Family and Consumer Science
Department Syllabus
Course Name: Family Relationships
CRN: 40539/43423
Semester/Year: Fall 2013
Instructor: Angela Hinton
Email Address: hinton33@gmail.com
Office Hours: By appointment
Course Number: FCS 2400-03/04
Meeting Days and Time: TR, 9-10:15am/10:30-11:45am
Location: Education and Family Studies Building
DSU Email Address: angela.hinton@dixie.edu
Office Phone: 435-669-1373
Office Location: Adjunct Office, EFS Building
Mysoclab course ID#: hinton14174
Mysoclab course ID#: hinton63654
Prerequisites: None
Lab and other fees: N/A
Course Description from Catalog: Family Relationships is an introductory course on the study of
family systems, sociology of the family, and interaction patterns within families. It includes an
analysis on research methods of studying the family, conceptual theories for understanding
family dynamics, and family systems theory. Other topics covered will be resource management
within the family, parent-child relationships, marriage relationships, patterns of problem
solving within families and the study of family change and transition.
General Education Status: GE *SS
Required Textbook (s) /Recommended Books/other materials: Marriages, Families, and
Intimate Relationships (Third Edition). Williams, et al. Pearson Publishing, Allyn and Bacon
Textbook with MySocLab access code. ISBN-10:020586144X,Textbook ISBN-13: 9780205861446
Family and Consumer Sciences Department Learning Outcomes:
1. Define currently accepted theory within the discipline.
2. Evaluate theory using applications and exercises to personalize the depth of knowledge
and understanding.
3. Demonstrate professional practices specific to the discipline by completing assignments.
4. Show, in writing, the ability to think critically by:
a. Gathering information
b. Comparing and contrasting sources and quality of information
c. Evaluating information for reliability and validity
1
d. Creating resolutions/proposals to solve questions or problems within the
discipline
Course Objectives:
Upon completion of this course, the student will:
1. Describe methods for studying the family and frameworks for evaluating family
relationships.
2. Develop a better understanding of self and personal interaction within relationships.
3. Become more aware of gender related issues and articulate how these issues impact
family.
4. Consider and explain current studies on communication and conflict resolution skills
that contribute to successful family living. Students will practice these skills in course
assignments.
5. Recognize areas of risk in families and relationships, and name resources to diminish the
likelihood of problems.
6. Discuss issues of human reproduction and human sexuality within relationships.
7. Explain theories of parent-child relationships and styles of parenting.
8. Recognize the signs of violence and stressors in relationships and give methods for
protecting at-risk individuals within the family.
9. Define current patterns of transition and change within families, including divorce and
separation, remarriage, and blended families, and explain the impact of these changes
on the individuals within the family.
10. Discuss research findings on the distribution of resources within the family and family
dynamics for managing resources.
11. Articulate in conversation and/or in writing traditional as well as current sociological
theories explaining family dynamics, family systems, and family development.
Special Class Notes:
The Family Relationships Class will give you many opportunities to apply sociological practices
to your own life. What is presented in this class, may challenge your current schema/belief
system. Prepare to be uncomfortable at times. This is how we learn. Keep asking questions
and working through your uncomfortable feelings. Yes, there are many assignments and they
will keep you busy during the semester. Believe me, you will not regret putting this effort
forth. I promise you that the time you spend practicing the concepts encountered in this class
will enhance your life...it’s worth the work!
2
This section will be taught as a lecture course but will include an extensive computer based
component. This means that many of the assignments will be done, checked and submitted to
the instructor on the computer through a program called MySocLab at www.mysoclab.com you
will also be given tests on the computer. You will need access to a computer with internet for
daily assignments. Computer labs on campus are available to all students. You can find your
course ID number on this syllabus, just before this paragraph.
1. In the Family Relationships Class we address issues of human sexuality as related to
family living. The presentations are respectful and presented sensitively. They reflect
current sociological perspectives consistent with other institutions of higher learning as
well as current research. If these topics are offensive to a student, that student can
negotiate with the instructor to personalize the assignments. Another option is to
reconsider enrolling in this course. If these issues are of concern to you, you should look
through Chapter 7 in the textbook, Sexuality and Sexual Expression throughout Life, to
prepare you for these topics, and decide if they are acceptable classroom material for
you.
