Purpose:

The purpose of this project (paper and presentation) is to allow the student the opportunity 1) to apply his/her knowledge of theories of development to one particular case, 2) to compare and contrast theories of development on their efficacy in examining that case and 3) to describe to others his/her analysis of the case.

Assignment:

Find a person whose experiences/life/present situation you wish to analyze from a developmental perspective. This person may be someone that you know well (e.g., yourself, a relative, or a friend), someone you have read about in fiction or in non-fiction (i.e., in a biography or autobiography), or even a well-fleshed out character from a television show or movie, etc. If you are using someone you know personally, you may wish to interview the person if you do not have enough information about his/her circumstances. This person will provide the information for your case study. After you have chosen a case, you will be analyzing the circumstances of that person’s life from each of the three different developmental paradigms we will have studied. In doing so, you will attempt to explain why that person is the way he/she currently is based on the developmental processes and experiences that may have affected his/her life. The person you choose does not need to have a “problem;” remember developmental theories also describe normal development!

Write Up:

I estimate that the write-up will be approximately 10-14 pages in length (about 2-3 pages per section), typewritten and double-spaced. It is important that your written portion is well-written, organized (subheadings would be helpful here) and free of major errors (syntax, spelling, etc.). You should take the time to edit your work because the written portion is worth 90% of the grade. First drafts are due on Monday, July 28. First drafts should include the case study information and the endogenous critique.

Your paper will be divided into five separate parts.

In Section I please describe your case in as neutral terms as possible. Include all relevant information about your case (e.g., present age, living circumstances, etc., and the problem, if there is one). Your case may be chosen from a number of different sources: an historical figure; a current newsworthy figure; a literary figure; a classic case study subject (e.g., Freud's Dora); a client, friend or relative; or even yourself. If you choose to use yourself, or a client, friend, or relative, be sure to use a pseudonym in order to protect that person's privacy. Your case study may be very focused (e.g., looking at a person's academic development or one's experience in dealing with an acute problem) or more general (focusing on the entire lifespan to that point).

In Sections II – IV of your paper, you will need to analyze your case in terms of three different developmental theories. At least two should illustrate both the endogenous and the exogenous perspectives. For the last perspective you may choose from between the exogenous/contextualist perspective or the constructivist perspective. In each instance, you will be basically answering the question: How would this theory describe this individual or this individual's current state?
 
Develop an explanation for your case using concepts and terminology consistent with the theory. Although it is not necessary to rehash the entire theory in your critique, be sure you are not being contradictory or leaving out important developmental processes (e.g., if you are using a stage theory, you should comment on all the stages up to your case’s current point in development even though you may emphasize one or two stages that are most relevant to your case). Use examples from the case study to indicate what aspects of the case would be emphasized by each theory. If there is a particular problem posed, indicate what pathways for solution would be most fruitful according to each theory.

In Section V of your paper, you will need to critique the efficacy of the theories used. What are the strengths of each in relation to the case study? the weaknesses? Which theory, in your opinion, is most applicable to the case? Why? Include any other observations you feel are relevant.

Papers are due in my office by 10 am, Monday August 25. Late papers will be penalized. Presentations will take place on the last day of class: Wednesday, August 20.

Presentations:

Presentations will take place in small groups on the last regularly scheduled day of class (June 20). Each student will present the case and at least one analysis that he/she applied to the case. As well, there should be some comments on the efficacy of the presented theory. In addition, you should be able to answer questions based on your case. Students should be on time and present for the entire class session; missing the session will mean missing the 10 presentation points towards the project total.

Grading:

Grades for the project will be based on several holistic criteria. Chief among these are: clarity and conciseness, cohesiveness, level of thought, thoroughness, and synthesis with class material. In general, keep the following in mind:

A:  Superior completion of work - Work is turned in on time, is complete (all sections of the case study are addressed), and is relatively error free. Evidence of excellent integration with course material, the use of relevant examples, and an analysis of the material at a deep, thoughtful level. Writing is organized, clear, concise, and shows insight. An A paper will take risks, for example, by using theories from 3 different paradigms, showing an awareness of the strengths and weaknesses of the approaches used, using the theories to explain unique characteristics of the case in question, etc.

B:  Satisfactory completion of work or superior effort towards completion. Generally fine work, but weak in some aspects as compared to superior completion of work. A B paper could be described as competent, but not inspired.

C:  Adequate completion of work or effort towards completion. Drawbacks in one’s work are present which may be evidenced by weaknesses in two or more of the following areas: late or incomplete assignment, superficial development of the topic, poor organization and presentation, sloppy presentation, moderate grammatical and technical errors in writing.

D:  Minimal completion of work or effort towards completion. Minimally acceptable work with significant errors in writing and showing little understanding of the assignment.

F:  Unsatisfactory completion of work or effort towards completion. Unacceptable work with several major deficiencies.