MARRIAGE AND THE FAMILY
HD 262 3 credit hours
Dr. Nick Stinnett 212 HES Design House
Office Hours: 12:00 –
1:00 MW; or by appointment
348 – 4528; 348 –
5873 (to leave message with Lynn Thomas, Program Assistant); 310 – 1253 (cell –
very important calls only, please);
nstinne1@ches.ua.edu In e-mails or phone messages please
indicate which class you’re in – HD 262.001
(11am) or HD 262.002 (1pm).
This is a course devoted
to the study of modern marriage and family relations. A combination of sociological and
psychological perspectives is used.
Consideration is given to courtship, mate selection, marriage, marital
adjustment, family finance, and other related topics.
·
To understand
social forces and social change and their influence on marriage and family relationships - past, present, and future.
·
To understand
current courtship patterns and how they influence mate selection and contribute
to preparation for marriage.
·
To understand
laws and social regulations governing marriage, family relations and divorce.
·
To understand
communication and other factors influencing marital adjustment, role-patterns,
decision-making, and conflict resolution.
·
To understand the
principles of economics and how these principles can be applied to financial
adjustment and financial practices in the family.
·
To understand the
reproductive process, decision-making about whether to or not to become parents
and the influences of children on marriage.
Text and Materials
Stinnett, Nick &
Stinnett, Nancy. (2006). Relationships
in Marriage and The Family, 5th edition. Pearson Education
Publishing. Be sure you get a new 5th
edition. Do NOT buy a used text – the 5th
edition contains workbook-type pages that you need for assignments.
You will also need a
stapler to secure assignments and a pack of 4x6 index cards for class
participation/activities/attendance. You
will likely want a notebook for taking class notes and making notes as you
read.
Students are
expected to read the assignments in the text and any other reading assignments
given in class.
Much of the learning
experience is dependent on the exchange of information, thinking, and
experiences coming from all class members.
Each class member should feel a responsibility to participate actively
in class discussions and activities using personal experience, textbook
material, and supplementary readings as resources.
Class attendance is
expected and required. More than FIVE absences are considered excessive. Grades
will be reduced (3 points for each absence) if the number exceeds 5
absences. This does not mean that you
may have five absences over and above any excused absences. Excused absences are included in the total of
5. Those who have five absences will
receive no consideration for “rounding up” if their grade ends up being a
borderline one. Anyone absent more
than 15 times will receive a grade of F regardless of the reasons for the
absences.
There will be four (4)
tests: they are indicated on the schedule.
The fourth will be given according to the final exam schedule. It will not be a comprehensive final. Each test will be worth 100 points. They will be multiple-choice, true-false,
short answer, etc. No make-up exams
will be given. If you miss an exam
for an excused absence, you will take a comprehensive final exam. Bring your student ID, two # 2 pencils and
an eraser to the tests. Place all bags,
books, notebooks, and telephones under your desk. Be sure to go to the bathroom BEFORE the test
begins. Anyone arriving late (especially
if someone has already finished the test) may not be allowed to take the test.
Students will complete
assigned questions in the video-based Marriage and Family Student Learning
Guide (See the CD and the Student Learning Guide {SLG} included
within your textbook). See the class
schedule for specific assignments. For
each assigned video clip, you should answer the “Observation Questions” (you
may omit the “Next Step” question).
Space is provided in the Student Learning Guide for your answers;
please write clearly. The SLG pages
are perforated to allow you to tear them out.
Please staple them and be sure your name is on them. They are due at the beginning of class on the
day they appear on the schedule. Worth
102 points (6 points each). Any turned in after class or later FOR ANY REASON,
unstapled, or not on SLG pages will lose points as follows: after class/day of class –1; next day –2;
second day – 4; not stapled/not on SLG pages –3 ; no name = no credit (I
am not psychic). Bring any late assignments to the marked box outside my office
door.
Academic Conduct
Academic misconduct
includes all acts of dishonesty in any academic or related matter and knowing
or intentional help, attempt to help or conspiracy to help, another student
commit an act of academic dishonesty.
Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to cheating,
plagiarism, fabrication of information, and misrepresentation. The UA Code of Academic Conduct and Academic
Misconduct Disciplinary Procedures will be followed in the event that academic
misconduct occurs. Students should refer
to the UA Student Affairs Handbook.
Disability Services and Access
The University is
committed to providing equal educational access to University students with
disabilities. The Office of Disability
Services administers accommodations and support options that are tailored to
documented individual needs. It is the
student’s responsibility to make known his or her needs for academic
adjustments, auxiliary aids, or services.
To request disability accommodations, please contact the Office of
Disability Services, 133B Martha Parham
East (348 – 4285). After initial
arrangements are made with that office, please make an appointment with me as
soon as possible to discuss any course accommodations that may be necessary.
Class Schedule and Required Readings (Subject to change)
24 Theories of Family Relationships Chapter 1
27 Intimacy
29 Changes in the Family
Module 5; Video Clip 14: “Death
of the Family Dinner; Working at Home”
31 Stress
07 Mate Selection Chapter 2
10 Mate Selection
Module 3; Video Clip 4:
“Partner Selection”
12 Love
14 Compatibility
17 Marriage Chapter 3
Module
3; Video Clip 5: “Two Weddings”
19 Types of Marriage Relationships
21 TEST # 1
24 Marriage Success Chapter 4
26 Marriage Success
28 Gender Differences Chapter 5
Module 1; Video Clip 1:
“Significance of Gender”
October 01 Gender Differences
Module
1; Video Clip 2: “The Wage Gap”
03 Communication Chapter 6
05 Communication
Module
3; Video Clip 7: “Communication in Intimate Relationships”
08 Psychological Games Chapter 7
10 Conflict
Chapter 8
12 Mid-Semester Break (classes dismissed)
15 Conflict
Module
3; Video Clip 6: “Power and Decision-Making in Intimate Relationships”
17 Marital Violence
Module
7; Video Clip 18: “The Battered Wife Amnesty”
19 TEST # 2
22 Sexual Relationships Chapter 9
Module
2; Video Clip 3: “Sexuality”
24 Sexual Relationships
Module
7; Video Clip 19: “Date Rape Drug”
26 Family Planning Chapter 10
29 Family Planning
Module
4; Video Clip 13: “Adoption”
31 Pregnancy Chapter 11
Module 4; Video Clip 8: “Childbirth”
November 02 Pregnancy
05 Pregnancy
07 TEST # 3
09 Relationships with Relatives Chapter 14
12 Relationships with Relatives
14 Parent-Child Relationships Chapter 12
Module
4; Video Clip 12: “Parenting”
16 Parent-Child Relationships
Module 4; Video Clip 11: “New
Dads”
19 Parent-Child Relationships
Module
7; Video Clip 17: “Sexual Abuse of Children”
21 Thanksgiving
23 Thanksgiving
26 Family Financial Management Chapter 13
28 Family Financial Management
30 Family Financial Management
December 03 Divorce and Remarriage Chapter 16
Module 6; Video Clip 15: “Separation
and Divorce”
05 Divorce and Remarriage
Module
6; Video Clip 16: “Remarriage and Blended Families”
December 13 (Thurs) TEST # 4 11:30am – 2:00 (MWF 1pm class – Section 002)
10 (Mon)TEST # 4 8:00 – 10:30am (MWF
11am class – Section 001)