Write a paragraph of at least 100 of your own words summarizing what you read – what are the main ideas of the article? What did the author(s) want you to take away?

Alice Walker’s “Everyday Use” as well as Toni Cade Bambara’s “The Lesson”. 

1. Write a paragraph of at least 100 of your own words summarizing what you read – what are the main ideas of the article? What did the author(s) want you to take away?

2. Write a paragraph of at least 150 words of your own “reader’s response” – What did you think about what you read? How did the reading connect to your own experiences? How can you connect your article to the readings from this week?

We hear in the media about the problem of teens selling prescription medications on the street, including those used to treat ADHD. How serious is this concern and what can society do?

Weekly Reflection 5

1. Should ADHD-PI be considered a separate disorder from ADHD-HI and ADHD-C? Have students research some of the studies that have demonstrated or suggested that ADHD-PI is a completely separate psychological disorder. Ask students to decide whether the research has swayed them in either direction, and why.

2. Some commonly followed treatments for ADHD have not been scientifically substantiated, including restricted or modified diets, treatments for allergies, treatment for inner ear problems, treatments for yeast infections, megavitamins, chiropractic adjustment and bone alignment, eye training, special colored glasses, and biofeedback. Have students research some of these unsupported treatments, as well as the literature that questions their empirical use.

3. Can a diagnosis of ADHD be used as a defense when an individual has committed a crime? It appears to be used more and more, but does it work? Have students research this topic and provide case examples in which ADHD has been used to argue mental illness (see “Admitted robber gets 17 years in jail for diner stickup”, Staten Island Advance, September 25, 2003).
What are the implications of a successful defense for the field of mental health and society in general?

4. How much influence should schools have in deciding whether a child should be placed on stimulant medication? There are several recent cases in which parents have been charged with educational neglect for choosing not to give their children Ritalin. For an example see “Parents lose fight to take 8-year-old off Ritalin: Child’s hyperactivity disrupted classes, school officials say” The Sunday Gazette Mail, October 22, 2000, Charleston, West Virginia (http://www.wvgazette.com). Have students search the internet for related legal or ethical cases.

5. In 2000, lawsuits were filed against the manufacturers of Ritalin and the American Psychiatric Association in California, New Jersey, and Texas. The lawsuits alleged that the drug manufacturers and the psychiatric association conspired to “create” a disease/disorder and hype the benefits of Ritalin as the mode of treatment. For a news article on the suits see “Maker of Ritalin, psychiatric group sued”, The Wall Street Journal, Thursday, September 14, 2000. Can a disorder be “created”? Is it possible that there may be political, economic, or other “hidden” agendas involved in the diagnosis and treatment of ADHD and other problems of childhood? If so, what may some of these be?

6. There are numerous myths and concerns regarding stimulant use for the treatment of ADHD in children. Have students research some of these misconceptions or other common myths and concerns regarding stimulant use for the treatment of ADHD (see National Institute of Mental Health (1994). Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: Decade of the Brain. NIH Publication No. 94-3572, for a discussion of some of the more common misconceptions).

7. As indicated in the text, it is estimated that about 1.3 million children in North America take Ritalin on a regular basis. Children as young as 2 years of age are currently receiving prescriptions for methylphenidate, even though the drug has only been tested and approved from children 6 years of age and older. Is it ethical to subject preschoolers to clinical trials of Ritalin? Have students research and identify some of the ethical issues in conducting these kinds of studies on young children (see “Scandal! They haven’t tested Ritalin on the children it’s prescribed for! Scandal! They’re going to test Ritalin on the children!,” The Washington Post, January 2, 2001).

8. A great deal of hype is now surrounding the new ADHD medication Strattera™. Have students research this medication and why physicians, pediatricians, teachers, and parents are so interested in it as the new “wonder drug”. Compare and contrast it with other common ADHD medications (see “New drug for attention deficit, hyperactivity, gains, as school starts”, Miami Herald, September 6, 2003).

