Anatomy of the Required Discussion Board Assignment

Required Discussion Board posts are in 2 parts within 1 posting. In the first part of your post, define and discuss the topic in academic terms, using citations and referencing, just as you will for any formal academic paper. This is where you demonstrate that you know the concepts. The second part of the required assignment is for application of the concepts. This is where you demonstrate that you know how to use the concepts you have learned.

A. Questions for weekly discussions and conversations (not part of the required Discussion Board assignment)

These questions can serve as the starting point for your discussions during the week. They are “thought starters,” so that you can explore some ideas associated with the Discussion Board and unit topics. Answers are not required and should not be submitted with your required assignment. Answers are not graded.

Does society overmedicate its citizens?

How is diet connected with neurotransmitter production?

B. Required Discussion Board assignment

Based on your reading of the text and supporting materials, it is evident that neurotransmitters play a crucial role in regulating brain function involved with cognition, affect, and behavior.

Part One

Define neurotransmitters, and describe how they do their jobs. 

Discuss neurotransmitter excitation and inhibition.

Part Two

Pick 1 of the following topics on which to comment:

Give an example of, and discuss how neurotransmitters play a role in your psychological health. Use examples such as sleeping, eating, memory, thinking, or mood. Pick an example from 1 of these human functions. For example, “I don’t sleep well; it could be because of serotonin imbalance,” or “When I feel good, my dopamine is flowing.”

This company sells dietary supplements to boost neurotransmitter production. This page defines neurotransmitters. Why might it not be desirable to use this as a source for an academic paper on neurotransmitters?

Assignment 1: Research Topics with Explanation Due Week 2 and worth 100 points Read through the list of research topics (located in the Appendix), or by clicking the link here, on which to write a research paper. Select three (3) topics that interest you most and identify two (2) credible sources for each topic. Note: This is one (1) of several parts that will build toward a final draft of your persuasive writing research paper. Write a one to two (1-2) page paper in which you: Explain the reason for selecting topic one (1), identify the audience, and provide a preliminary thesis statement. Explain the reason for selecting topic two (2), identify the audience, and provide a preliminary thesis statement. Explain the reason for selecting topic three (3), identify the audience, and provide a preliminary thesis statement. Identify and document six (6) credible sources (two (2) for each topic) that you would expect to use. Note: Wikipedia and other Websites do not qualify as academic resources. Your assignment must follow these formatting guidelines: Be typed, double spaced, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch margins on all sides; references must follow APA or school-specific format. Check with your professor for any additional instructions. Include a cover page containing the title of the assignment, the student’s name, the professor’s name, the course title, and the date. The cover page and the reference page are not included in the required page length. The specific course learning outcomes associated with this assignment are: Recognize the elements and correct use of a thesis statement. Associate the features of audience, purpose, and text with various genres. Recognize correct APA documentation and reasons to document and avoid plagiarism. Write clearly and concisely about selected topics using proper writing mechanics. Use technology and information resources to research selected issues for this course. Download Attachment: ENG 215 – Topics for Research Paper.docx

Say what conclusion the author probably intends readers to draw, and evaluate the argument using three (3) of the methods you learned in Unit 3 (that is, identifying the form of the argument, thinking of another argument of the same form with obviously true premises and an obviously false conclusion, thinking of circumstances in which the premises of the argument could be true and the conclusion false, questioning the premises, and discussing whether the language used in the argument is unacceptably vague or ambiguous). If there were “buffer zones” for wildlife protection around national parks, then it is possible that large mammals such as bears could have enough habitat to survive. But that is not so—we allow strip mining and every other type of development right outside of national parks, with no restrictions. The conclusion is obvious.

Provide an overview of the Cold War. Summarize how international affairs contributed to the collapse of communism in Eastern Europe and the end of the Cold War. Conclude the Cold War. Incorporate maps, images, and video Use two sources other than your textbook and include speaker notes with the presentation slides. Create a title page, an introduction slide, references slide, and a visual template to use on each slide throughout the presentation. The title, introduction, and references slides do not count towards the 4 to 5 slide requirement. Format your paper consistent with APA guidelines.