Consistent with the grading rubric for this paper, the format as follows:
- Introduction (1 page):
- Identify your chosen practice interest topic (topic has to be a macro-level topic)
- Identify the theory, theorist, or major concept of the theory applied to this topic
- Explain the relevance to social work
- Theoretical Insight at the Macro Level (4-5 pages):
- Explain the theory’s insights about any biological, psychological, spiritual, family, or group dynamic aspects relevant to the topic
And/or
- Explain the theory’s insights about any organizational, social, cultural, economic, political, or natural environmental aspects relevant to the topic
- Implications for Social Work Practice (4-5 pages):
- Discuss implications of the theory for social work practice regarding your chosen practice interest, for example, style of helping interaction, therapeutic practices, social change techniques, or other specific helping actions
- Evaluation of the Theory (2-3 pages):
Discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the theory regarding three aspects of quality:
- how well the theory is composed regarding the quality of its form, such as clarity of its concepts, logical and coherent relation between its propositions, parsimony, or comprehensive perspective on human behavior
- how well the theory is supported by empirical evidence (e.g. qualitative and quantitative research)
- how well the theory fits with professional social work purposes and values (e.g. aids holistic understanding of the person and environment, addresses human diversity, and offers approaches relevant to social work practice that promote wellbeing and justice).
- Conclusion (1 page):
Explain your decision about whether you would use this theory in practice, based on the previously presented knowledge and evaluation
- Quality and Format of Writing
- Current APA style is used correctly for format, citations, and references
- All required relevant course readings and materials are used
- At least 8 scholarly sources are used (beyond course materials)
- Includes at least 4 social work related sources
- Includes at least 2 original writings by leading theorist(s)
- Writing is clear and well organized
- Length is 13-15 pages plus references and attachments
*Also, consider the following two aspects: (1) how well the theory takes into account the clients’ expertise and the community’s expertise and knowledge about their situation; (2) how well the theory takes into account the professional’s expertise, practice wisdom, intuition, skills (e.g., in group methods).
Note: Other considerations regarding grading for the First and Second Essay and the Library Science paper includes the following: (1) ability to describe the experience and/or to summarize the theory or concepts with attention to its strengths and limitations for use in social work practice; (2) ability to apply each theory to the experience and/or to social work practice. In addition it is expected that students avoid language that might imply sexual, ethnic, or other kinds of discrimination, stereotyping, or bias, and that does not promote stereotypic or discriminatory attitudes and assumptions about people (NASW Editorial Policy).
This paper will need to be typed, double-spaced with a cover page (no abstract needed), font should be Times New Roman size 12, and inclusive of traditional (normal) one-inch margins. Any references you use need to be completed in APA formatting (7th edition).
