The purpose of this study was to examine students' perceptions of a self-study assignment, a requirement for a life-span human development course. A survey assessing attitudes regarding the value of the writing assignment was completed by 278 students. Results suggested that students had an overall positive evaluation of the assignment. The majority of students indicated that the assignment increased their self understanding, understanding of course concepts, and their ability to apply those concepts. Students believed the assignment made the course more meaningful. (Contains 1 figure.)