13 APPENDIX A: DETAILED ASSIGNMENT DESCRIPTION For all papers, students should follow the 7th edition APA guidelines for paper formatting, writing style, bias free language, citation and reference lists. All submitted student papers should be proofed for grammar, spelling and typos. Students should follow the Fordham University guidelines on academic integrity and plagiarism. Midterm Paper (30%): The midterm will be in the form of a paper in analyzing a family case provided by the instructor. It aims at helping students to grasp and apply the essential concepts in family systems theories when working with families: Apply the family systems concepts you have learned from the readings, lectures, discussions and videos to analyze the case provided by addressing the following questions: 1. What is the presenting problem(s)? State clearly and succinctly the presenting problem(s) of this family, that is, what caused them to come in for help or be referred by others for help. Do you see other issues as well? 2. What is your assessment of the structures and dynamics of the family (including boundaries, subsystems, power and hierarchy, triangulations, function of symptoms, communication patterns, family rules, etc., where applicable)? 3. What are some of the ways in which the family is handling their problems or relating to each other that have reinforced or exacerbated the problems (related to the concept of circular causality or mutual reinforcement)? 4. What do you see are the strengths of this family? 5. What is your assessment of the ecological resources (from the larger systems beyond the nuclear family) and limitations of this family? 6. How would you define the specific treatment goals for this family which address both the presenting and your assessed problems? 7. Based on what you have learned so far from this course, suggest two specific intervention strategies and directions in working with this family to attain your stated treatment goals, which could be at the level of the subsystems, family systems or the larger ecological context. Instructions: 1) Use double line spacing and font size 12 in your answers. 2) Limit your answers to 5-6 pages. 3) Apply the concepts you have learned directly in analyzing the case by simply stating them. Do not give explanations of these theoretical concepts from the readings. 4) Give evidences from the case material in support of your assessment of the family dynamics and structures. 5) The intervention strategies should be specific, and family systems oriented instead of individual oriented. 6) The format of your paper could be in an essay or point form, as long as it is clear, and grammatical [in complete sentences]. 7) Completed paper should be uploaded to the online platform in word documents 2 days after date of class. Late papers will affect the grade. If there is a special reason for delay, you should notify the instructor for consideration at least a day before the deadline.