CAS Head - 050809

 

Psychology: 6343; Family Dynamics

Instructor: Dr. Spencer Thompson

University of Texas of the Permian Basin
Summer I 2004, Classroom 383
Office: MB 485? Tel: 552-2350 Office hrs: M-Th 11-12 AM; 3:30-4:00 PM

Date Topic Anderson and Sabatelli
June 1 Exploration of Ideals 1
June 2 Ideal Family 2
June 3 Ideal Family, Cross-Cultural Issues 3
June 7 Ideal Family Paper Due, Special Project Preparation  
June 8 Theories of Family:Biological 4
June 9 Theories of Family: Freud 5
June 10 Theories of Family: Social Learning  
June 14 Theories of Family: Cognitive, Humanistic 6,7,8,9
June 15 Research Methods in Family Studies  
 June 16 Individual consultation and Library Wrk.  
June 17 Normative Processes in becoming a Family  
June 21 Parenting Styles: Baumrind Model  
June 22 Parenting Styles: Baumrind Model, etc. 10-15
June 23 Parenting Styles: Role Play  
June 24 Families with problems:Divorce, death, separation, illness. 16,17,18
June 28 Families with problems  
June 29 Families with problems, Current Perspectives  
June 30 Presentations of Alternative Parenting Projects  
July 1 Final Paper due  

Objectives:

In this course we will learn about the normal family processes that characterize families across social economic strata and cultures in the United States . By comparing normal processes in the "typical family" a greater appreciation of the problems and difficulties of all families will be gained. American families will also be compared and contrasted with families in other countries/cultures. The focus will be on presentation of family characteristics in the scientific literature and not on psycho-therapeutic treatments.

 

During the course students will be expected to demonstrate that they have read the chapters and any outside readings that will be assigned during the course. The format is flexible in order to allow us to explore interests of the class that emerge as we go through the class. The lecture topics will not necessarily fall on the dates printed in the syllabus, but all students are expected to read the chapters as assigned.

 

 

Application Topic:

 

The class will decide on a class project to investigate fully and present as a final project in the class. Time will be devoted each week to plan and coordinate work on this topic. Individual students will be expected to contribute toward the group progress. At the end of the term a group presentation will be made of the proposal generated during the term. In addition each student will write an individual paper discussing the issues involved in the project.

 

Grading:

 

Class Participation and stimulation 10%

 

Ideal Family Paper 20%

 

Family Style Analysis 10%

 

Presentation of Application Topic 20%

 

Application Topic Paper 40%

 

Primary Textbook:

 

Anderson, S., and Sabatelli, R. (2004). Family interaction: A multigenerational developmental perspective, 3 rd Ed. Needham, M.A.: Allyn and Bacon.

 

Reserve library holdings on Family Dynamics are also available under Spencer Thompson, Psych 6343.