Major Paper Assignment

In 2010, The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) released a policy statement addressing the complex relationships among children, adolescents, substance abuse, and the media. This assignment requires a critical examination of the AAP publication and a critique of the mediation of substance use, with links made to the AAP statement and course material. Conclusions about the implications of the media portrayals and the policies recommended by the AAP should also be made. Successful completion of this paper will require work over multiple weeks. A two paragraph summary of the proposed example of substance use portrayal in the media is due by the end of Week 3. The full paper is due at the end of Week 7.

This assignment proceeds in four steps:

Preparation

Step One: Read the AAP Policy Statement located in the Classroom Resources folder. Make some notes for yourself about points of agreement or disagreement you have with the statement and specifics.

Step Two: Find a current example of substance use portrayal seen in the media; for example, scenes from a movie, a television show, or a commercial; print ads; or portrayals found in "new media" as discussed in the AAP article. The Internet is a good tool for finding film or television portrayals of substance use as well as examples of print ads if ready access to first-hand media is not available. A two paragraph summary of the proposed example of substance use portrayal in the mean that will be used for the paper is due by the end of Week 3. This proposal is a separate assignment and is worth 10 points.film or television portrayals of substance use as well as examples of print ads if ready access to first-hand media is not available. A two paragraph summary of the proposed example of substance use portrayal in the media that will be used for the paper is due by the end of Week 3. This proposal is a separate assignment and is worth 10 points.

Construction

Step Three: Write the paper. Begin the paper with an introduction that summarizes the main findings of the AAP article and previews what will be covered in the coming pages.

Next, compare and contrast the portrayal of substance use found in the media with the information learned about that substance in the class and textbook. What messages about the substance are being portrayed? How accurate are those messages regarding the current data on substance use? Be sure to cite the textbook as needed.messages about the substance are being portrayed? How accurate are those messages relative to the actual data on substance use? Be sure to cite the textbook as needed.

Continue by comparing and contrasting the portrayal of substance used in the media with the criticism of media portrayals found in the AAP paper. Does the media example match their arguments or contradict them? What links and connections can be made? Be sure to cite the article as needed.

Next, draw some conclusions about the portrayal of substance used in the media, addressing the following: What are the implications of this type of portrayal? What messages are being and to whom? Are these messages an accurate representation of the use of this substance? Should media portrayals be required to be accurate in their depictions of use, showing both positive and negative consequences?

Finally, review the guidelines suggested by the AAP at the end of their policy statement and address the following: Although directed specifically at pediatricians, which of those recommendations is most important? Why? Are these recommendations necessary? If followed, will they be effective in addressing the concerns raised earlier in the article? Be sure to cite sources as needed.

Step Four: Proofread and spell-check the finished paper.

The required length of this paper is  11 pages, plus a required cover page and a reference list.  Papers must comply with APA formatting rules, including font size and margins, and must have a scholarly focus and tone. Quoting of published material and use of the first-person "I" are not permitted and will result in point loss. All source material should be paraphrased into your own words and cited appropriately.

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