The final paper (with both sections) will be submitted at the end of the semester and should include a cover page and reference page. Use APA style headings, format*, citations/references. *Title page is required, an abstract is not. Part I. Description & Literature Review 

Select a topic related to the course (infancy through late adulthood).

Prepare a literature review on the topic. This literature review should summarize what you’ve found in reading on this topic. It should NOT be an annotated bibliography; this means the articles should be synthesized in major points rather than discussing each article individually. At least 5 of the 6-8 articles must be scholarly articles. When reading the articles, consider the following:

What is known about the difficulty? (E.g., its prevalence, its negative impacts, disparity by race)

• What sociocultural factors are associated with the onset or maintenance of the difficulty?
• What major themes are discussed in the articles?

Apply the ecological perspective using micro, mezzo, and macro level systems.

Discuss why this topic/issue is relevant to social workers?

Part II: Life Development Theory & Afrocentric Perspective 

• Continue researching your selected topic.
• Use a development theory within your discussion (e.g. Piaget, Freud, Erikson).
• Describe normative development or developmental tasks (physical, cognitive, moral, emotional, or social) that must be accomplished
• Discuss how the issue/difficulty influence the normative development, consider the implications or challenges for future development.
• Use 2-3 scholarly citations for the theories and information related to your topic

Use the Afrocentric Perspective to discuss and explore your topic.

Briefly explain the Afrocentric Perspective in your own words (using citations).

Apply one of the key principles (Strengths Perspective OR Self-knowledge & Personal Experience).

• Suggest practice interventions based on the Afrocentric Perspective.