FALL 2025
OPTIONAL ASSIGNMENT (to replace ONE test score):
This OPTIONAL written assignment may be used to replace ONE low score on Exam #1, OR Exam #2, OR Exam #3 ONLY.
This assignment may NOT be used to replace a low score on Exam #4.
Your task is to imagine that you live and work in the (not too distant?) future when parenting has become a licensed profession. You, as all-knowing bureaucratic entity, are responsible for determining who can or cannot become a parent.
Things to consider (all of these must be addressed):
1. age
2. individuals vs. couples
3. marital status: length & stability...how will you assess this?
4. sexual orientation/gender identification
5. physical health: are there automatic disqualifiers, if so what
6. psychological profile: BE VERY CAREFUL HERE
7. religion
8. birth control policy?
9. amount of formal education
10. required training program: What does it consist of? How are assessment parameters set? If a potential parent fails, can they re-test? do both potential parents in a marriage/partnership have to pass?
11. occupation: how much time is spent outside the home? (from none to 60 hours per week); which occupations might be considered "too high risk."
12. Is financial aid available? Why or why not?
13. medical insurance: is this required? If not, why not.
14. maximum number of children allowed.
15. penalties for breach of EACH/ALL of your laws
16. When can a license be revoked? Consider all of your policies here. What is the justification?
17. What if there is a history of substance use and/or abuse by potential parents? How is this addressed?
18. What if there is a family history of addiction/alcoholism even if not present in potential parent? How is this addressed?
19. What if there is a criminal history of potential parent: from moving violations to murder?
20. What if there is a criminal history in the extended family even if not present in potential parent
HAVE FUN! You can present this almost any way you want to. Journals, files of applicants, interviews, outlines of training programs, letters from boyfriends on Mars where most of the rules don't apply...go a little nuts with the sprinkles.
Your paper should be presented in size 12 font and double-spaced. When you address each of the items listed above, your paper should be no fewer than 10 pages in length. Refrain from excessive spacing that would make your paper "seem" longer than it actually is. There will be a place in Blackboard for submission.
If you want to ask questions about your format, please e-mail me with your suggestion. Once a student indicates that they want to take advantage of this opportunity we will decide together on a due date.