9. Many different computer tests have been created to “simulate” ADHD-like difficulties with attention and impulsivity (e.g., CPT). How do these tests compare to paper-and-pencil tests? Have students research some of the widely used tests of attention and compare and contrast them in terms of usefulness.

10. We hear in the media about the problem of teens selling prescription medications on the street, including those used to treat ADHD. How serious is this concern and what can society do? Have students research the extent of this problem and identify some possible solutions to the issue (see “Figures showing problem widespread”, The Tennessean, September 22, 2003).

What question would you investigate during a Learning Cluster? Describe why this topic is one you are passionate about and how you envision solving or supporting this particular issue.

Learning Cluster or research seminar

During January block, Soka students participate in a Learning Cluster or research seminar where students work in teams with faculty to propose, research, and model constructive approaches to local, regional and/or global issues. What question would you investigate during a Learning Cluster? Describe why this topic is one you are passionate about and how you envision solving or supporting this particular issue.

Describe in detail what data analysis techniques would be appropriate to apply to your proposed study and justify why they are appropriate.

Pro and cons of paying college athletes

Your final Data Analysis Report must be between 400-500 words and include the following:

State your variables and hypotheses.
Describe in detail what data analysis techniques would be appropriate to apply to your proposed study and justify why they are appropriate.
Explain why these are appropriate for your study. Be specific and include the appropriate statistical tests.
Refer to the information provided in your readings and resource

How is the white savior complex different than pop culture heroes? The same ? Do you think today’s hero is only real if it’s someone from pop culture or someone from your personal life? Explain

Who or what is a hero? (Humanities Discussion)

Please answer one or more of the below questions.

1) What is an example of white saviorism? explain.

2) How is the white savior complex different than pop culture heroes? The same ?

3) Do you think today’s hero is only real if it’s someone from pop culture or someone from your personal life? Explain

4) Do you think the two “heroes” from the two articles are related why or why not?

What is the problem with the hero according to the article in the Atlantic? What are the commonalities between the articles ? Any conclusions about the figure of the hero in our society?

Deconstructing the hero (Humanities Paper)

Write a one-page (12 point font, double spaced) paper that addresses one (or more) of the following questions:

1) What is the problem with the hero according to the article in the Atlantic?

2) What are the commonalities between the articles ?

3) Any conclusions about the figure of the hero in our society?

4) Choose one of your heroes (fictional, not someone you know personally) and apply each step of the hero’s journey (Joseph Campbell’s theory). Elaborate in detail and in full sentences of how their story applies to these steps.

What do you think about the idea of putting an economic value on ecosystem services, as discussed in the NPR article? Is this possible? What would be the advantages and disadvantages of this approach?

Iceberg model of systems thinking

1.What is likely to happen over time as a positive feedback loop occurs, and why are positive feedback loops a potential concern in relation to climate change? Use a specific example of a positive feedback loop in your answer.

2.Consider the iceberg model of systems thinking discussed in the Sweeney article. Give an example of a problem in your life (could be social, professional, environmental, etc.) and explain how the iceberg model can be applied to it. Be sure to identify 1) the event 2) the patterns 3) the structure, and 4) the mental model.

3.What are three examples of ecosystem services that you can identify in your immediate environment (say, within a mile of where you live)? For each of your examples, indicate which category of ecosystem service it belongs to.

4.What do you think about the idea of putting an economic value on ecosystem services, as discussed in the NPR article? Is this possible? What would be the advantages and disadvantages of this approach?

5.Are you optimistic about the potential for widespread systems change to address current planetary crises? Why or why not?
Grading Rubric (100 points)
1. Mention at least 5 specific points as you address these 5 questions. (40 points)
2. Explanation at a critical level, not just recitation of facts. (30 points)
3. Respond (thoughtfully) to at least one other post. (20 points)
4. Length of first post, around 300 words. (10 points)

Based on your understanding of the material below, what do you think is the most challenging aspect of public opinion polling in contemporary politics?

