Syllabus 8/19/2012
Psychology of Divorce, Fall, 2012, Psychology 379
Mondays and Wednesdays, Center for English as a Second Language (CESL) 102
3:45-5:00 pm
Professor:
Connie J. A. Beck, Ph.D.
Office Location:
Psychology Building Room 438
Dr. Beck Office Hours: Monday 1-2:00; Thursdays 4-5:00, or by appointment
TA Office Hours/Location: Jose “JD” Delgado, Fridays 3-4:00; Room 121 Psychology Building
Dr. Beck Phone/Email: 626-4965, beck@u.arizona.edu
Overview
Divorce directly and indirectly affects the majority of people in society. The purpose of this course is to take an overview of the causes
of divorce, psychological consequences of divorce for children and parents, factors that challenge positive adjustment to a divorce,
legal and cultural responses to this phenomenon, and current policy issues. Using a scientific approach, the class provides an
opportunity to rigorously consider our assumptions about divorce and ways that society can respond to its consequences.
Objectives and Expected Learning Outcomes
Through class lectures, discussions, and exams, you will be expected to develop the ability to:
1. Recognize relationship patterns of married and divorced couples.
2. Identify the emotional processes and consequences of divorce for adults and children.
3. Understand the legal process and requirements associated with divorce.
4. Recognize the effects of marital conflict, divorce, child maltreatment and remarriage on children.
1.
2.
3.
Books and Readings
Emery, Robert E. (2012). Renegotiating Family Relationships: Divorce, Child Custody, and Mediation, 2nd Edition. Guilford.
Hetherington, E. Mavis & Kelly, John (2002). For better or for worse: Divorce Reconsidered. W. W. Norton &
Company.
Additional newspaper and journal articles and book chapters are assigned. These will be located on the class D2L website.
Lecture outlines will be posted on D2L the day before class. You are welcome to print these out and bring them to class to assist in
note taking. There are no laptops allowed in the classroom (See #2 under Class Policies). They will not substitute for being in class as
I will add to them in the class discussion. I will make an announcement in class requesting a student[s] volunteer to assist students
qualifying for note taking assistance through the DRC.
In this first session of the class, you will be asked to answer several questions on a 3 X 5 card. This information helps me
understand who is taking the class, what you want to get from the class, and what teachers have done in the past to facilitate your
learning.
Grading
Your grade for this class will be determined by a combination of three exams, a final, and pop quizzes. Due to the size of the class, the
format for exams will be mainly multiple choice; however, there may also be a limited number of true/false, fill in the blank, drawing
diagrams of important concepts in readings, or essay questions. You are responsible for material presented in class (which is not in the
readings), all of the material in the assigned readings listed on the syllabus, and any revisions to the syllabus or reading list.
D2L-based quizzes given on random days. The D2L quizzes will be completed outside of class time and announced on random days
throughout the semester. Each quiz will be six multiple choice questions for one point each. I am using a “universal design” to
accommodate DRC students. I allow five minutes per question, which equals a total of 30 minutes to take the quiz. To accommodate
DRC students, all students will be given 45 minutes to take the quiz. It will be offered from the time the class ends until midnight that
night. Once you begin the quiz you must finish it in one 45 minute sitting. The clock time runs from the time you begin the quiz
regardless of whether you log out or not.
Final Grade
40 points
40 points
40 points
44 points
36 points
200 points Total
1st Exam
2nd Exam
3rd Exam
Final Exam NOT cumulative
Quizzes (approximately 6 with 6 questions each)
90% and above =A, 80-89%=B, 70-79=C, 60-69=D, Below 60%= F
There is no rounding up of grades. For example, I do not round up a 89.8 grade to 90. The reason for this policy is the decision of
where to start and stop the rounding is arbitrary (89.2? 88, ?). No matter where I put the cutoff for rounding, there will be a student
who falls 0.1 point below the cutoff. To be fair to all students, it is my policy to give the grade you earn without any rounding.
There are no extra credit projects. Each exam will include 3-5 points of extra credit. This is the only extra credit that will be offered
in this class.
