Term Paper - Spring 2017
You will write a 6-8 page, double-spaced paper containing 2 sections.
First things first though, get yourself to the nearest video rental store (do those still exist?) and procure yourself a copy of Spike Jonze's (2009) motion picture adaptation of the children's book, Where the Wild Things Are. Your job is to watch said movie (possibly even more than once) and provide a case conceptualization of the main character, Max. This conceptualization will be the first section of the paper.
What is a case conceptualization you ask? Go to class and find out...but here are the Coles Notes just in case: this should involve a description of Max's current functioning, including observable symptoms, possible diagnoses, underlying/latent issues, and identification of possible developmental pathways resulting in his current functioning. Be sure to include a discussion of the manifest/observable symptoms (which would inform your diagnosis) as compared with the apparent underlying/latent issues and emotions.
There are many ways to write a good case conceptualization, however a good general framework is to summarize current functioning (along with possible diagnostic labels/considerations) followed by something that reads like a narrative as to how Max's current situation developed over time. Make note of family dynamics in the case conceptualization that are apparent in the film. You are also welcome to extrapolate and fill in some gaps that are not directly addressed in the movie.
I am not asking you to completely make events up, however, as you will see, certain events can be reasonably extrapolated (e.g., his father must have left the family at some point; job related stresses for mom). It will be important for you to justify the claims you make in terms of your case conceptualization. For instance, if you want to make an interpretation about Max's manifest behaviour and infer the meaning of the behaviour or the underlying needs being expressed, you will need to justify your interpretation with a cogent rationale/argument.
The second section of this paper will address thematic elements involved in Max's fantasy play, identifying what issues he is working through in his fantasy and how he is working through/resolving them, thereby facilitating his rejoining of the family at the end of the film. Multiple themes emerge within his fantasy so be sure to address at least two of them.
Twenty marks will be allocated for the conceptualization section, while the second section will be worth 10 marks, for a total of 30 marks, which lines up nicely with this paper being worth 30% of your final grade. You will be graded on the thoughtfulness, depth, and "in the right ballpark"-ness of your paper (i.e., is your conceptualization and interpretation of fantasy play grounded in the information provided in the film). You do not need to provide brilliant and unique interpretations. Rather, what we are looking for is thoughtfulness and empathy (your ability to understand Max's world and your sensitivity to what he is experiencing) in combination with solid, well organized, and grammatically correct writing. Your ability to articulate your thoughts in a clear and coherent manner will be critical. While there are not specific marks allocated for spelling, grammar,
writing style, and clarity, the quality of your writing will be considered throughout the paper and will be reflected in your final mark. Please include a title page with your name and student number (if not included, you will be penalized 1 mark). While there are no references required for this paper, if you choose to discuss a relevant theorist's or practitioner's work, make sure that all in text citations, in addition to your reference page, are in APA format.
You DO NOT need to hand in a paper copy. Canvas submissions only please.
Note that this is 3 marks out of the 30 that this term paper is worth towards your final grade.
Here is a quick breakdown of the marking scheme:
Section I - Case Conceptualization
Presenting issues and identification of applicable diagnoses
Discussion of underlying/latent issues (contrasting with observable and manifest symptoms)
Developmental narrative (the story of how it got to this point)
Be sure to include relevant history, family dynamics, and normative developmental considerations
Section II
Interpretation of fantasy play
(identify main themes, identify how he is resolving these issues)
**At least 2 themes must be identified for 5 marks each