FTS 100 Compare and Contrast Paper

145 POINTS

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

For possible topics, see the choices listed below. Due dates for each project are also listed. You will sign up for one of the project choices the first week of classes. Once a topic is chosen, it is no longer available so make your selections early in the course. If you have some other ethical/controversial health-related issue you wish to investigate, discuss the topic with Dr. Herman.

Possible TOPICS:

1. Chemical dependency treatment programs do not meet the needs of addicts who are women.
due ____________ ___________________

2. Women alcoholics are treated differently by the health care system than male alcoholics.
due ___________ ___________________

3. Domestic violence is directly related to culturally defined gender roles and issues.
due ___________ ___________________

4. Sexual harassment against women is less prevalent today than in the past ten years due to better awareness of expectations and laws.
due ___________ ___________________

5. The legal system victimizes women who have been sexually assaulted.
due ___________ ___________________

6. Media images and messages regarding gender negatively affect perceived body image of teenage girls.
due___________ ___________________

7. Employers often refuse to hire qualified women who are overweight/obese.
due ___________ ___________________

8. Magazines designed for men that portray women as sexual objects promote sexual violence against women.
due ___________ ___________________

9. Tobacco companies intentionally target young women through a variety of advertising strategies.
due ___________ ____________________

10. Because the health care system in America treats Caucasian women very differently than women of color, women of color are a greater risk of health-related problems.
due ___________ ____________________

11. Premenstrual Syndrome is too frequently misdiagnosed and inadequately treated by health care providers..due ___________ ____________________

12. Ageism negatively affects the health status and quality of health care available to older women in our culture.
due ___________ ____________________

13. Because of the many health risks associated with Hormone Replacement Therapy, postmenopausal women should not use this method of treatment.
due ___________ _____________________

14. The quality of health care available to lesbian women is affected by misconceptions and stereotypes.
due __________ _____________________

15. Use of Assistive Reproductive Technologies is primarily available only to women of wealth and privilege in the U.S.
due __________ _____________________

16. Breast augmentation is unnecessary cosmetic surgery with far too many risks.
due __________ _____________________

17. Cohabitation before marriage reduces the likelihood of eventual marriage and a stable monogamous relationship.
due __________ _____________________

18. Women who use midwives for childbirth are taking unnecessary risks.
due_____________ _____________________

19. In 2007, Title IX is an outdated law no longer needed to protect women athletes from discrimination.
due_____________ _____________________

20. Women who are incarcerated in American prisons are often denied adequate healthcare.
due____________ _____________________

21. Some religious institutions set unrealistic expectations that restrict a woman’s choices regarding contraception.
due____________ _____________________

22. In the U.S., philanthropic support for breast cancer research (e.g. pink ribbon campaign and events) reduces available funding and contributions for research on other forms of female cancers.
due____________ _____________________

23. Spiritual health and beliefs improve the quality of relationships and overall health of women.
due____________ _____________________

24. In western culture, we overemphasize self esteem which creates a sense of entitlement among American youth.
due___________ _______________________

25. Same-sex marriage is inappropriately condemned by many Americans in the U.S. primarily due to ultra-conservative religious groups.
due___________ _______________________

RESEARCHING YOUR TOPIC:

Use one of the techniques we considered in class which can be used to “brainstorm” a topic (a web, outline of what you know about the topic, questions you need to know more about, etc.). Consider the types of information you are looking for, and the words or search terms you need to try when using databases in the library. For help with this, first review the chapter most closely related to your topic in our textbook. You can also go to the library and ask a reference librarian for help if you need it. Our class visit to the library should help you think about indexes and possible ways to access the six articles you will need.

REFERENCES: You must use at least 3 sources that argue one side of the issue and 3 that offer other viewpoints and research related to your topic. For example, if our topic is number 1 listed above, you would find at least three good sources that explore the effectiveness of substance abuse treatment for women and you would then find 3 additional sources that argue for changes in treatment for women. When you find a really good current article, be sure you review its bibliography...this is an easy way to find other articles! Use APA format to create a bibliography. Remember that when researching health-related topics it is essential to carefully evaluate the quality of the source and be sure you use sources no older than 2002. Remember to keep a “working bibliography” using APA format as you conduct research.

In choosing your articles, critical thinking and analysis is essential. Remember our discussion in the library about what constitutes a scholarly article. I expect only good articles to be used in this paper. If you are in doubt about any article, come and discuss it with me before you begin your paper.

THE FIVE-PAGE PAPER WITH BIBLIOGRAPHY USING APA
FORMAT FOR CITATIONS AND BIB.

Step 1: Think about your topic and the kinds of information you must locate and use. Develop a CONCEPT MAP/WEB using either MS Word or Inspiration to help you think through your topic. This assignment is due on ____________. 10 points for quality of thought and appropriate design using MS Word or Inspiration.

Step 2: Consider Dr. Herman’s feedback on your web and what is included. Then begin your library research and find the six articles you need. (See above description for requirements and be sure to review the appropriate section (Conducting Research) within The Everyday Writer by Lunsford.) In step 2, you will prepare a preliminary description of the articles and content you found using the following format. This step 2 assignment is completed using 12 point print, Times New Roman or Arial, single-spaced, 2-3 pages in length.

STEP 2 Assignment- Preparation for the Compare and Contrast Paper

Your Name:
Formal Topic You Chose (exact wording as above in topics section):

Article 1: Pro side of the issue

APA bibliographic format for this article should be included here.
Then, describe the major concepts included within this article.
Next, explain the primary position of the author/intent of the author.
And finally, explain why you are choosing this article.

