Assignments - For detailed directions & rubrics, click on the menu above.

Short Thematic Papers - 50% of term grade.

You will write three 3-4 page short thematic papers (STPs) during the quarter (see schedule).

Thematic papers provide an opportunity for you to "think on paper" about the theories and their implications, and to get feedback from me. It is a good opportunity to raise questions or to examine your own grasp of ideas studied, and to relate the readings to your past and present experiences as a student, educator, and/or researcher. STPs are different from most of the other papers you have written, so please read the directions carefully.

Thematic papers will be graded acceptable/unacceptable (check/no check - see rubric link below). I will provide helpful written feedback, both on the content of your thinking and on your written expression. I also encourage you to discuss your work individually with me throughout the quarter, and well as with your fellow students. Unacceptable papers should be resubmitted following revision, accompanied by the original version.
You must submit at least 2 acceptable thematic papers.

2 acceptable papers = 2.7
3 acceptable papers = 4.0


Term Project - 50% of term grade.

Each student will select a question or problem related to achievement motivation for further study. Projects will vary depending on your interests and skills, but in general they must demonstrate that you have understood the theories and issues discussed in this seminar well enough to use some of them to explore your question.

Possible formats include:
(a) a proposal for research--especially good for students planning on doing research and who have had coursework or experience in research design,
(b) a case study of a student, group, or client with a motivation problem which analyzes and proposes a solutions for the problem from different theoretical perspectives--especially good for practitioners,
(c) a literature review exploring some focused question or problem, or
(d) other formats suitable to both your question and my need to assess your understanding (these need to be negotiated with me).

General Directions for Proposals, Case Studies, & Literature Reviews

All papers should be prepared following the APA style manual.

You will fill out a Project Prospectus which will be due in a few weeks; a Rough Draft will be due about three weeks later (see schedule for due dates). The prospectus and rough draft are required; you must turn them in for feedback before I will accept your final project.

In addition to these formal collections of your work in progress, I will be happy to give you oral or written feedback on your projects at any time during the term.

Project Scoring Rubric:
This is the rubric I will use to grade projects. Be sure you are familiar with the rubric and all directions. If you have any questions about the project or my expectations, please ask!