2. Attendance Policy- There is no attendance requirement for the class. However, you will
find that if you don’t attend, you will lose points for missed quizzes, for classroom
activities, and for the assignments that are due that day. It’s hard to get a good grade in
this class without being there. You cannot make quizzes up!
3. Confidentiality- Often in a class about relationships students exercise their right to
participate by disclosing personal information that is sensitive by nature. We respect
these disclosures by not revealing personal information about others outside of class.
You may speak about concepts and ideas, about our stories, but you may not connect
these with a person or name.
4. Disruptive Behavior Policy: If your conduct in class affects the learning atmosphere of
the class, the instructor reserves the right to drop you from the class. This will happen
using the following procedure:
a. Verbal warning that your behavior is negatively affecting the class
b. Written warning that you are negatively affecting the class
c. Removal from the class. The instructor will inform the student in writing of this,
along with contact information for a supervisor of the instructor so the student
can appeal if desired.
5. Policy for Absences Related to College Functions: For students, such as student athletes,
who travel as official representatives of the college, absences due to college functions
will not negatively affect the student’s grade. The student is required to provide the
instructor with a schedule of days that will be missed, will be required to negotiate any
scheduled work ahead of time with the instructor.
3
Social Science General Education Objectives:
1. Students will demonstrate knowledge of human development and the human condition.
2. Students will recognize the ideas, people, and events in the past that are generally
thought to be important to society and civilization.
3. Students will develop informed points of view based on knowledge in psychological,
social, economic, and/or political theory that can be expressed orally or in writing.
Course Assignments and Assessments: See Assignment sheet (last pages of syllabus)
1. Assigned Exercises: Each of these is to be submitted through Canvas under the assignment tab
then under each respective assignment. The length of these assignments range from 1 to 2
pages and are specified in the individual descriptions in Canvas under the file tab. These
assignments will help you apply course concepts in a personal manner. These are the core, the
meat, of what will bring you personal growth during this class.
A. Communication and Intimacy – 1 page
B. Division of Labor – 1 page
C. Personal Safety – 2 pages
D. Love Attitude Scale or Intimacy Assessment pg. 166 – 1 page
E. Fair Fighting Exercise – 2 pages
In completing the above assignments, give a typewritten personal response to what you are learning
from the experience. These will be graded by your insight, learning experience and the connections you
are making with the material and your own personal life. If there are more than 4 grammatical errors in
any assignments I will return it back to make appropriate corrections before I will grade it. If this occurs
it will be marked as late. These are due the day designated on the outline; they need to be turned in
via Canvas under the assignments tab then under each respective assignment. No late assignments
will be given full credit.
2. Quizzes and in class exercises: Prepare for each class period by reading the chapter(s) assigned
for that day in your outline. Pop quizzes and in class exercises can happen any time. These don’t
make up a lot of your grade, but it will make a difference if you are in class and prepared.
Neither quizzes nor in class can exercises be made up if you miss them.
3. Project: There will be a Project due during the course of the semester. These may be book
/media projects, research efforts, service projects, or other forms of study/involvement with
family and relationships. There is a description, and book list in Canvas under the file tab to
clarify the nature of this project, and to give you a list of suggested books. The intent of this
assignment is to stretch you to learn about yourself by reading something relevant to your
situation right now, by choosing an activity that promotes your personal development, or by
doing research that does the same. Books/Media and research must be related to family and
personal relationships, and they must have teacher approval. Any book that does not have
teacher approval will lose an automatic 30%, and perhaps more. As you complete your project,
you should have a 3-4 page typewritten summary of the book you read, your research, or your
4
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
activity and information or experience relates to your life, how it affects you, what you have
learned specific to your own situation and present relationships. Final Page: Whether you
choose a book or another project, add to your paper a short reflection on how this class has
affected your personal growth and development. The final product should be 4 -5 pages. This
assignment must be submitted via Canvas under the assignment tab then final project.
