Human Genetic Disorders Project

You will be assigned a REAL human genetic disorder. I provided a few of the more common disorders on a document that is downloadable from my website.

Once you have your assigned genetic disorder, you need to thoroughly research the disorder.

Then, using creative writing and technical accuracy, write a first person narrative titled, “Dealing with a child with ______" You will assume the identity of the parent of a child afflicted with your disorder.

Technical information should include the following: 1. The specific cause of the disorder. Whether it is chromosomal or the result of a mutated gene. 2. Risk factors: Family pedigree, ancestral population, etc… 3. Why “your child” got it. 4. What it’s like to deal with it on a daily basis. Your research will likely steer you to support group sites. 5. How this has affected you and your family. 6. Medical treatments.

A first person narrative should be very readable. This is your opportunity to use first person pronouns (I, me, my, mine, myself, etc…) I want you to be empathetic and put yourself in the position of one who actually deals with this situation. Tongue and cheek comments are OK, but I don’t want you to make light of “your child's” condition.

Your sources of information should be cited using a standard (MLA) format and briefly annotated. For many medical conditions there are support group sites, and these typically are excellent sources of information.

The due date is Tuesday, January 22. This is a 20 point assignment. Not counting the annotated references (minimum 2), the body of your paper should be not less than 400 words and not more than 500. Pictures are fine.