Assignment Brief (Comprehensive)
ASSIGNMENT TITLE: Issue Through Four Lenses Analysis
Course Alignment: General Education—Integrated Perspectives
Estimated Effort: 8–10 hours
Scenario
Analyze a contemporary issue through the Historical, Humanities, Natural Science, and
Social Science lenses and synthesize a holistic perspective.
Learning Outcomes
• Apply four academic lenses to a complex issue.
• Evaluate how evidence changes across lenses.
• Synthesize a coherent position acknowledging tensions and trade-offs.
Deliverables
A. Lens Sections (≈300–400 words each; 4 sections).
B. Synthesis & Position (600–800 words).
C. Comparative Evidence Matrix (1 page): key sources, lens, claim, quality rating.
D. Reflection (250–400 words): how your view evolved.
Detailed Task Requirements
1) Define the Issue clearly (scope, stakeholders).
2) For each lens: state guiding question, summarize evidence, analyze insights/limits.
3) Synthesize: integrate convergences/divergences into a nuanced position with practical
implications.
4) Cite at least 6 scholarly/credible sources across lenses.
Formatting & Submission
• APA; include the matrix as an appendix.
Rubric (100 pts)
• Lens Analyses (40) • Synthesis & Position (30) • Evidence Quality (20) • Writing/APA (10)
1-2 Activity: Lens Exploration
, Department of Psychology, Southern New Hampshire University
IDS 402: Wellness
1-2 Activity: Lens Exploration
1. Describe your existing knowledge about your topic in wellness.
Body image is a prevalent wellness issue that resonates with many and will continue to be a
personal struggle for individuals around the globe, including myself. My understanding of
this subject is drawn from my life experiences, college education, and most prevalently, the
media. Body image encompasses an individual's perceptions, thoughts, and emotions
regarding their body, encompassing both their appearance and physical capabilities. This
construct is subject to a plethora of influences such as personal experiences, societal norms,
media portrayals, interpersonal interactions, and so much more. Positive body image
manifests as a profound acceptance and admiration for one's body in its current state,
whereas negative body image can instigate feelings of discontent and emotional turmoil. In
severe cases, negative body image may precipitate detrimental behaviors such as
disordered eating patterns or compulsive exercising. Negative body image can begin at a
very young age due to peer and social influences, bullying or trauma, and
images/information in the media that, more often than not, portray images of unrealistic
beauty standards. Body image is a multifaceted concept and what makes this topic
captivating is its intricate nature, deeply embedded in societal conventions yet enveloped in
substantial controversy from various perspectives.
2. Apply the history lens to your topic.
When viewed through a historical lens, body image reflects a dynamic interplay of cultural,
social, and individual factors across time. Throughout history, ideals of beauty and body
perception have evolved significantly, influenced by various cultural, religious, and
philosophical beliefs. For example, in ancient civilizations, such as Egypt and Greece, the
human
10:59:18 -06:00
body was often idealized and depicted in art and sculpture as a symbol of perfection and
divine beauty (Van Edwards, 2016). These ideals were closely linked to cultural values and
beliefs, shaping societal norms and expectations regarding physical appearance. For
example, in Ancient Egypt, women were applauded and encouraged to embrace their
independence and beauty. Ancient Egyptian society promoted an environment that was sex-
positive, where premarital sex was easily acceptable, and women could divorce their
husbands without shame (Van Edwards,
2016). This highly differs from many societies including ancient Greece during this time. For
example, Ancient Greece placed higher beauty standards and worshiped the male form,
going so far as to declare women’s bodies as disfigured compared to men (Van Edwards,
ASSIGNMENT TITLE: Issue Through Four Lenses Analysis
Course Alignment: General Education—Integrated Perspectives
Estimated Effort: 8–10 hours
Scenario
Analyze a contemporary issue through the Historical, Humanities, Natural Science, and
Social Science lenses and synthesize a holistic perspective.
Learning Outcomes
• Apply four academic lenses to a complex issue.
• Evaluate how evidence changes across lenses.
• Synthesize a coherent position acknowledging tensions and trade-offs.
Deliverables
A. Lens Sections (≈300–400 words each; 4 sections).
B. Synthesis & Position (600–800 words).
C. Comparative Evidence Matrix (1 page): key sources, lens, claim, quality rating.
D. Reflection (250–400 words): how your view evolved.
Detailed Task Requirements
1) Define the Issue clearly (scope, stakeholders).
2) For each lens: state guiding question, summarize evidence, analyze insights/limits.
3) Synthesize: integrate convergences/divergences into a nuanced position with practical
implications.
4) Cite at least 6 scholarly/credible sources across lenses.
Formatting & Submission
• APA; include the matrix as an appendix.
Rubric (100 pts)
• Lens Analyses (40) • Synthesis & Position (30) • Evidence Quality (20) • Writing/APA (10)
1-2 Activity: Lens Exploration
, Department of Psychology, Southern New Hampshire University
IDS 402: Wellness
1-2 Activity: Lens Exploration
1. Describe your existing knowledge about your topic in wellness.
Body image is a prevalent wellness issue that resonates with many and will continue to be a
personal struggle for individuals around the globe, including myself. My understanding of
this subject is drawn from my life experiences, college education, and most prevalently, the
media. Body image encompasses an individual's perceptions, thoughts, and emotions
regarding their body, encompassing both their appearance and physical capabilities. This
construct is subject to a plethora of influences such as personal experiences, societal norms,
media portrayals, interpersonal interactions, and so much more. Positive body image
manifests as a profound acceptance and admiration for one's body in its current state,
whereas negative body image can instigate feelings of discontent and emotional turmoil. In
severe cases, negative body image may precipitate detrimental behaviors such as
disordered eating patterns or compulsive exercising. Negative body image can begin at a
very young age due to peer and social influences, bullying or trauma, and
images/information in the media that, more often than not, portray images of unrealistic
beauty standards. Body image is a multifaceted concept and what makes this topic
captivating is its intricate nature, deeply embedded in societal conventions yet enveloped in
substantial controversy from various perspectives.
2. Apply the history lens to your topic.
When viewed through a historical lens, body image reflects a dynamic interplay of cultural,
social, and individual factors across time. Throughout history, ideals of beauty and body
perception have evolved significantly, influenced by various cultural, religious, and
philosophical beliefs. For example, in ancient civilizations, such as Egypt and Greece, the
human
10:59:18 -06:00
body was often idealized and depicted in art and sculpture as a symbol of perfection and
divine beauty (Van Edwards, 2016). These ideals were closely linked to cultural values and
beliefs, shaping societal norms and expectations regarding physical appearance. For
example, in Ancient Egypt, women were applauded and encouraged to embrace their
independence and beauty. Ancient Egyptian society promoted an environment that was sex-
positive, where premarital sex was easily acceptable, and women could divorce their
husbands without shame (Van Edwards,
2016). This highly differs from many societies including ancient Greece during this time. For
example, Ancient Greece placed higher beauty standards and worshiped the male form,
going so far as to declare women’s bodies as disfigured compared to men (Van Edwards,
