PCO 4310 Intervention in the Addictions

Guidelines for Journal Summary Paper: (required)

A 4-6 page paper that summarizes and critiques a course-related journal article of your choice is required. This brief summary of a professional journal article can be on pertinent topics covered in class or readings, or can be on an issue or addictive behavior not covered in class. Of special interest are articles about some aspect of substance abuse treatment, pathological gambling, binge eating disorder, sexual compulsivity, or internet "addiction" that have been published in the last 2 years. Peruse library and computer resources, and our text and syllabus, to help you pick a topic that really interests you, then get to the library or search online library-based databases. Talk with me if you're stuck or unsure about a topic.

• APA format, following publication manual.
   
• Specific paper topic (name of journal and article title) is due in writing to me by the end of the 4th week of class; all topics/sources must be approved by the instructor. Papers (with attached article) are due on last class date (before final exam) with a 3-point penalty for each day the paper is late, including weekends. Papers will not be accepted after our final exam, so turn it in before the final.
   
• It is recommended that you begin researching and writing your paper early in the semester.  If you haven't written many papers, or have received poor grades on writing assignments in the past, it is strongly recommended that you seek help from the Writing Lab (474-2029).  My teaching assistant or I will be glad to review your paper if you have a complete draft of it ready by April 1st and you want feedback about how to improve it.  It will not be formally graded at this time. While feedback may increase the probability of writing a quality paper, it in no way guarantees you of receiving a top grade.
  
  
• It is crucial that you protect yourself from Plagiarism. There are many resources for you to learn more about this, including a tutorial.
   
• The best papers are well-organized, easily read, contain correct spelling and proper grammar, and summarize/critique a scholarly source (e.g. journal articles, books; no internet web pages).  Please thoroughly proof your papers!
  
  
• The paper will be evaluated on four weighted  (30% each, except for APA format = 10%) criteria:  
  
  • Content - how thorough is the paper relative to length? Is summary of the article or book accurate and sensical? Does critique of the article (and methods used in the study if applicable) add to summary in a meaningful way? Quality of professional source used?
  • Organization - how well is paper integrated?  Does it flow well?
  • Writing Style - clarity of writing, spelling, grammar etc.
  • APA Format - Does paper contain an abstract? Title page? If used, are other references cited appropriately in text and on a reference page?

Some Professional Journals in Addictions Studies

12-step Reaction Paper: (required)

• In your brief paper discuss your expectations before going to the (open) meeting, what it was like to be there, what struck you as meaningful and interesting during the meeting and how that might be applied to your own life.  Alternative community assignments and written summaries are available if you provide reasonable justification for not attending a self-help group meeting.

 
• These papers are due prior to finals week, and may be turned in early. Check the Weekly Outline for exact dates.

Extra Credit Assignments: (optional) 3 CUMMULATIVE POINTS MAX

1. Keep a current events notebook in which you place relevant course-related articles from magazines and newspapers with your type written reactions to the article.  At least 15 articles and reaction essays must be compiled before you turn it in for credit before finals week.

2. Be a volunteer for at least 35 service learning hours at a community agency through Volunteer UWF! : (474-3114), and write a brief summary of your experiences.

**You will receive 1 cummulative grade point automatically for satisfactory completion of any one of the above extra credit assignments; 2 points for a job well-done, and 3 points for an outstanding effort.

3.  Attend at least 3 (1 cummulative grade point), 4 (2 points), or 5 (3 points) workshops sponsored by the counseling center. Proof of attendance must come from Counseling Center staff.

4.  Participate in a 1 hour personal interview with a graduate student from our counseling program (available this semester - 1 cum point of extra credit)

5.  Other opportunites TBA

---