Section outline

    • Position Paper on SUD Treatment Assignment
      Opened: Monday, June 9, 2025, 12:00 AM
      Due: Sunday, July 13, 2025, 11:59 PM

      This is where you take a real, grounded stance on a controversial or complex issue in the field of substance use work. Your goal is to make a clear argument that shows critical thinking, ethical awareness, and real engagement with the course material. 

      Some examples of possible topics include:

      - harm reduction vs. abstinence-based recovery

      - mandated/coerced treatment

      - racial disparities in access to care or criminalization

      - the role of Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)

      - Spirituality in treatment

      - decriminalization, legalization

      - any other topic you've been wrestling with. Pitch you idea if unsure!

      This isn't a research paper or literature review. It's an opportunity to demonstrate that you've thought something through and can defend your perspective with clarity, nuance, and integrity.

      Requirements:

      - 5-6 pages (double spaced)

      - Choose a specific and meaningful issue

      - Take a clear stance and build a well-supported argument

      - Acknowledge nuance, complexity, and possible counterpoints

      - Cite at least 4-6 scholarly sources

      - Use APA-style citations (don't stress perfection)

      Criteria Excellent (5) Good (3-4) Needs Improvement (1-2)
      Clarity of Position & Argument Takes a clear, meaningful stance and develops it with depth and nuance Position is clear; argument is generally strong but may lack depth in places Position is vague, undeveloped, or unsupported
      Integration of Course Material and Scholarship Skillfully incorporates 4-6 course readings or scholarly sources to support claims and demonstrate depth Use sources to support argument, though integration may be surface-level or uneven Minimal use of course material; sources are unclear, misused, or missing
      Engagement with Complexity Thoughtfully addresses counterpoints, ethical tensions, and structural dimensions of the issue Attempts to address multiple sides; may lack depth or miss key complexity Paper avoids nuance or oversimplifies the issues
      Voice, Organization, Style Writing is clear, organized, and engaging. Tone is persuasive and professional Writing is mostly clear and organized; minor issues with flow or tone Disorganized, unclear, or overly casual; hard to follow argument
      Citation & Formatting APA style used accurately for all citations and references Minor APA issues; mostly correct formatting Missing or inaccurate citations; APA not followed
    • Independent Project Proposal Assignment
      Opened: Monday, June 9, 2025, 12:00 AM

      Submit a short paragraph (no more than a handful of sentences) outlining your plan for the final project. Include the format you're thinking of, the topic or focus you're thinking of, and how it connects to course themes. This is just to make sure you're on the right track. I'll follow up if I have feedback or suggestions. See the Independent Project description on Moodle for examples. 

    • Principles of Harm Reduction URL
    • Housing First Model URL
    • Housing First Works URL
    • Required Readings Folder
    • Bonus Readings Folder