1. Hourly 1
Covering the readings and lectures from the first half of the semester. Exam will be short answer and essay. On March 13 (30%).

2. Hourly 2
Covering mostly the readings and lectures from the second half of the semester. Exam will be short answer and essay. Given or due during the exam period (30%).

3. Paper 1 - A.A. Meeting Description
Each student will attend an Open Speaker AA meeting and write a short paper (3-5 pages typed) describing their observations and impressions. You should describe: 1) your expectations and apprehensions before attending the meeting; 2) the format of the meeting (i.e. how the meeting is opened, what occurs during the main part of the meeting, how the meeting closes); 3) the participants at the meeting (i.e. their demographic characteristics and their interactions); and 4) most importantly, your feelings and impressions of the effectiveness of AA after the meeting, what you learned from attending the meeting and whether the experience was worthwhile. Students will receive better grades if they relate their experience to information contained in the readings and lectures. Remember that the meetings are anonymous and you should respect the anonymity of the people at the meeting. Do not use any names in your paper, take notes at the meeting, or bring a tape recorder. Due March 27 (10%).

4. Presentation
Students will divide themselves into groups of two or three (depending on the size of the class) and choose an alcohol-related topic to research (see list of suggestions at end of syllabus). On the assigned day the group will make a class presentation (approximately 20 min.), which should include: the scope of the problem or important issues regarding the topic, both sides of the issue if the topic is controversial, and suggestions for preventing and treating the problem. Audiovisual aids and handouts are welcomed. Students are requested not to read their presentations. The same grade will be given to all members of the group. Choice of topics due February 6 (10%). Topics are assigned on a first come first serve basis. Suggested topics can be found at the end of this section.

Presentations will begin in the end of March and continue throughout the semester. Dates for specific presentations will be assigned early in the semester.

5. Paper 2 - Research Paper
Students will write a research paper (8-10 typed pages) on the topic that they selected for their presentation. Each student should read at least five research articles from a scientific journal and summarize them in the paper. The paper should cover the scope (extent) of the problem or important issues related to the topic and suggestions for addressing, preventing and treating the problem. The paper is due April 24 (10%).

6. Class participation
Students are expected to read all required readings in advance of the class and to participate actively in the class, including asking as well as answering questions and relating the lectures to the readings. If students do not actively participate in class, then surprise quizzes may be given (10%).

7. Class attendance
Attendance will be taken at every class. Note that class lectures will cover required reading material and material from other resources. You will be responsible for all material whether the source is the readings, lectures, presentations, or videos. Therefore, it is imperative that you attend class regularly and take detailed class notes. Class attendance will be included in the class participation grade and both will be very important for students on the borderline between two grades.

SUGGESTED TOPICS FOR CLASS PRESENTATION AND RESEARCH PAPER

Alcohol advertising
Alcohol and drug testing in the workplace
Alcohol use among gay men and lesbians
Alcohol use and AIDS
Alcohol use and crime
Alcohol use and date rape
Alcohol use and domestic violence
Alcohol use and non-traffic accidents
Alcohol use and suicide
Binge drinking
Drunk driving
Effectiveness of minimum drinking age laws
Effectiveness of professional alcoholism treatment vs. AA
Effects of employment on teen drinking
Effects of religion on drinking behavior
Employee assistance programs
Fetal alcohol syndrome
Incarceration of pregnant alcoholics and drug addicts
Portrayal of alcohol on TV shows and in the movies