PSYCHOLOGY OF SEXUAL ORIENTATION
TERM PAPER
For this paper, you will conduct a project concerning a current issue that pertains to LGBTIQ individuals, or to the LGBTIQ community. Below, I’ve included some examples of topics, although feel free to choose a topic of your own.
· Gay marriage
· Lesbian and gay parenting
· Religion and spirituality
· Coming out
· Hate crimes
· Internalized homophobia
· Workplace issues
· Legal rights
· HIV/AIDS
· Children of lesbian/gay parents
· Sexual orientation and race/ethnicity
· Intersex conditions
· Domestic violence
· S/M and other alternative sexual practices
· Health issues
· Transgender issues
The list of potential topics is endless! This is just a list to generate some ideas – you are not restricted to just this list. Please be sure to have your topic approved by me before you begin working on your paper. Once you choose your topic, you will research the following issues:
1. Literature review. For this section of your paper, you will examine research journals, news magazines, and/or books for information about your topic, and you will provide a summary of that information. You are required to have a minimum of 5 sources. No more than one source can be from the Internet (with the exception of online databases). Peer-reviewed journals and research-based books should be your primary resources. I suggest you use ProQuest Psychology Journals and Infotrac (two research databases you can access through the SCC library) to locate appropriate sources.
How do I write a literature review?
When you are writing your literature review, you might begin with articles that address the nature of the problem or issue, then summarize articles that conduct research on how to deal with the issue or problem. Try to summarize the information without restating the entire article. I can provide you with samples of literature reviews if you are feeling stuck.
The literature review portion of your paper should be about 3-5 pages long. Be sure to use APA style when citing your references.
2. Resource identification. After you conduct your literature review, you will present one example of a resource in Sacramento that pertains to or addresses this issue. You will likely have to do some detective work to find out about LGBT resources in the Sacramento area. For example, you can contact the Lambda Community Center (www.saccenter.org) to gather information about community resources. You can also find information in local LGBT publications, such as Mom Guess What (www.mgwnews.com).
Once you identify a resource, you will need to present an in-depth profile of what they offer. I strongly suggest that you call an actual person affiliated with that resource and conduct an interview. If the resource has an actual office, I suggest you visit that office and meet with staff in person. In your profile of the resource, please address the following questions:
· Where is the resource located?
· How long has this resource been available?
· What specific services does the resource offer? (This will probably be the longest and most detailed part of this section).
· How easy or difficult is it for an individual to find and utilize this resource? Is the resource well-utilized?
· Does this resource address the need in Sacramento adequately?
I also suggest you discuss your own personal reactions to your interactions with staff/personnel/volunteers associated with the resource. Did you feel welcomed? Were all your questions answered? Was the environment accepting and non-judgmental?