Chapter Tests: Chapter tests will be given as scheduled on the course outline. Tests will be
completed in the testing center using MySocLab; you will have a space of a few days to take the
test in the Testing Center. Please check the class outline for test due dates. The due dates in
the outline mark the last day you can take the test. There are no make-up tests. Tests will be
Matching, Multiple Choice/True-False, with short essay questions.
In Class Simulation Activities: We may conduct simulation activities in class this semester.
Please remember that these activities are to be kept confidential to the class so that subsequent
students also have the benefit of learning from them.
MySocLab Assignments: These assignments are; reading of the chapter, chapter objectives,
video with related quiz, and flash cards. These assignments will assist you in learning the
textbook information presented. All of these assignments are accessible through MySocLab.
Many of these assignments have a short 5 question quiz as a formative assessment.
The Choice Seminar: In class you will have an opportunity to learn material from Arbinger’s
Choice Seminar. These classes cannot be missed. Look to the outline and identify the dates this
material will be taught. If you know you will miss one or more of these dates, you might be able
to attend a night class early in the semester to make it up. Please inform me if you are going to
miss these classes to plan to attend another time. These assignments must be submitted in
class or through Canvas under the assignment tab.
Comprehensive Final Exam: There will be a comprehensive final for this class. A study guide for
the final will be provided. If you focus on these concepts as we encounter them in class, you will
find yourself prepared for the final.
GRADING: There are 6 grading categories listed below, each categories has the indicated points. Your
grade will be determined by the percentage of points you earn for each category out of the total
possible. Your accumulation of points will also reflect the level of mastery of the outcomes identified
above that you have achieved. Contact me any time you have a question about your grade or
assignments. Points will be accumulated as follows:
Tests
MySocLab Assignments
Exercises/Choice Seminar
Project
In class Quizzes
Final Exam
Total
50 each test
20 points per chapter
50 points each
200 points
15 points each
200 points
5
550 pts
220 pts
450 pts
200 pts
150 pts
200 pts
1770 pts
Grading Scale:
A = 95-100 %
A- = 90-94
B+ = 87-89
B = 83-86
B- = 80-82%
C+ = 77-79
C = 74-76
C- = 70-73
D+ = 67-69%
D = 64-66
D- = 60-63
F = below 59
Important Semester Dates to remember:
2013 Fall Semester
Aug 19
Classwork Starts
Aug 22
Last Day to Waitlist
Aug 23
Last Day to Add Without Signature
Aug 28
Drop/Audit Fee Begins ($10 per class)
Sep 2
Labor Day
Sep 3
$50 Late Registration/Payment Fee
Sep 9
Pell Grant Census
Sep 9
Last Day for Refund
Sep 9
Last Day to drop without receiving a "W" grade
Sep 10
Courses dropped for non-payment
Sep 13
Last Day to Add/Audit
Oct 9
Mid-Term Grades Due
Oct 10-11 Semester Break
Oct 14
Last Day to Drop Individual Class
Oct 21
Spring and Summer 2014 class schedules available online
Nov 8
Last Day for Complete Withdrawal
Nov 11 Spring Registration open to Seniors (90+ credits)
Nov 12 Career Day
Nov 12 Spring Registration open to Juniors (60+ credits)
Nov 13 Spring Registration open to Sophomores (30+ credits)
Nov 14 Spring Registration Open to All Students
Nov 27-29 Thanksgiving Break
Dec 6
Classwork Ends
Dec 9-13 Final Exams
Important Links:
As a student at Dixie State University, you have access to several helpful resources:
•
•
•
Library
Computer Lab (located at the Smith Computer Center and the Library)
Disability Resource Center - Provides services and accommodations to students with disabilities.
6
•
•
•
•
•
IT Student Help Desk - We provide support for the following: Blackboard Vista, Dmail, wireless,
software resources for students, and student laptop lease program.
Online Writing Lab - Many writing classes utilize this site. Among other things, students can use
the Online Writing Lab to submit papers electronically to the Writing Center.
Testing Center
Tutoring Center - Free and open to all students. Improve your study skills and clarify concepts
and class material.
