The final course assignment is problem solution paper focused on resolving a problem or issue related to military members and/or veterans. The paper should analyze the problem/issue in depth using the course materials and outside sources. It should examine the underlying assumptions of the problem/issue and apply at least two theories in understanding and resolving the problem/issue. The problem/issue must be clinical. Students should clearly label their papers as either a policy analysis.
Paper Topic
• Alcohol abuse in the US military
The paper should be 10-12 pages long, double-spaced with one-inch margins all around, in Times New Roman 12pt. font. APA Style should be used throughout.
Content (70%): Requirements:
The paper should include (a):
1. Review the literature around the problem/issue. This section should compare and contrast different perspectives on the problem/issue and include an analysis of the underlying assumptions of the problem. For example, an underlying assumption around military suicides that it is significant problem in all of the services. The evidence, however, shows that the Navy and Air Force suicide rates have never been above the matched civilian rates. Another assumption might be that the United States government should spare no expense provide for veterans. The assumptions around the problem/issue can be correct, incorrect, or both. You need to bring out some of the assumptions and explore their impact on how the problem is framed as well as the accuracy of the assumption.
2. Discussion of an underlying theory that helps in the analysis and explanation of this area of interest. This discussion should examine the history of the policies or practices surrounding this problem area as well as current policies and programs that address this area.
3. Provide a solution to the problem/issue. The solutions can either be a clinical application, policy change, or program proposal. Be sure to critically analyze your recommendations. Consider counter arguments to your recommendations and respond to them. The solutions should include an analysis of evidence-based practices that address this problem. For example, you might examine interventions such as prolonged exposure therapy in helping military members and veterans overcome post-traumatic stress disorder.
4. Ethical implications of the issue for social workers. This should include a discussion of potential ethical implications as well as issues of social justice.
5. Include discussion of race, gender, sexual orientation and other diversity issues as appropriate.
6. Your paper should be supported by at least 8 scholarly articles 3 of which should NOT be in the course syllabus. HIGHILIGHT the articles in the reference sheet that are not in the syllabus.
Grading Scale:
Excellent
a. Exceeded the requirements of the assignment.
b. Argument/Main Points were clear and interesting and demonstrated a robust understanding of the course materials.
c. Evidence supported the argument and was varied, specific, and unambiguous.
d. Ideas presented in a logical and coherent fashion with no effort required by the reader.
e. Showed significant personal insights and awareness and related those to future social work practice.
Very Good
a. Met the requirements of the assignment.
b. Argument/Main Points were clear.
c. Evidence supported the claims.
d. Ideas were easy to follow with little effort required by the reader.
e. Showed some personal insights and awareness.
Adequate
a. Met most but not all of the requirements.
b. The central argument/points were present but not clear.
c. Some evidence failed to support the argument/main point.
d. Ideas were difficult to follow or were not logical.
e. Showed little or no personal insights or awareness.
Inadequate
a. Met few of the requirements.
b. No central argument.
c. Evidence failed to support the argument/main point.
d. Ideas were illogical.
e. Show no personal insights or awareness.
Writing (20%): Requirements:
1. Written to graduate level standards of writing.
2. Writing is clear and mechanically sound.
3. Grammar, structure, spelling and punctuation are correct.
4. Sentences are well-structured, complete, clear and concise
