Part 1
HIV/AIDS
The text discusses the phenomenon of increasing acceptance concerning homosexuality and bisexuality. For this Part, I want you to evaluate how the specter of AIDS has detracted from this acceptance. Think honestly, ( I will not judge) How do you feel about homosexuality based upon what you know about AIDS? To carry this out a bit further, research on a movie or a well-known figure of their choice associated with this issue and then write a 1.5 to two-page report based on your experience or perception of the movie/person. Make sure that you are using the terminology correctly when talking about sexual identity etc. Refer to the book as necessary.
Part 2
Intimacy and Vulnerability
For this Part please make sure to watch the video.
https://video-subtitle.tedcdn.com/talk/podcast/2010X/None/BreneBrown_2010X-low-en.mp4
After watching the video and reading chapter 8 (Choosing Others: Date and Mate Selection), write a short 1.5 to 2 page paper over the reasons we date and what we must do in dating to find a person that will benefit us in the long run. Please make sure that your paper reflects Dr. Browns' statements about human connections and what we must do in order to attain and maintain relationships with others. This paper may have a bit of autobiographical information but overall should also be 'clinical' in nature as well.
Remember, if you pull outside information in, please cite your sources!
Part 3
Cohabitation Pros and Cons
For this Part, visit one of the legal advice websites such as www.nolo.com to gather (and write) a list of potential issues and questions that might arise for cohabiting couples. From these questions, formulate a what if scenario as to what might happen if a cohabiting couple with kids decided to split up. Make sure you think about things such as common law marriage and tax benefits.
Many people think that cohabiting is easy to 'end'. You might be surprised by what you find.
Part 4
Marriage and Communication (Chapter 10)
talks about two very important individual factors that affect marital happiness: marital roles and communication. For this Part, I want you to write a brief 1.5 page report on how you think expectations and role responsibilities interact to affect the way one feels about marriage? Also I want you to include in the report how you think expectation and role play increase or decrease stresses in marital relations, and how they think communication can help improve a relationship. Make sure that you have read chapter 10 before you attempt this Part.
Part 5
Infertility Issues
For this Part I want you to assume that you (or your partner) is infertile. In order to conceive a child they must purchase sperm from a sperm bank for artificial insemination. Ruminate on this for a bit and then I want you to think about and investigate/answer the following questions and write an Part on the conclusions they come to:
How would they select a sperm bank?
What characteristics would be most important in selecting a donor?
How much information do sperm banks provide? Is it enough?
Are donors always anonymous?
How much does it typically cost to purchase sperm?
Would you accept sperm from a donor of a different race/ethnicity? Why or why not?
Some of the sites they may refer to are:
https://www.cryobank.com/
https://www.ihr.com/infertility/provider/spermbank.html
It is my hope that this Part will help us to understand some of the decisions people with infertility issues typically experience.
Part 6
Parenting In America
For this Part, you will choose ONE of the following prompts
Parenting Part Options
Option One
Parents have the right to choose parenthood and bear its consequences. For this Part, conduct research on the topic, "Is it possible to improve the lives of children by improving the quality of parenting?" and submit a 1.5 to two-page report on the same.
OR
Option Two
Computer technology has revolutionized parenting. For better or worse, many of us-practically from birth to adulthood-spend much of our time staring at a screen. If you choose this prompt, you will need to research, compare, and contrast how their childhood varied from the children of the present generation. Specifically, I would like for you to focus the discussion on play time, internet usage, and other activities. You should submit a two-page report on you findings.
For either Part, please remember to always cite your sources.