Missed Classes and Make-Up Quizzes or Exams
It is important that you attend class every day. If you cannot attend class, arrange to obtain class notes from another student who did
attend, or come to my office hours. All holidays or special events observed by organized religions will be honored for those students
who show affiliation with that particular religion. Absences pre-approved by the UA Dean of Students (or Dean’s designee) will be
honored. If you miss a class on the day of a random quiz AND you let me know in advance of your anticipated absence, I will have
an alternative assignment to be completed and turned in by the next class meeting. Please note, however, that I will only give you an
alternative assignment for a limited number of absences (two). If you miss more than two in-class assignments, you will obtain a zero
for those additional assignments.
In the EXTREMELY unlikely event you need to miss an exam, an alternative Exam will be given ONLY IF prior arrangements have
been made with the instructor or with a university-approved excuse and appropriate documentation. If you must take a make-up
exam, it might be an alternate format (such as all essay questions or an oral exam).
1.
2.
Class Policies
Divorce is a topic that raises strong beliefs and feelings. I welcome your questions, opinions and comments. However, I do ask
that you treat your classmates and the instructor or guest speaker with respect during in-class discussions.
There will be no laptops allowed to be used during class time. Unfortunately in past classes there have been students who
spent most of their class time on social networking websites, shopping, watching movies or YouTube. Student feedback to me
indicated that it was very distracting for those who were trying to listen. It was also very distracting for me in trying to lecture. In
dealing with the disruption I may miss teaching important concepts.
The only exception to this policy are the two students who will be taking notes for the students registered with the Disability
Resource Center who have note taking as a formal part of their accommodations. These notes are for the DRC registered students
only and will be provided to one of the TAs for posting to a private listserv. Please do not request notes from these the DRC
student or the note takers.
3.
Please come to class on time. Arriving late is disruptive and distracting, and you may miss out on announcements of quizzes.
4.
Some students pass notes, whisper or talk to those sitting near them during lectures. These behaviors are distracting for
those students who are paying attention. If you do so you will be asked to either share what you are discussing the class or leave
the room.
5.
Please turn off all cell phones before entering the classroom. Again, student feedback to me indicated that students’ texting
and/or talking on the phone during class was very distracting for those who were trying to listen and learn. If you text or talk on
the phone during class times you will be asked to pack up your belongings and leave the class. If it happens repeatedly I will
administratively drop you from the course.
6.
If you have any difficulty with the material, questions or comments about the class, please do not hesitate to come to my
office hours or make an appointment to meet with me. I set time aside each week to be available to you. Please use this time
for your benefit. If you are having trouble and wait to come to see me until the third exam, it may be too late to receive the grade
you would like in the course.
If you are considering asking for a letter of recommendation, it is very difficult to write a letter if I do not know anything about
you other than your scores on an exam. A good method of me learning more about you and your interests is to attend office hours.
7.
If you are caught cheating, you will receive a failing grade for the course and I will report you to the Dean of Students.
The University has a policy on plagiarism and it is found at: http://studpubs.web.arizona.edu/policies/cacaint.htm. Threatening
behavior is also not tolerated and the University policies concerning threatening behavior by students found at:
http://policy.web.arizona.edu/~policy/threaten.shtml.
8.
The schedule of topics and readings is approximate. We have several guest speakers scheduled and I may need to make
changes to accommodate the speaker’s schedules. I may also make changes to accommodate new materials. In either case I will
let you know as we proceed through the semester. You are responsible for any changes made to the syllabus.
9.
If you anticipate barriers related to the format or requirements of this course, please meet with me so that we can discuss
ways to ensure your full participation in the course. If you determine that disability-related accommodations are necessary,
please register with Disability Resources (621-3268; drc.arizona.edu) and notify me of your eligibility for reasonable
accommodations. We can then plan how best to coordinate your accommodations.
CLASS SCHEDULE AND ASSIGNED READINGS
Week 1---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------TOPIC: NATURE OF MARRIAGE AND DIVORCE
August 20
Introduction and Overview of the Course
Divorce Recovery Program personnel to make announcement of possible internships
August 22
Myths Associated with Marriage and Divorce; Marriage Types
Hetherington Book.
