Cincinnati Christian University
Family Studies Department
Course Syllabus
PFS 561- Internal Dynamics of Families
Fall 2008
September 4-5, October 2-3, November 6-7
Peggy Volters, M.S., LPCCs, IMFT
Email: pvolters@sbcglobal.net
Phone: 937-367-7450 (cell); 513-423-6621 (office)
I.
Course Description
This course provides an understanding of family life with an emphasis on healthy
family patterns across the life-span. Strengths, stressors, and how family members
relate to each other will be examined. 3 credit hours.
II.
Course Goals
The goals for this course are for the student to (a) develop a basic understanding of
the theoretical frameworks, practical guidelines, and biblical basis for family
relationships, (b) recognize how to have a strong and healthy marriage and family, (c)
gain an appreciation for the Bible as the ultimate textbook on marriage and family
relationships, and (d) apply family knowledge to real issues, situations, and problems
beginning with ourselves.
III.
Course Requirements
Students are required to (a) read assigned chapters in the textbook and take quizzes,
(b) complete instructor provided exercises, (c) present final project, and (d) participate
in class discussions and complete class exercises.
IV.
Texts
Required texts
The Bible
Olson, D., & DeFrain, J. (2003). Marriage and the Family: Diversity and Strengths
(4th edition). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill.
Required materials
AWARE inventory
Whiteman, T. & Petersen, R. Stress Test: A Quick Guide to Finding and Improving
Your Stress Quotient. Pinon Press.
Additional resources
A bibliography of recommended reading will be distributed in class and made
available via Moogle.
V.
Method of Evaluation
a. Attendance and class participation (20%)
b. Chapter quizzes (20%)
c. Instructor provided activities (30%)
d. Final project (30%)
Grading scale
Cincinnati Christian University uses the following grading scale:
A =
A- =
B+ =
B=
B- =
C+ =
C=
C- =
VI.
95 – 100
92 – 94
89 – 91
86 – 88
83 – 85
80 – 82
77 – 79
74 – 76
Course Schedule with Associated Assignments
Date
Class Topics
Reading & Assignments
Unit 1 – Context and Dynamics of
Intimate Relationships
Sept. 4




Course Orientation
Intimate Relationships
Cultural Diversity
Understanding Marriage & Family
Dynamics
Olson & DeFrain chapters 1-3
Complete AWARE
Family strengths
Family scales/ genograms
Sept. 5


Communication and Intimacy
Conflict and Resolution
Oct. 2


Olson & DeFrain chapters 4-5
Supplemental resource- lecture
Handouts & class exercises
Sexual Intimacy
Gender Roles and Power in the
Family
Managing Economic Resources

Olson & DeFrain chapters 6-8
Handouts & class exercises
Unit 2 – Stages of Intimate
Relationships
Oct. 3





Friendship, Intimacy, and Singlehood
Dating and Mate Selection
Marriage
Parenthood
Midlife and Older Couples
Olson & DeFrain chapters 9-13
Handouts & class exercises
Unit 3 – Challenges & Opportunities
Nov. 6
Nov. 7


Stress, Abuse, and Family Problems
Divorce, Single-Parent, and
Stepfamilies

Strengthening Marriages & Families
Olson & DeFrain chapters 14-15
Stress testing
Final Projects due
Olson & DeFrain chapter 16
Project presentation
FINAL PROJECT
The instructor will discuss the following options with students:
1. A scholarly, research paper on a topic chosen by the student and approved by the
instructor. The paper should be 5-10 pages long. Rubric will be determined by
instructor. APA style.
2. Students may expand on an assigned exercise from class to explore applications or other
practical uses. Discuss your ideas with the instructor for approval.
3. An annotated bibliography concerning a topic appropriate for the course. Such a
bibliography usually includes a minimum of twenty references.
4. A Creative project:
a. Duplicate a Family Interview as outlined in Scarf, M. (1995). Intimate Worlds.
Random House, Inc., NY. Student will turn in a video recording on DVD, a written
paper outlining methodology, execution, and reaction (from both the interviewed
family and the student’s experience). More detail will be provided to students who
are interested.
b. Submit a creative project idea for approval. This can include ideas such as
developing curriculum for an adult, teen, or children’s class that strives to help
develop healthy families.
The instructor reserves the right to amend this document at her discretion.