Research Paper

This learning experience will complement the material covered through class lectures, assigned readings, and writing. The exploration project focuses on human transformation based on the practical nature of biblical wisdom. This can serve as an aid toward becoming a better person. From biblical point of view, God extends kindness and forgiveness to human beings because they are morally prone to sin. Divine instruction provides guidance for the work of transformation that is communal based. We do not grow by ourselves but in honest relationships with others.

What You Should Do

1. Conduct a research online for information about the most effective programs dealing with changing addictive behavior. You will want to learn about the history and philosophy of the sponsoring organization you plan to visit, its objectives and approach, its success rates, etc. This should be done before you attend a group meeting.
2. Attend a regular group meeting of a Twelve-Step Program engaged in human transformation such as Alcoholic Anonymous (AA). For a list of organizations see List of twelve-step groups in Wikipedia. The group does not need to be affiliated with Christianity. Your presence at the meeting is obligatory. Be informed that no recording is allowed in the meetings of anonymous groups. In your report you must provide the time, the date, and the address of the meeting which you attended.
3. Write a summary of your research (step 1, above), followed by an abbreviated report of what was said and done during the meeting (step 2, above). The results of your research plus the report from the meeting should be 700 or more words in length. Then write your personal reflection of no less than 300 words. Your complete report will total at least 1,000 words. There is no maximum limit to word count. At the end of the report you will provide a list of at least three (3) online and/or published sources used to prepare yourself for the visit. All information used in your report must be acknowledged with quotes enclosed in quotation marks. A failure to observe these standards or submitting the work of another as ones own may result in a failing grade.

Standards for Grading (max. 50 points)

1. Quality and completeness of your advanced preparation for the group meeting (10).
2. Clarity of the summary about the meeting (20).
3. The length and level of mature informed reflection and critical analysis on relevant issues and information by each person submitting an exploration report (20).

Please follow the instructions regarding minimum word count. Deductions for inadequate word count will be made on a pro-rated basis. You are expected to use a clear writing style in Standard English and follow the assignments instructions in order to receive full credit.