IN COMMUNICATION THE FAMILY HDFS 370 Section 2 Spring 2009 Tuesday & Thursday: 11am-12:20pm Room: Science 277 INSTRUCTOR: Office: Office Hours: E-mail: Phone: Shannon Wetzler, M.S. 1369 Palmer By appointment [e-mail] (This is the best way to reach me.) 515-294-7844
REQUIRED TEXT: Galvin, K.M., Bylund, C.L., & Brommel, B.J. (2008). Family communication: Cohesion and change. Boston: Pearson. COURSE OVERVIEW: In this course we will examine family from a communication perspective. Throughout this course we will discuss theories which cover communication processes within the family, and how these patterns affect, and are affected by the larger society. We will discover how communication can be used to develop, maintain, enrich and limit family relationships. Objectives and Outcomes: Be able to understand and identify the developmental aspects of communication in families. To use theory to understand and explain family interaction patterns. To identify and understand environmental influences of communication. Appreciate the role of the family structure in family communication. Be able to interact and communicate more effectively (talk and listen) with others. Assess family and interpersonal interactions and communication. Facilitate conflicts/issues with other people or between people. Utilize and obtain research in understanding the communication process. To learn life-long skills to enhance your personal and professional lives. EXPECTATIONS OF CLASS PARTICIPATION: The expectations of the instructor for the students in terms of class participation are: attendance, preparation for class, and participation in class discussions/debates. Frequent absences are not acceptable because they are disrupting to the group and material/information will be presented in the lecture that is not contained in the assigned readings. Because the subject matter of the course information will be presented in forms other than the lecture format, the student needs to be prepared to discuss assigned readings. It is, therefore, important that the student read the assigned work prior to coming to class.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS: 1. Class participation: All readings and assignments should be read prior to class so you can participate and relate to the lectures and discussions. Class participation is based upon: attendance, preparation for class, and participation in class discussions/debates. 2. WebCT: You must be able to access and navigate WebCT. Check it (at least once) weekly for assignments, lecture notes, and grades. RESPECT: Due to the content of this course the material covered will relate to personal issues. In the class discussions it is important for all members of the class to respect the opinions of others. I invite you to compare and contrast these experiences with the course content. No one will be required to share any personal information with which they are not comfortable disclosing. However, due to the potential sensitive nature of the course content and discussions it is extremely important that everyone respects each others opinions. All personal/sensitive information shared in class is to be regarded as confidential and not to be discussed outside of class. Behavior in the classroom which is disrespectful will not be tolerated. Cell Phones: Use of cell phones is prohibited in class; including texting. It is difficult to participate with class discussions with the distraction of cell phones. ASSIGNMENTS AND EXAMS: Exams (100 points each): There will be two exams. The exams will be a combination of multiple choice and short essay questions. Exams will cover material from the text books and in-class lecture/discussion. BE SURE TO STUDY FROM THE TEXT AS WELL AS THE POWER POINT SLIDES. Lectures focus on main themes and discussion so many topics are discussed only in the text. No make-up exams will be allowed unless arranged prior to the exam date or a documented of emergency has occurred. All missed exams are an automatic ZERO. In Class Activities/Assignments (50 points): There will be up to 10 in-class discussion activities worth points 5 points each. These will be unannounced so attendance is strongly recommended. In addition, since these are based upon attendance they cannot be rescheduled or made up. Class will consist of lecture, video, activities and discussion. These activities/assignments will consist of short answer questions. One current event topic (10 points): In any field of study the importance of keeping up with current events is paramount. The research changes and in our understanding of human development and family studies can be seen in various current event articles. Each student is required to bring in one current event topic related to our field of study (relationships, communication, new research, trends, statistics, etc.). Bring in your article (with your name on it) or a paper with the information written on it and hand it in at the beginning of class. Be ready to discuss and share your topic with the entire class. This assignment will not only help you learn about topics in our field, but also build skills on reflecting, analyzing, and thinking critically.
Video Analysis (20 points): We will be watching a video in class which you will write a paper on to demonstrate your ability to apply what we have been discussing and for class to the family communication dynamics you are viewing in the film. Detailed information on this assignment will be posted on WebCT. Any analysis not turned in at the end of the class period will be considered late and its score will automatically be reduced by 5 points for each day they are late. Construction of Familial Genogram and Analysis (50 points): The goal of this project is to pave a way to understand your family background or family story and how it plays a role in your current way of being. Also it will give you an opportunity to reflect on what you have learned in this course. Details regarding this assignment will be posted on WebCT and also handed out in class. Any project that is not turned in at the end of class period will be considered late and the score will be automatically be reduced. Projects turned in late will be reduced by 5 points for each day they are late (after 5 days your score will be ZERO). WebCT Assessments (70 points): Seven assessments (each worth 10 points) will be given on WebCT throughout the semester. Each assessment will cover two chapters. These assessments will be used to help you formalize your thoughts and understanding of the information covered in class and in the textbook. The assessments will be given in various formats; multiple choice, true/false, and fill in the blank. DISABILITY ACCOMODATIONS: If you have a disability and require accommodations, please contact the instructor early in the semester so that your learning needs may be appropriately met. You will need to provide documentation of your disability to the Disability Resources (DR) office, main floor of the Students Services Building, Room 1076, 515-294-6624. ACADEMIC DISHONESTY: Academic dishonesty occurs when a student uses or attempts to use unauthorized information in the taking of an exam; or submits as his or her own work themes, reports, drawings, laboratory notes, or other product...