HPAC/CR/MC 5302 Theoretical Orientation Paper Rubric Copy
Introduction and Thesis
Exceeds Standard
The introduction is engaging, states the main topic and previews the structure of the paper. A clear and concise thought-provoking thesis sentence is present. 10 points.
Meets Standard
The introduction states the main topic and previews the structure of the paper. Clearly state’s the paper’s purpose in a single sentence 9 points.
Barely Meets Standard
The introduction states the main topic but does not adequately preview the structure of the paper. States the paper’s thesis in a single sentence. 7 points.
Does Not Meet Standard
There is no clear introduction or main topic and the structure of the paper is missing. Incomplete or unfocused thesis sentence. 5 or fewer points.
Body
Exceeds Standard
Paragraphs are thoughtful and contain adequate detail to develop the main idea of the section. 10 points.
Meets Standard
Paragraphs have sufficient supporting detail sentences that develop the main idea of the section. 9 points.
Barely Meets Standard
Paragraphs lack supporting detail sentences. 7 points.
Does Not Meet Standard
Paragraphs fail to develop the main idea(s). 5 or fewer points.
Organizational Structure
Exceeds Standard
Writer demonstrates logical and subtle sequencing of ideas through well-developed paragraphs; transitions are used to enhance organization. 15 points.
Meets Standard
Paragraph development present but not perfected. Transitions are weak. 13 points.
Barely Meets Standard
Logical organization but the organization of ideas is not fully developed. 11 points.
Does Not Meet Standard
Poorly structured or organized. 8 or fewer points.
Required Components
Exceeds Standard
All required components are thoroughly presented and discussed. 40 points.
Meets Standard
Most of the required components are presented and discussed. 36 points.
Barely Meets Standard
Small part of the required information is not addressed. 28 points.
Does Not Meet Standard
Required Components: Absent; 20 points or fewer
Mechanics
Exceeds Standard
No errors in punctuation, capitalization and spelling. 5 points.
Meets Standard
Almost no errors in punctuation, capitalization & spelling. 4 points.
Barely Meets Standard
Many errors in punctuation, capitalization & spelling. 3 points.
Does Not Meet Standard
Numerous and distracting errors in punctuation, capitalization and spelling. 2 points or fewer.
Citations & Quotes
Exceeds Standard
All quotes and cited works, both text and parenthetical, are done in the correct format with no errors. 10 points.
Meets Standard
Some quotes and cited works, both in-text and parenthetical, are done in the correct format. Few inconsistencies evident. 8 points.
Barely Meets Standard
Few quotes or cited works, either text or parenthetical, are done in the correct format. Inconsistencies are common. 7 points.
Does Not Meet Standard
Citations or Quotes: Absent; 5 points or fewer.
References
Exceeds Standard
References are in the correct format with no errors. Includes more than 5 scholarly references. More than one reference is from an original theorist. 10 points.
Meets Standard
References are in the correct format with few errors. Includes at least 5 scholarly references. One reference is from an original theorist. 8 points.
Barely Meets Standard
References are in the correct format with some errors; includes fewer than 5 sources. 7 points.
Does Not Meet Standard
References: Numerous errors or incorrect format. 5 points or fewer.
Instructions
Theoretical Orientation Paper
Your 5-8 pages theoretical orientation paper is designed as a process paper on which to build your personal counseling theory and personal counseling style. Specifically, this paper will provide an opportunity to integrate aspects of the theories learned this semester with your developing theoretical orientation. I will be using Turnitin. If your paper shows a high percentage of plagiarism, you will receive a zero for this assignment. An explanation of the specific requirements for the content of the paper is included below.
• Content
◦ My Personal Counseling Theory
▪ Discuss your personal counseling theory. Next, discuss how your personal approach is informed by the existing theories you explored throughout the semester. In particular, you are asked to name and describe existing theoretical orientations that inform your personal theory (e.g., Client-centered, Existential, Cognitive-Behavioral, Psychoanalytic, Reality, Gestalt, REBT, etc.).
▪ Be specific about what elements of the existing theoretical orientations relate to your personal theory. You may select one or two theories; however, all elements must be supported and adequately referenced. As this is the beginning of your counseling journey, focus on one or two theories that resonate with you.
◦ How Client Problems Originate
▪ From your theoretical position, describe how client problems originate. Be specific and use examples to illustrate your perspective.
▪ For example, do problems stem from client beliefs? The way people think? Feelings? Unconscious forces? Chemical imbalances in the brain? Issues related to the family of origin? The way people view themselves, others, their lives? Be specific in your description and discussion.
◦ How Clients Are Best Helped
▪ Describe your view of how clients are best helped in the counseling process. This must be related to your personal perspective (e.g., “This is how I would approach working with clients . . .” “I would . . .” etc.).
▪ Be specific with techniques and interventions and justify your rationale. Use brief examples to illustrate your position. Specifically, you are asked to discuss how your approach is supported (or not) by the existing theories’ techniques and interventions and/or research.
• Format for Theoretical Orientation Paper
◦ All papers and subsequent addendums MUST utilize APA style.
▪ The Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (7th ed) is an essential reference for this paper and others you will be writing during your enrollment in the counseling program.
◦ Each paper will contain a title page, text pages (content), and reference page(s).
▪ Minimum and maximum numbers of text pages DO NOT include the title and reference page.
▪ The title page (see APA manual for specific directions) will include a page number, a title, name, course, and date (i.e., name, course, and date should all be centered under the title).
▪ Additional references are expected. Continued reading outside of textbook material is expected; therefore, please refer to additional notes below. A minimum of 5 references is required.
• Utilization of course texts is expected.
• You can access journal articles from the university’s library. Please consult with a librarian and feel free to ask questions for assistance.
• References shall be from appropriate professional books and peer-reviewed journals. Note: Brochures, popular magazine articles, encyclopedias, dictionaries, and other non-professional materials are unacceptable as reference material for this paper.
• No more than one source from the Internet (e.g., Buzzfeed, Wiki, Psychology Today, etc.)
• A reference page containing all references in APA style is required.
• Evaluation and Grading
◦ See the rubric attached below. Papers will be evaluated on the following:
▪ Clarity and continuity of writing style
▪ Appropriate citation of material, reference list, spelling, and grammar
▪ APA format
▪ Ability to follow the established format
▪ Depth of thought about personal theory
