance, etc.20 points writing--spelling, grammar, punctuation, paragraph developmentMaking an effort, turning the assignment in on time and having it pass the “eyeball” test—on topic, etc. is key to at least a decent grade.Write on ONE of the following:In terms of race and ethnicity, how has the meaning of “We the People” changed over the years and why. Give examples to support your example. For example, you can cite immigration and naturalization laws. In any event, some research may be necessary. Discuss the experiences of at least two different racial /ethnic groups.Agency is what oppressed and exploited people do about their situation. Individually and collectively they can assert agency in all sorts of ways—through direct action, running for political office, expressing themselves through art and literature, organizing sports leagues., etc. You will definitely have to do some research on this but describe and analyze two different assertions of agency. You can delve into the past but you can also discuss more recent assertions. Be sure that the two acts of agency originate from two different ethnic groups. For example, you can analyze how Jewish immigrants and their children organized garment workers strikes in the early twentieth century and then how Mexican American workers organized farm worker strikes in the late twentieth century.Respond to this statement: Political inequality is systemic in the United States. That is, it is so built into American society that it cannot be effectively eliminated unless a total overhaul of American political and economic institutions is undertaken.” Do you agree, disagree, can’t make up your mind? No matter what you’re answer just be able to back it up with supporting evidence from the textbook, power points, videos, or your own research.

Major Paper Assignment Instructions and Grading Rubric This 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 100 points and 5% of the overall course grade. Construction 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 course readings. 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 course readings 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.