Marriage
& Family (RS 110 A) Fall Semester 2004
Instructor: Frank Farrell - Senior Associate Professor Religion
M,W, F
Phone: 215-885-2360 (ext 251)
Office Hours:
Mon. 12-1
Wed.
12-1 By Appointment
E-mail: :FFarrell@manor.edu
Web Page http://apps.manor.edu/faculty/ffarrel/RS110/
Course
Description:
This course
will be an introduction to the academic study of marriage and family relationships.
In addition to religious background, students will draw upon insights from
contemporary psychology, sociology, and literature providing this course with a
diverse prospective on key issues related to marriage and family life. Students
will be encouraged to use the materials of the course as points of contact,
from which they can begin to reflect on and articulate their views of marriage
and family issues.
Philosophy of
the Course:
The goal of
this course is to study the religious richness of marriage and family life as
can be found in the world today. Given the diversities of the relationships of
these traditions, students will be encouraged to develop and articulate an
understanding of the core tenets of the cultural and religious traditions
explored here. While Catholic in
orientation, the course will also explore marriage and family life in other
Christian and non Christian religions. This is in an attempt to expose the
student to the variety and richness of the traditions and practices in our
culture.
Goals and
Objectives:
1. Students
will exhibit a basic understanding of the socio/religious dimensions of
marriage, contemporary practices, and historical developments.
2. Students
will exhibit the ability to trace the major developments of family structures
in their historical, cultural context.
3. Students
will exhibit a basic understanding of family systems theory and develop the
ability to articulate the dynamics of observed family and marital
relationships.
4. Students will
demonstrate an ability to critically reflect on marriage and family themes as
presented in literature and popular culture.
5. Students
will develop information literacy techniques through the formulation of a
family budget, critically utilizing information available on the World Wide
Web.
6. Students
will hopefully exhibit a more open and positive attitude toward their own
tradition as well as the tradition of others.
Grading:
1. Attendance
and Participation 10%
2. 4
Reflection Papers (2 Pages typed max.) 40%
3. Group
Project
Individual
research 5%
Small Group
Presentation 5
%
4. Media
Analysis Paper 10
%
5. Mid Term 15%
6. Final Test
15%
Required
Textbooks:
1.Scott,
Kieran and Warren, Michael Perspectives on Marriage
2. Selected
Handouts
Approaches to
Teaching:
The
instructor will incorporate various methods to assist students in the learning
process. The course will consist of
weekly lectures, facilitated breakout discussions
and audio/visual material. Students will be expected to add to the flavor of
the course through oral presentations, reflection papers, and participation in
group projects and discussions.
To insure the
fullest learning experience for the entire class, students should come prepared
for class. This preparation should include a thorough reading of assigned text,
as well as outside research when indicated.
Attendance:
Attendance is
expected at every class. The instructor is sensitive to the fact that there are
times when you may not be able to be present. If you know that you will not be
present for a particular class, please notify the instructor. Because your
participation in group activities will be an integral part of each class, any
more than two unexcused absences will result in the lowering of your
grade by one letter. Any more than four unexcused absences may result in
failure for the course. You are expected to be on time for class. N.B.
If you are late more than three times during the semester, each subsequent
lateness will be counted as an absence.
Athletes who will miss class because of travel are asked to submit a
schedule of those classes which will be missed at the beginning of the
semester.
Academic
Honesty:
Academic honesty is expected. Plagiarism will
be dealt with according to the policies outlined in the student handbook.
Cheating on a test will result in a grade of zero.
Procedure for
Grading:
Reflection
papers
will be graded on a scale of 1-10 on a basis of content and clarity of thought.
Papers should be typed and no longer than two pages in length. Papers should be
centered on the students integration of material presented in readings or class
with their own experience. Paper topics should remain relevant to course material.
If a student is unsure of a specific topic, the student should check the topic
with the professor. Please be sure to
proof read all material before you submit it. Consistent errors in grammar,
spelling, and punctuation could result in a lower grade. Papers which are
submitted past due dates will be penalized 2 pts for each class day they are
late. The first two papers are due by Sept 26. The final two Nov. 21.
Group Project
will be worth 10 points and will be graded on the basis of clarity of presentation
and depth of research. The projects will involve issues in the family and will
be outlined in greater detail during the semester. The grade will consist of
three parts: A group presentation self evaluation
and instructor evaluation (5 points) and an individual research
evaluation (5 points). The instructor evaluation will be for the entire group
presentation. The group self evaluation will entail an individual rating of
members of the group, as well as an evaluation of the groups effort. Any student
not present for class presentation will receive no credit for the assignment.