Chapter 1: A New Story about Divorce
Chapter 2: The His and Her Marriage; the His and Her Divorce, pp. 19-32
Week 2----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----August 27
History and Demographics of Marriage and Divorce
Chapter on D2L:
Fine and Harvey Book, Chapter 3: Historical Trends in Divorce in the US
August 29
Future of Marriage and Divorce
Chapter on D2L:
Fine and Harvey Book, Chapter 4: The Demographic Future of Divorce and Dissolution pp. 70-80 only
Articles on the Class D2L Website:
Paul, Pamela (2010). The un-divorced. New York Times.
Blair, Dierdre (2010). The 40-year Itch. New York Times.
Duara, Nigel (2011). Census data: Married couples are no longer majority. Arizona Daily Star
Staff Writer (2011). Long-increasing divorce rates begin to turn around. Arizona Daily Star
Week 3---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------September 3
Labor Day—No Class
September 5
No Class Instructor out of Town
You will be responsible for knowing the material below on the Process of Marital Breakdown
Chapter on D2L:
Fine and Harvey Book, Chapter 11: Process of Disaffection in Relationship Breakdown
Week 4----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---September 10
Predicting Divorce, Divorce Couple Types (Ahrons & Gottman)
Chapter on the Class D2L Website:
Carrere, S & Gottman, J. M. (1999). Predicting the future of marriages.
Figure Gottman’s Theory
September 12
Reasons for Divorce and Gender Differences in Divorce
Hetherington Book.
Chapter 2: The His and Her Marriage; the His and Her Divorce, pp. 32-42
Chapter 5: Six ways to Leave a Marriage: The Pathways Men and Women Take out of Divorce
Emery Book:
Chapter 1: Conflicting Perspectives: His and Her Divorce
Week 5----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---TOPIC: CONSEQUENCES OF DIVORCE: Adults
September 17
Emotional Process of Divorce: Adults I
GUEST SPEAKER Dr. Dave Sbarra, Associate Professor, Psychology Department, University of Arizona
Article on the Class D2L Website:
Sbarra, Mason, Larson & Meehl (under review). Expressive writing may impede emotional recovery
following divorce
September 19
Exam 1
Week 6----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----September 24
Emotional Processes of Divorce: Adults II
Emery Book:
Chapter 2: Beyond Anger: Pain, Longing, Fear, Guilt, and Grief
Chapter 3: Grieving Divorce: The Leaver and the Left
Chapter 4: Renegotiating Relationships I: Separating Marital and Parental Roles
September 26
Legal Processes of Divorce I
Emery Book:
Chapter 6: Divorce and Custody Law: Perfect Problems, Imperfect Solutions
Article on the Class D2L Website:
Several Arizona State Statutes regulating divorce (grounds, mediation local court rule
Figure to explain legal process
Week 7---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------TOPIC: LEGAL ISSUES
October 1
The Legal Processes of Divorce II
GUEST SPEAKER Judge Bruce R. Cohen, Criminal Court Maricopa County, Former Associate Presiding Judge
of Family Court
Emery Book:
Chapter 7: Negotiating Agreements I: Setting the Stage and the First Mediation Session
Article on the Class D2L Website:
Italie, Leanne, Facebook folly: Blabbing is a divorce lawyer’s bonanza. The Arizona Republic.
October 3
Alternative Dispute Resolution Conciliation Court, services offered (divorce counseling, mediation, parenting
coordination, parent education)
Emery Book:
Chapter 8: Negotiating Agreements II: Identifying Issues, Brainstorming Options and Drafting Parenting..
Chapter 9: Mediation Research: A 12-Year Randomized Study
Week 8----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----TOPIC: CONSEQUENCES OF DIVORCE: Children and Young Adults
October 8
Emotional Processes for Children I:
Emery Book:
Chapter 5: Renegotiating Relationships II: Two-Parent Divorced Families
Article on the Class D2L Website:
Duenwald, M.(2002). Two portraits of children of divorce: Rosey and Dark. New York Times
October 10
Emotional Process of Divorce: Children II
Hetherington Book.
Chapter 6: Incompetent Bullies and Undisciplined Disciplinarians
Chapter 7: What Helps and What Hurts: Children’s Adjustment Six Years After Divorce
Chapter 10: Welcome to Peer World.
