Application of Theory Paper Rubric
Due Date: 4/26. To be presented in paper form prior to class 4/26 (with the exception of the distance learners who may turn it in electronically.)
For this paper, you will apply two of the many theories we discussed this semester to a past client or a character from a TV show or movie. If you focus on a client, be sure to change enough information to maintain confidentiality. The paper should be 8 pages in length (not counting the title page). Your paper should have five sections. The total points available: 200.
The first section should provide a brief introduction of the client or character. You will use this character throughout your paper. Points possible 10.
The second section (addressing one theory you’ve chosen) should answer the following questions.
• What are at least 3 core concepts in this theory? Explain each. Possible Points 25. For full credit you will exhibit your grasp of each concept and adequately summarize it. • Apply this theory to your client or character: What are his or her strengths and vulnerabilities from that theoretical point of view? Assess this character from this theoretical point of view. Possible points 20
For full credit you will synthesize the main points of the theory and critically and creatively apply it to your client, asesssing them from the chosen theoretical lens. • What would be appropriate interventions for this client from this theoretical point of view? Possible points 15.
For full credit, you will select one or more interventions from the theory, provide a brief summary of them, explain how they might address the client’s presenting problem, and describe how they would be administered to the client.
The third section of your paper (addressing a second, different theory you’ve chosen) should answer the following questions:
• What are at least 3 core concepts in this theory? Explain each. Possible points 25. For full credit, you will exhibit your grasp of each concept and adequately summarize it. • Apply this theory to your character: What are his or her strengths and vulnerabilities from that theoretical point of view? Assess this character from this theoretical point of view. Possible points 15
For full credit, you will synthesize the main points of the theory and critically and creatively apply it to your client, assessing them from the chosen theoretical lens.
• What would be appropriate interventions for this client from this theoretical point of view? Possible points 15.
For full credit, you will select one or more interventions from the theory, provide a brief summary of them and explain how they might address the client’s presenting problem, and describe how they would be administered to the client.
The fourth section in your paper should answer the following:
• Critique each of the theories you chose from a multicultural lens, especially focusing on gender identity, race, ethnicity, class, religion/spirituality, and sexual orientation. How well do these two theories account for diversity? What are their strengths and weaknesses from a multicultural lens? Possible points 20.
For full credit, you will insightfully and critically examine both chosen theories from a multicultural lens, commenting on their respective strengths and weaknesses in application to diverse populations
• How well do these theories align with your own approach to psychotherapy and, more specifically, how you conceptualize client strengths and vulnerabilities and therapeutic change. Possible points 15.
For full credit, you will describe how well each theory aligns with your personal approach to psychotherapy, taking into account your personal conceptualization of therapeutic change (ie. theory of change) and client’s strengths and vulnerabilities (ie. theory of psychopathology)
The fifth section of the paper should address the following:
• Define the terms “transference” and “countertransference.” Describe how these concepts might present in this case if you were this client’s social worker. Be reflective here. Possible points 15.
For full credit, you will accurately define these terms and exhibit your understanding of them by reflexively applying them to yourself and your client.
Additional grading criteria:
• Grammar, mechanics and quality of writing. Possible points 10.
• References. Possible points 10
While page length is not explicitly included as part of the grading rubric, you are expected to follow the length specified above. Papers short of the page length will be docked for not fully developing the main concepts and sections explicated above. Papers over the page length will be docked for prolixity and inability to concisely articulate concepts.