Writing Center - "Our mission is to help you become a better writer by approaching your
assignments as a process of invention, writing, and revision."
See our Campus Map for the location of these and other resources.
Policies and Statements
•
Disability Statement:
If you suspect or are aware that you have a disability that may affect your success in the
course you are strongly encouraged to contact the Disability Resource Center (DRC)
located at the North Plaza Building. The disability will be evaluated and eligible students
will receive assistance in obtaining reasonable accommodations. Phone # 435-652-7516
•
•
•
•
Academic dishonesty / Academic integrity policy
Reference to "Policy for Absences Related to College Functions"
Disruptive behavior policy / classroom expectations
Dmail:
You are required to frequently check your Dmail account. Important class and university
information will be sent to your Dmail account, including DSU bills, financial
aid/scholarship notices, notices of cancelled classes, reminders of important dates and
deadlines, and other information critical to your success at DSU and in your courses. To
access your Dmail account, visit go.dixie.edu/dmail. If you do not know your Dmail
username or you have forgotten your PIN, visit go.dixie.edu/mydixie and follow the
respective instructions.
This Syllabus is tentative; the instructor may change any assignments, exams, or other
materials. Any changes will be announced in class.
Students: You are responsible to make sure you know what we are doing and what is
due each day!
T/TH class all MySocLab assignments are due online http://www.mysoclab.com at 11:59 PM the day it
is due. All exercises can be submitted through Canvas. All Chapter Tests are available for ALL
STUDENTS on http://www.mysoclab.com. The Choice Seminar and the Final will be the only test’s
given in class.
7
Day/Date
Week 1
Tues, 8/20
Chapter Study
Review Syllabus
Introduction
Process
TESTS and Assignments Due
Read the eText: Chapter 1
Review the Chapter 1 Learning Objectives
Study the Flashcards: Chapter 1
Thurs, 8/22
Ch 1: Finding Happiness in a Complex
World
Week 2
Tues, 8/27
Ch 1: Finding Happiness in a Complex
World
Watch the Video and Complete Quiz: The Longevity
Revolution
Read Article: “What is Marriage for?”
Take the quiz for the Article
Take the Chapter 1 Exam (Due by Sunday 9/1)
Review the Chapter 2 Learning Objectives
Read the eText: Chapter 2
Thurs, 8/29
Chapter 2: Understanding: Learning about
Intimate Behavior
Week 3
Tues, 9/3
Chapter 2: Understanding: Learning about
Intimate Behavior
Thurs, 9/5
Ch 3: Gender: Masculinity and Femininity
Week 4
Tues, 9/10
Ch 3: Gender: Masculinity and Femininity
Thurs, 9/12
Ch 12: Work and Economics
Week 5
Tues, 9/17
Ch 12: Work and Economics
Thurs, 9/19
Ch. 4: Involvement: Dating and Pairing
Week 6
Tues, 9/24
Ch 4: Involvement: Dating and Pairing
Thurs, 9/26
Ch 13: Stresses, Hassles, and Crisis
Study the Flashcards: Chapter 2
Watch the Video and Complete Quiz: Objectivity: Fact or
Fiction
Exercise 1 Communication and Intimacy Decide/Email Final
Project idea to instructor for approval. (Final draft of project
is due Nov.12) Take the Chapter 2 Exam (Due by Sunday
9/8)
Review the Chapter 3 Learning Objectives
Read the eText: Chapter 3
Study the Flashcards: Chapter 3
Read the Article: "Night to His Day: The Social Construction
of Gender" and take quiz
Watch Video: “Gender and Socialization” and take quiz
Take the Chapter 3 Exam (Due by Sunday 9/15)
Review the Chapter 12 Learning Objectives
Read the eText: Chapter 12
Study the Flashcards: Chapter 12
Watch “Women in the Workplace” video and take quiz
Take the Chapter 12 Exam (Due by Sunday 9/22)
Review the Chapter 4 Learning Objectives
Read the eText: Chapter 4
Exercise 2 Division of Labor Due
Study the Flashcards: Chapter 4
Watch the video: “Persistence of Religion in America” and
take quiz
Take the Chapter 4 Exam (Due by Sunday 9/29)
Review the Chapter 13 Learning Objectives
Read the eText: Chapter 13
8
Week 7
Tues, 10/1
Ch 13: Stresses, Hassles, and Crisis
Watch the Video and Complete Quiz: “Infidelity”
Study the Flashcards: Chapter 13
Exercise 3 Personal Safety and Work Take the Chapter 13
Exam (Due by Sunday 10/6)
Thurs, 10/3
Ch 5: Love: The Many Faces
Week 8
Tues, 10/8
Ch 5/9: Love: The Many Faces/Variations
Review the Chapter 5 Learning Objectives
Read the eText: Chapter 5
Study the Flashcards: Chapter 5
Read the Article: “The Way We Weren’t” and take the quiz
Watch the Video and Complete Quiz: “Alternative Sexual
Orientation”
Exercise 4 Love Attitude or Intimacy assessment pg. 166
Take the Chapter 5 Exam (Due Sunday 10/13)
Thurs, 10/10
Week 9
Tues, 10/15
Semester Break-No School!
