SUBS 609
Sexual Journey Paper Assignment Instructions
Overview
The purpose of this paper is to understand your own cultural history in forming your sexual worldview. This self-awareness will assist you to better be able to counsel and minister ethically and with compassion (Rom. 12:3; Ps. 26:2; Ps. 42; Ps. 43; Prov. 14:8; Jer. 17:9).
Instructions
Journaling
Start by journaling your cultural narrative. What messages were you taught growing up? What experiences affect your views? What messages have you absorbed to create your worldview of human sexuality?
** This data will NOT be included in your paper. It is simply a way to process how you came to your current views.
Content of Paper
Each student will complete and submit a paper that shares his or her sexual worldview. This paper will consist of three parts: 1) Cultural History, 2) Current Belief and Attitudes about human sexuality, and 3) Impacts of your Role as a Counselor. These three parts should be titled with level one headings in your paper. A minimum of three (3) scholarly references are required.
Introduction
The introduction should gain the reader’s attention and give a clear indication of what the paper will be about. This should be 2-3 paragraphs (4-6 sentences each paragraph). Do NOT create a heading entitled “introduction”.
Cultural History (level 1 heading)
This section will be no more than 2 pages.
Sexuality and My Family of Origin (level 2 heading)
Consider how sexuality in your family of origin formed your beliefs. Consider those people, relationships and influences that helped shape your attitudes/values about your body, masculinity/femininity and sex at various points of your development (elementary, high school, etc.). How was sexuality handled/talked about and how has that formed your beliefs and attitudes?
I am an African American who grew up in southern United States (one of the Bible belt states), to a religious family. My grandfather was an Elder in the church and my dad was a Minister. Sexuality was not spoken of much in my family. Most of my knowledge on the subject came from older male cousins and friends. I grew up believing that marriage is a covenant between one man and one woman. Same sex attraction was not tolerated in my family. This is rooted in biblical doctrine.
Development of Attitudes, Values and Priorities (level 1 heading)
Recall messages or incidents that created some of your attitudes, values and priorities. Consider situations that brought insight and growth and those that have provided woundedness. Do not give a specific narrative of the incident but rather a broad view. For example: I was sexually abused as a child would be appropriate. It would not be appropriate to give specific details to that sexual abuse in this paper. That might be what you have journaled, but you will give a more broad approach in the paper.
Current Beliefs or Attitudes (level 1 heading)
This section will be 2-3 pages.
Impact of Early Sexual Experiences (level 2 heading)
Reflect on how early sexual experiences impacted you to form your current beliefs. I realize that engaging in sex at the young age of 13 years old has made me vulnerable to an unhealthy relationship to sexuality (promiscuity, having children out of wedlock, lack of respect for the gift of sex, etc.).
Messages That Created My View of Sexuality (level 2 heading)
Reflect on the messages you absorbed to create your worldview of sexuality.
Consider any unfinished business that may need healing or further growth.
Impacts on Role as Counselor (level 1 heading)
This section will be 3-4 pages.
Literature Review on Dealing With My Past (level 2 heading)
What does scholarly data say about the importance of dealing with your past and possible lies you have believed from the enemy? How will your journey help or hinder your work with clients?
God’s View on Dealing With My Past (level 2 heading)
Do you have any views or beliefs that do not match scripture and God views? What steps will you take to ensure you have allowed God to heal all the wounds? What steps will you take to ensure any lies you have believed, now begin to line with God’s truth?
Impact on My Role As a Counselor (level 2 heading)
Connect your journey to your future and/or current work as a counselor.
It is critical that you address how your sexual journey will impact your role as a counselor. For example, what will it be like for you to work with certain problems (particularly those that are sexual in nature)? How do you plan to ask sexual questions?
Steps to Ensure My Healing (level 2 heading)
What steps will you take to ensure you have allowed God to heal all the wounds and bring truth to the lies?
Conclusion (level 1 heading)
A conclusion should summarize your main points and provide closer to your paper. There should never be NEW information in a conclusion. This section should be 1-3 paragraphs.
Format
1.
Length. The paper be eight (8) pages of content, including an introduction, body and conclusion. The title page and references are in addition to those 8 pages. Do not exceed 9 pages.
2. A minimum of three (3) scholarly references are required. These need to be current (within last 7 years). Textbooks, scholarly journal or books should be used. The Bible may be used in addition to the 3 sources. Do not use blogs, .coms, websites, dictionaries or other non-academic sources.
3. This paper should utilize level 1 and level 2 headings. Follow APA (current edition) in the formatting of your paper.
4. No abstract is necessary.
5. Good writing will limit the use of first person. You can state your points without an overuse of I, me, my or myself.
6. Citations and sources should be cite and reference accurately in APA format.
7. The paper will contain:
· Introduction (2-3 paragraph)
· Cultural History (should be 2 pages)
· Current Beliefs and Attitudes (should be 2-3 pages)
· Impact on Role as Counselor (should be 3-4 pages)
· Conclusion (2-3 paragraphs)
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