There will be two (2)
writing assignments worth a maximum of twenty-five (25) points each. Thus, the total points for both assignments
will be equal to fifty (50) points.
The following guidelines apply for each writing assignment:
(1) All papers MUST be
typed (double-spaced).
(2) Evaluation of each paper
will be based on BOTH writing skills and content (what you say and how
well you say it).
(3) Develop your ideas
carefully before writing, that is, organization of thought is
important. Develop your ideas in
short, concise sentences and paragraphs.
(4) This assignment is
designed to integrate the field of psychology with the ability to
develop one’s communication skills, that is, delivery of message.
Therefore grammar,
punctuation, and spelling are considered an integral part of the
assignment.
(5) PAPERS WILL BE DUE ON THE
FOLLOWING DATES:
LATE PAPERS WILL BE ACCEPTED,
BUT LATE PAPERS WILL BE ASSESSED POINT PENALTIES (one point per day late).
The purpose of this
assignment is to provide students with the opportunity to express their ideas
about topics of personal interest about human behavior. This assignment provides a forum to express your
ideas while enhancing your writing skills.
Just like all skills, writing skills improve with practice.
Each student can select an
article about human behavior in a newspaper, magazine, website, or you can
write about any topic discussed in class that relates to human behavior. The important thing is that students select
topics/issues that are of interest to them so to kindle a greater excitement
about the discussion.
In your paper, please discuss
the topic, that is, describe the critical points about the topic, including
your position/views about the issue.
You may be as critical as you want to be. It is your paper. The evaluation/grade for the paper
will depend on the quality of the expression your ideas and writing skills. Develop your thoughts skillfully and then
provide a clear and precise expression of those thoughts with writing
excellence.
Since there are only two of
these assignments over the course of the semester, it is suggested that each
paper be a minimum of three pages as that should give each student ample time
and space to carefully express their views about the topic.