Ch. 8: Marriage:
The Ultimate Commitment
Thurs, 10/17
Ch. 8: Marriage:
The Ultimate Commitment
Watch the Video and Complete Quiz: “Social Class in the
United States: Fact or Fiction”
Take the Chapter 8 Exam (Due by Sunday 10/20)
Week 10
Tues, 10/22
Ch 6: Communication: Realizing Effective
Intimacy
Review the Chapter 6 Learning Objectives
Read the eText: Chapter 6
Study the Flashcards: Chapter 6
Thurs, 10/24
Ch 6: Communication: Realizing Effective
Intimacy
Choice Seminar
Exercise 5 Fighting Fairly
Take the Chapter 6 Exam (Due by Sunday 10/27)
Choice Worksheet 1 (In Class)
Thurs, 10/31
Week 12
Tues, 11/5
Choice Seminar
Choice Seminar
Choice Worksheet 2 (In Class)
Choice Worksheet 3 and 4(In Class) Choice Seminar Test (in
class)
Thurs, 11/7
Ch 7: Interpersonal Sexuality
Review the Chapter 7 Learning Objectives
Read the eText: Chapter 7
Study the Flashcards: Chapter 7
Project Due
Week 13
Tues, 11/12
Career Day No Class
Thurs, 11/14
Ch 7: Interpersonal Sexuality
Week 14
Tues, 11/19
Ch 10: Reproduction
Week 11
Tues, 10/29
Review the Chapter 8 Learning Objectives
Read the eText: Chapter 8,
Study the Flashcards: Chapter 8
Watch the Video and Complete Quiz: “Sexuality Education
Debate”
Review the Chapter 10 Learning Objectives
Read the eText: Chapter 10
9
Study the Flashcards: Chapter 10
Read: “Why American Families Need the Census” and take
quiz
Take the Chapter 7 /10 Exam (Due Sunday 11/24)
Thurs, 11/21
Ch 11: Parenting: Children and
Families
Week 15
Tues, 11/26
Ch 11: Parenting: Children and Families
Thurs, 11/28
Week 16
Tues, 12/3
Thanksgiving Break-No School
Review the Chapter 11 Learning Objectives
Read the eText: Chapter 11
Study the Flashcards: Chapter 11
Watch the Video and Complete Quiz: “Working Women and
Childcare”
Read the Article & take quiz: "Parents' Socialization of
Children"
Take the Chapter 11 Exam (Due Sunday 12/1)
Review the Chapter 14 Learning Objectives
Ch 14: Uncoupling
Read the eText: Chapter 14
Study the Flashcards: Chapter 14
Watch the Video and Complete Quiz: “Inequities in
Education”
Thurs, 12/5
Ch 15: Remarriage, Reinvented, Renewed
and Blended Families
Class Discussion to Study for Final
Final
Exam Time
9-10:15 Class
Thursday 12/12
8-10 am
10:30-11:45
Class
Tuesday 12/10
9:30-11:30 am
Prepare for Final, and then use the rest of the class
for Studying for the final.
Prepare by going through the study guide for Final
Exam
10