At three different points in semester[1] (i.e., during different Units in the se

At three different points in semester[1] (i.e., during different Units in the semester), each student will prepare a brief essay (@ 750 words) about a topic that is relevant to Child and Youth Policy.
The essays should be informed by either a current newspaper article or attendance at a local political activity (e.g., school board meeting). Students may follow the same topic for all three essay assignments or choose a different topic/issue for each submission. Each essay must contain the following:
Brief identification and discussion of the topic and how it is addressed in the news article/local event;
Discussion of how the topic relates to topics and readings covered in this course;
Critique of how the issue is addressed in the news article and the extent to which children’s needs are prioritized;
Brief summary of how this topic relates to student’s area of interest/field placement/professional goals.
[1] Note: All students will submit the first News Assignment during Week 3; the subsequent News Assignments will be determined by sign-up during Units 2 and 3.