Theory

 Instructions

1. Snapshot description: The basic task of this 2-3 pg paper is to choose the theory that most appeals to you, explain why, in terms of your own personal experiences and/or logical analysis, then compare/contrast it with a competing theory.

Detailed description:  This final writing assignment has two components.

Part A:  First, I'd like you to discuss your " theoretical orientation."  You might wonder what is meant by "theoretical orientation" -- In a nutshell- it's the theory to which you find yourself oriented, i.e., the one you think stands above the others as most useful or valid. 

This task is  no t about developing a theory of your own; it's about forming a sort of intellectual commitment to an existing theoretical framework and providing an explanation about why you endorse that theory.  Evaluation will not be based on which theory you choose. Please choose that which appeals to you. 

 

Spend some time thinking about everything you've learned and consider one approach from the book that seems especially valid and/or useful to you.

*Please assume the reader (your professor) is already quite knowledgeable about the theory.  Do not devote page space to summarizing the theory! Instead, focus on explaining why you are drawn to the theory, what aspects of the theory you agree with and especially why. Think about its explanatory or practical utility.

 Also examine any aspects of the theory you might disagree with, and why.

 

*The key task is to present a coherent description of how  you've come to favor this theory as a result of  your personal experiences and/or worldview. Therefore, a first person narrative style is recommended for this paper.

Part B:  The second component of this paper is to compare/contrast the theory you favor with any other theory. You may choose to select a comparison theory that has some shared features or one that is substantially different. Discuss possible applications of each theory, noting any specific situations in which the comparison theory may be more useful than your preferred theory.