Political cartoon

Discussion Details GOVT 2305 – Federal Government (CRN #14680)
As discussed in Module 6, some recent election results have differed from election poll predictions. For this discussion, consider the consequences this might have on public trust in polling as a means of measuring public opinion, especially opinions about candidates and voting choices.
Take a look at this political cartoon illustrated by Gary Varvel.
In your opinion, what point is the cartoonist trying to make? Do you agree or disagree with his opinion? Based on your understanding of the material below, what do you think is the most challenging aspect of public opinion polling in contemporary politics?
Before responding to this question, read the essays and watch the videos posted below. Your post should demonstrate a good understanding of the topic. Be sure to use good English grammar and composition skills. Your response is worth up to 3 bonus points – Be sure to take your time to do this assignment well! Refer to the page on Course Discussions for more detailed information about grading.
Remember: To receive full credit, your post must be 200 words.
It should also specifically mention the title, author, or source of at least one of the articles or videos posted below.
Late posts will not be awarded any extra credit points.
Ted-Ed Video on the Pros and Cons of Public Opinion Polls
Essay on the Problems with Polling by Joshua Clinton, a Vanderbilt University political science professor
Politico analysis on the inaccuracy of the 2020 presidential

Interview

Individual Process Recording

Write up a verbatim account of an interview/session with a client as soon as possible after the meeting. Write about an interaction that was problematic, difficult, or anxiety-provoking since these will provide an excellent learning experience for you, though in general, account for as much of the exchange as possible.

 

1.     ASSESSMENT OF INTERVIEW

How would you describe this interview? Did it go well or were there any problems you encountered? Please describe:

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.     EVALUATION:

Evaluate your interactions with the client and explain the interventions used (refer to theories and skills learned; strengths perspective, PROP lens, systems theory, ecological perspective, and all of your micro skills covered in classes 4 and 5)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3.     FUTURE PLANS:

What will you do next?

 

 

 

 

 

4.     What did you learn?

 

 

 

Individual Process Recording Worksheet

Account of Interview/Session (after meeting) Fill out the first three columns for one major interaction.

Client Said Student Said Student’s Thoughts/Feelings Field Instructor’s Comment
       

 

Discuss one thing that Continental Congress could do and one that Congress could not do under the articles of confederation

All the information for the essay is found in the modules. Please use the definitions from the modules to define the concepts from the outline.

Question:
After obtaining its independence, the newly freed American states decided to create a new government. In fact, they wrote a constitution named “the Articles of Confederation.” However, this first form of government did not really work in our country. Therefore, the framers of the constitution decided to write a new document. In order to have a better understanding of our current government and constitution it is essential to know why our government emerged, the document that established rules in our first government, the type of government that we first had and its failure, our new government and constitution. Please finish your essay by comparing and contrasting the articles of confederation with the U.S. Constitution.
Address the following concepts in your essay:
a) Define social contract (1 point)
b) Define constitution (1 point)
c) Define confederation (1 point)
d) Provide two characteristics of the articles of confederation (1 point)
e) Discuss one thing that Continental Congress could do and one that Congress could not do under the articles of confederation (1 point)
f) Provide at least two reasons about why the document (articles of confederation) failed (1 point)
g) Discuss Shay’s rebellion (1 point)
h) Define Representative and Direct democracy (2 points)
i) Define Majestic Vagueness (1 point)
j) Define the concept of Separation of powers and list the branches (1 point)
k) Define the concept of checks and balances (1 point)
l) Checks and balances (provide one way in which each branch checks on each other) (3 points)
m) Compare and contrast the articles of confederation with the U.S. constitution (4 points -2 similarities and 2 differences)
n) The assignment is written in an essay form, it is grammatically correct and sources are cited correctly (1 point)
Total points: 20