Media Analysis Project Option One
Will be worth 10 pts. Through any of the following media:
Film, Art, Music, Literature, Poetry, develop an
analysis of a topic relating to the ritual nature of marriage. Topics need to
be approved by instructor during the fourth week of class. You may do a
comparison and contrast of two or more works, or you may choose to do an
in-depth analysis of one work. Please follow either MLA or Chicago Manual
of Style as to notations and footnotes.
Mid-Term Exam
will be worth 15 points and will consist of a
comprehensive overview of the course. Questions will be developed directly from
the texts covered and lecture notes. The exam will involve short essays, as
well as other standard testing questions.
Final Test will be worth 15 points and will consist of a comprehensive overview of the course. Questions will be developed directly from the texts covered and lecture notes. The exam will involve short essays, as well as other standard testing questions.
Course Schedule
|
Date |
Topic |
|
|
Week 1 |
Introduction Historical Developments of Marriage and Family Why Study Marriage and Family |
Scott Intro |
|
2 |
The History
of Christian Marriage The Family Life Cycle |
Scott Ch 1,2,3 Handouts |
|
3 |
Marriage as a
Sacrament Making the
commitment |
Scott Ch.
4,5 Handouts Scott6,7,9,10
Group Projects Preparation |
|
4 |
Dating, Engagement, Wedding Creating a spiritual friendship First two reflections due Sept 26 |
Scott 15, 28 |
|
5 -6 |
Sex and Marriage |
Scott 11,12,
13,14,16,17, 18 |
|
7 |
Money Matters Group Projects
Preparation Mid Term October 15 Mid Term
Study Guide |
Handouts |
|
8 |
Communication Dealing with Stereotypes |
Scott Section5 Scott Section6 |
|
9 |
The Two as One |
Handouts |
|
10-11 |
Genuine Transformations The Family in a Multicultural Society Spiritual Dynamics in Marriage |
Scott Section 8 Handouts |
|
12 |
The Family Today The New Styles and the Future of Marriage Presentation of Group projects Final Two Reflections Due
- November 19 |
Handouts Scott Section 9 Scott Section 7 |
|
15 |
Family as Vocation Praying as a Family Final Paper Final Review Final Test |
|
Objectives,Measures,
1. Students
will exhibit a basic understanding of the socio/religious dimensions of marriage,
contemporary practices, and historical developments.
Measure:
Reflection questions will direct students towards an articulation and
discussion of marriages historical development, contemporary practice, and
socio/religious significance.
2. Students
will exhibit the ability to trace the major developments of family structures
in their historical, cultural context.
Measure:
Mid-Term essay will ask students to present a cohesive outline of historical
developments of marriage, highlighting significant periods of change. Second
mid-term essay will asses students understanding of the change of family
structures and its relationship to the development of marriage.
3. Students
will exhibit a basic understanding of family systems theory and develop the
ability to articulate the dynamics of observed family and marital
relationships.
Measure:
Through role play and small group projects, students will display an
incorporation of materiels presented with their own experiences. Reflection
papers will also provide an opportunity for students to engage the material
presented on a personal level.
4. Students
will demonstrate an ability to critically reflect on marriage and family themes
as presented in literature and popular culture.
Measure: Through the final paper, students will be
encouraged to apply an analysis of materials presented in class to family
themes presented in literature and popular culture.
Objectives,Measures,Standards
1. Students
will exhibit a basic understanding of the socio/religious dimensions of
marriage, contemporary practices, and historical developments.
Measure:
Reflection questions will direct students towards an articulation and
discussion of marriages historical development, contemporary practice, and
socio/religious significance.
Standard: 85%
of students will achieve a grade of 7 or better for each reflection. Students
will be encouraged to develop a continued deepening of analysis.
2. Students
will exhibit the ability to trace the major developments of family structures
in their historical, cultural context.
Measure:
Mid-Term essay will ask students to present a cohesive outline of historical
developments of marriage, highlighting significant periods of change. Second
mid-term essay will asses students understanding of the change of family
structures and its relationship to the development of marriage.
Standard: 85%
of students will achieve a grade of C or better for essays. Historical outlines
will note at least three significant changes.
3. Students
will exhibit a basic understanding of family systems theory and develop the
ability to articulate the dynamics of observed family and marital
relationships.
Measure:
Through role play and small group projects, students will display an incorporation
of materiels presented with their own experiences. Reflection papers will also
provide an opportunity for students to engage the material presented on a
personal level.
Standard:
Students will be expected to fully participate in all group projects and
discussions. 80% of Students will receive a peer grade of 7 or better for Group
Project.
4. Students
will demonstrate an ability to critically reflect on marriage and family themes
as presented in literature and popular culture.
Measure: Through the final exam, students will be
encouraged to apply an analysis of materials presented in class to family
themes presented in literature and popular culture.
Standard:
Successful integration of material will be reflected in a minimum grade of
12/15pts on final exam. This should be achieved by 80% of students.