F 1:00
– 2:00 p.m.
Tel.
257-1648 Fax
224-0379 aomall@pop.uky.edu
Teaching
Assistant: Ian Feinauer Research
Center for Families and Children
Office
Hours: T 12:00 – 2:00 p.m. EH
107 257-8900
Course
Description:
An
examination of normal family development processes from a family system’s
perspective that will include (a) the predominant models of family functioning;
(b)
emerging family forms, and (c) the social and developmental contexts of
contemporary families. Emphasis
will be on examining beliefs about family normality and developing a framework
from which to work with families.
Textbooks:
Vail,
A. (1998). Taking
sides: Clashing views on controversial issues in family and personal relationships,
fourth edition. Guilford, Connecticut: Dushkin/McGraw-Hill.
Walsh,
F. (Ed.). (1993). Normal
family processes, second edition. New York: Guilford
Press.
Course
Objectives:
- To
conceptualize normal family processes, clarifying different perspectives
on the
definition
of family normality.
- To describe
families from a socio-historical perspective – including common myths
about
the normal family and changing family norms.
- To describe
the predominant models of normal family function and dysfunction that
guide
practitioners’ work with families.
- To
describe research findings on normal family processes.
- To
describe the diverse patterns of family functioning associated with emerging
family
structures and their unique challenges.
- To
describe the diversity of family functioning as it relates to the varying
sociocultural
contexts
of today’s families.
- To
describe the impact of recent social policy on contemporary families.
Instructional/Learning
Process:
The course format will be lecture-discussion. Class exercises and discussions will be important components of the learning process.
Reasonable
accommodations: If
you have a special need that may require an accommodation or assistance,
please inform the instructor of that fact as soon as possible and no later
than September 8.
Course
Requirements:
1. Class
attendance and participation: Attendance
is an essential ingredient of class
participation. Each
student is expected to attend all class sessions and to participate
in
class discussions and exercises.
Religious
Holidays: Students are
entitled to an excused absence for the purpose of
observing
major religious holidays. However,
the instructor must be notified in
writing
by September 8.
2. Reading
as assigned throughout the semester. It
is expected that students will have
completed
assignments prior to each class session. This
is essential since class
exercises
will be based upon reading assignments.
3. Papers: Each
student will analyze a family twice – using a different model each time
or two families – using the same model.
4. Genogram: Each student will construct a genogram depicting his/her family or a
family of choice (to be approved by instructor).
5. Class
Presentation: Taking Sides
6. Exams: There will be three exams (covering all course materials and activities).
Exams must be written with blue or black ink or sharpened pencil in blue examination
books. Make-up exams will only be given in the case of documented excused
absences. Make-up exams may differ in format from exams given during regularly
scheduled exam times.
** All assignments will be thoroughly explained during class sessions. If you miss the
explanation for an assignment due to an absence, you are responsible to get the
information from a classmate.
** All assignments must be typed or word processed and prepared according to APA
guidelines. Handwritten/hand typed papers will not be read by the instructor or
teaching assistant.
** Late papers will not be accepted (except in cases of documented excused absence).
Papers must be turned in within the first five minutes of class.
Grading:
The final grade for the course will reflect class participation (class exercises and attendance are components of participation) as well as the scores earned on papers and exams. Students are required to complete the genogram, all papers, the class presentation, and all exams in order to earn a grade of “C” or better for the course.
Points will be assigned in the following manner:
Exam 1………………………75 points
Exam 2 ……………………...75
Exam 3………………………75
Class Participation…………..50
Papers (Fam. Analysis) ……. 50 (25 pts. each)
Class Presentation…………. 25
Genogram…………………. 75
Total………………………. 425
Upon completion of all course requirements, grades will be calculated according to the following scale:
383 – 425 = A
340 - 382 = B
298 - 339 = C
255 – 297 = D
0 – 254 = E
Academic
Standards:
All members of the academic community are expected to produce their own scholastic work. When using outside sources, students are to give credit for ideas and information taken from others. The minimum penalty for cheating and plagiarism is an “E” in the course.
Tentative
Course Schedule
Date Topic Assignment
Sept.
1 Intro
to Course Syllabus
What
is Family to Me?
Sept.
8 Normal
Family Processes Chapter
1
Selection
of Issue and Position
Sept.
15 Models
of Family Functioning Chapter
2
Genogram: Family
Structure Family
Info.
Sept.
22 The
Circumplex Model Chapter
3
September
29 The
McMaster Model Chapters
4, 5
Genetic
Model
October
6 Exam
1
Oct.
20 Divorce
and Family Life Chapter
7
Family
Analysis Paper 1 due Issues
13,14, 4
Oct.
27 Binuclear
Families Chapter
8
Issue
5
Nov.
3 Adoptive
Families Chapters
9, 10
Lesbian
and Gay Families Issues
3, 12
Family
Analysis Paper 2 due
Nov.
10 Exam
2
Nov.
17 Cultural
Diversity, Race, Ch. 11,12
And
Class
November
24 Field
Assignment: Genograms
Dec.
1 Illness
and Disability Ch.
15
Genogram
due at beginning of class
Dec.
8 The
Changing Family Life Cycle Ch.
14 and 16
Family
Policy Issues
16,
18,10
-