Essay Instructions: DUE WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 19TH BY 12PM NOON!!
FORREST GUMP (1994)
For your final examination, Forrest Gump will serve as the case study, upon whom you will apply the theories, concepts, and tenets of developmental psychology and the lifespan growth process. Of the following 5 essay questions, EVERYONE MUST COMPLETE ESSAY #1, plus 2 additional essays of your choice to provide a thorough, well written, and well-synthesized synopsis of key developmental material as it relates to Forrest.
You can expect each essay to be worth 10 points, with particular focus on your ability to apply the key theoretical concepts and relative material to the essay topic at hand. There is an additional 10 points each for the intelligence you demonstrate in your writing style (grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, etc.) and your adherence to APA style (i.e. double spaced, 12 point font, citations, references, etc.). Bear in mind all of the resources provided to you over the course of this semester. Reference/cite them properly in your writing.
Complete your exam in one all-inclusive document that needs to be placed in the dropbox BY THE DEADLINE!
ESSAY #1: Life Span Development
The Life-Span approach recognizes development across 5 domains: Multidirectional, Multicontextual, Multidisciplinary, Multicultural, and Plasticity. Apply these 5 characteristics to Forrest's life, giving a thorough depiction of his developmental process as depicted in the movie. Consider the impact of gender, various sociocultural experiences, educational issues, and socioeconomic matters as it relates to Forrest's life experience.
ESSAY #2: Early to Middle Childhood
There are some indications in Forrest's early childhood that he had difficulties with his cognitive-intellectual capacities. The principal described him as "different" in reporting that his IQ equals 75 and that by State law he should be attending a school for special education. To the contrary, there were clear opportunties where Forrest was able to learn things accordingly. Discuss Forrest's capacity for learning in his early to middle childhood. What theories of learning are prevalent in Forrest's early learning process as his brain began to mature? What other "intelligences" seem to aid Forrest's maturational growth where his cognitive deficits fall short? In the same respect, how have his cognitive deficits aided his success?
ESSAY #3: Early Childhood to Adulthood
Discuss the evolution of Forrest's relationship with Jenny over the course of his life. Apply Sternberg's 7 Forms of Love. Discuss the similarities and differences between them at various developmental stages, and how their social homogamy contributes to the success/failure of their relationship during that stage? Incorporate concepts of Erikson's crisis of intimacy.
ESSAY # 4: Adulthood (Extended Adolescence)
Forrest seems to have an extended adolescence when considering his psychosocial development and journey for identity. Apply Erikson's fifth crisis of Identity versus Role Confusion to the life experiences Forrest has post-college. Consider areas of role confusion, foreclosure, and moratorium in Forrest's decision-making. Consider the 4 arenas of identity formation: religious, political, vocational, and sexual. Does Forrest reach identity achievement? Justify your response.
ESSAY #5: Adulthood
Discuss Forrest's transition into the experience of generativity with respect to some key developmental trends consistent with Adulthood: committed partnership, caregiving, and employment. What developmental and contextual factors (culture, gender, SES, health habits, etc.) allowed this to be a relatively logical transition for him with all things considered? Be specific.
ESSAY # 6: Death and Dying
Forrest experiences 3 significant deaths through the course of the movie: Bubba, his mother, and Jenny. What are the similarities and differences surrounding these 3 deaths (i.e. circumstance/cause of death) as it relates to the grieving process for Forrest? How does each person experience the reality of their death? Consider developmental theories of dying and acceptance in providing your response.
There are faxes for this order.