Article 2: Pro side of the issue

Article 3: Pro side of the issue

Article 4: Opposition points of view

Article 5: Opposition points of view

Article 6: Opposition points of view

20 points possible

Step 3: Consider feedback given on the step 2 assignment and then move forward with writing your first draft. If an article needs to be replaced, do so before you do any further work on this assignment. In step 3, you will complete the first draft of the paper. It is due on _________ and should meet the following criteria:
(You will use the bold text as sub-headings within your paper.)

*Clear Introduction with Thesis at the end of the introduction

*Exploration of the research on the pro side of the issue/topic:
-effective paragraphs that identify and explore common themes within the pro side articles;
solid use of transitions and citations are in APA format
-integrates information and quotes from all three pro side sources but does NOT analyze information
from each separate source
-shows evidence of critical assessment and thinking about the pro side arguments
-Includes summary of pro side arguments and transitions to opposition viewpoints

*Exploration of the research on opposition viewpoints
-effective paragraphs that identify and explore common themes within the opposing viewpoints articles;
solid use of transitions and citations are in APA format

-integrates information and quotes from all three opposition viewpoint sources but does NOT analyze
information from each separate source

-shows evidence of critical assessment and thinking about the opposition side arguments

-Includes summary of opposition side arguments and transitions to analysis part of the paper

*Analysis of Research

This part of your paper shows evidence of critical thinking as you weigh all viewpoints and arguments regarding your topic. Explain the strongest arguments, and what makes them powerful arguments. State a research-based clear position regarding your topic. For example, if your exact topic is:

“Sexism is still very prevalent within medical school culture”, but you found strong evidence-based information that this is not the case, say so and explain why you are taking this position. Reiterate the major arguments that clearly show sexism no longer exists or has been seriously reduced in medical schools.

*Closure
Move into your closure section with a brief summary of pro and opposition viewpoints. Restate your topic so that it correctly reflects the research you reviewed. Then use a technique such as a quote that supports your final position, revisit a question or scenario used in the introduction, or use some other technique we discussed for effective introductions and closures.

*Bibliography
All sources are listed in alphabetical order by author’s last name and APA format is correctly used. There will be six sources in the bibliography.

Herman’s Final Comments on Step 3

Edit very carefully; Ask a classmate to read and critique your first draft; then revise BEFORE you submit it for first draft grading

I grade a first draft based on the following:

Was the appropriate format used?
Were all directions followed?
Are all parts included?
Is there evidence of serious effort and critical thinking?
Was the first draft well-edited? (I realize there will be mistakes but a first draft should NOT be riddled with typo and punctuation errors.)

20 points

Step 4 of CC Paper: Two peers will critique your first complete draft as will Dr. Herman and/or the Writing Center Assistant for this course.

Step 5: You will meet with your instructor and/or writing center assistant to discuss how to improve your paper. You will sign up for an appointment time.

Step 6: Make final revisions based on written and oral suggestions, and prepare to submit the final draft. If the instructor/writing assistant recommends that you prepare another draft, you will be expected to follow through with this recommendation. Final draft is due on _____________. 80 points

Rubric for Grading the Final Draft

Quality of introduction; catches reader’s attention- innovative topic sentence; provides basic background material on the topic; clear thesis which reveals the position for the paper
8 points

Thorough exploration of pro and opposition sides of the issue; adequacy of research support based on use of the 6 articles; effective use of APA citations; quotes are effective; paraphrasing and explanations show evidence of critical thinking
40 points

Compare and Contrast section meets all criteria listed in assignment description; shows evidence of critical thinking and analytical skills; draws appropriate conclusions based on the research and prevailing opinion within the discipline
20 points

Closure is effective; reiterates major points, summarizes research conclusions, and uses a quote or other technique which leaves the reader thinking about the position which was presented and defended
6 points

Bibliography meets all criteria as listed within the assignment description
6 points

(Structure of the paper is effective and appropriate transitions are used;
thesis is carried throughout the paper; well-edited…these criteria are graded within all of the above sections)

Step 7: Oral Presentation of the Paper

Expectations:

1) Use a catchy, innovative introduction to gain audience attention...a role play, a brief video clip, a reading, a song lyric related to your topic, a poem, etc.

2) Use at least one well prepared and professional audiovisual that you create. Examples might include an overhead, video, graph, computer generated visual aid, etc.

Be sure you warn Dr. Herman about any equipment that might be needed so it can be ordered/reserved. No power point presentations!

3) Your presentation will last 15 minutes followed by a 5 minute Q/A session. You need to be well prepared!

4) Be prepared to answer questions following your presentation.
Remember that your research explored a “controversial issue” so be
sure your responses reflect that research.

5) You may speak from notes but I will ABSOLUTELY STOP YOU IF YOU TRY TO READ! You may not have your actual paper in front of you.

6) Use a definite closure which challenges us to think about what we just heard. A closure or conclusion can include a reading, a poem, a song lyric, or other creative means to end the presentation.

GRADING THE PRESENTATION:

Introduction – captures audience attention and introduces topic in no more than 2 minutes 3 pts.

Quality of the audiovisual aid prepared and used...effective use 4 pts.

Level of organization and effective delivery 5 pts.

Presentation explains the major arguments associated with topic 10 pts.

Closure is effective, appropriate 3 pts.

25 points total for presentation