Week 9----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----October 15
Exam 2
October 17
Emotional Process After Divorce: Young Adults
Hetherington Book
Chapter 11: Mostly Happy: Children of Divorce as Young Adults
Chapter 12: Win, Lose, and Draw: Adults Twenty Years Later
Week 10----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----TOPIC: CHALLENGES TO POSITIVE ADJUSTMENT:
October 22
Family Violence
Chapter and Articles on the Class D2L Website:
Barnett, Miller-Perrin, Perrin (2011). Chapter 1: History and Definitions of Family Violence. Family
Violence Across the Lifespan. Sage.
Alberts, H. et al (2006). Gas line tampering before explosion collapsed town house. LA Times
Destefano, A. (2006). Documents trace marriage’s ugly demise. LA Times
October 24
Child Maltreatment, Domestic Violence
Articles on the Class D2L Website:
Carpenter & Stacks (2009) Developmental effects of exposure to Intimate Partner Violence in early
childhood: A review of the literature. Children and Youth Services Review.
Hamby, S., Finkelhor, D., Turner, H., & Ormrod, R. (2011). Children’s Exposure to Intimate Partner
Violence and Other Family Violence.
Week 11---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------October 29
High Conflict Families
Articles on the Class D2L Website:
Johnston, J. R. (1994). High Conflict Divorce. The Future of Children: Children & Divorce, 4(1).
Walker, L. E., & Shapiro, D. L. (2010). Parental Alienation Disorder: Why Label Children with a Mental
Diagnosis?
October 31
Alternative Forms of Families
GUEST SPEAKER Pamela Liberty, J.D. (family law specialist, lawyer and mediator), Tucson
Readings TBA
Week 12----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------November 5
Military Families and Divorce
GUEST SPEAKER, Matt Randle, U.S. Army Veteran, Co-Founder of the U of AZ Vets Office, current U of AZ
Law Student
November 7 Exam 3
Week 13----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----November 12
No Class, Veteran’s Day
November14
Custody Evaluations
GUEST SPEAKER Dr. Andrew Benjamin, JD/PhD (clinical psychologist and lawyer), Director of the Parenting
Evaluation Treatment Program, University of Washington.
Article on the Class D2L Website:
Emery, Otto & O’Donohue, (2005). A critical assessment of child custody evaluations.
Psychological Science in the Public Interest
Zimmerman, Hess et al (2009). Ethical and professional considerations in divorce and child custody
Cases. Professional Psychology: Research and Practice
(plus two additional articles in same .pdf file;
McGarrah,Walking with Care through Minefields. Professional Psychology: Research
and Practice
Benjamin, Ally & Golan, Navigating through the Minefield with Positive Practices
to Prevent Complaints. Professional Psychology: Research and Practice
Week 14----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----TOPIC: AFTERMATH OF DIVORCE
November 19
The Aftermath of Divorce
Hetherington Book
Chapter 4: The Balance of Happiness: Why People Succeed or Fail After Divorce
Chapter 8: Repartnering: High Hopes and Crossed Fingers
Articles on the Class D2L Website:
Hekker, T. M. (1977). The satisfaction of housewifery and motherhood in ‘an age of do-yourown-thing’ New York Times
Hekker, T. M. (2006). Modern Love – Paradise Lost. New York Times.
November 21
Class Cancelled, Thanksgiving Holiday
Week 15---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------November 26: Remarriage and Stepfamilies,
GUEST SPEAKER, Dr. Frank Williams, retired Professor of Family Studies and
Human Development and former Director of the Divorce Recovery Program
Hetherington Book
Chapter 9: Building a Stepfamily
Article on the Class D2L Website:
Parker, K. (2011). A portrait of stepfamilies. Pew Research Center
November 28
TBA
Possibly MOVIE—Banking on Heaven: Polygamy in the heartland of the American West.
Associated Press (2011). Polygamist leader Warren Jeffs found guilty of child sex abuse. LA Times
Schwartz, J. (2011). Polygamist, under scrutiny in Utah, plans suit to challenge law. New York Times.
More Recent Articles
Week 16----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----December 3
Overview of Public Policy Issues
Hetherington Book
Chapter 13: Lessons Learned in Forty-Five Years of Studying Families
Article on the Class D2L Website:
Huffingtonpost.com article “Pregnant Man Thomas Beatie’s Divorce Proceedings Delayed as Judge
Questions Union’s Legality, 8/13/2012.
December 5
Catch up class
December 12
NOTE TIME FINAL EXAM*******1-3:00 pm