1. Knowledge Checks (0 pts): Canvas provides weekly knowledge checks at the end of each module to help you learn important terms and concepts associated with each theory. These weekly questions are objective (multiple-choice and true/false) and are excellent practice for the midterm and final exams. All questions used as knowledge checks will reappear in either the midterm or final exam. As such, they provide excellent low-stakes practice opportunities to help you study for the exams. Because they are OPTIONAL, they have no time limit, do not close, have no limit on the number of attempts, and have no points attached to them. They are strongly encouraged to do as part of your review for your exams.
- Syllabus Quiz (10 points): Due at the end of the first week of class.
3. Theory Applications (11@ 15pts each/ 165 pts): Learning to theorize like a family scientist requires critical questioning and discussing ideas with others. To help facilitate this, you will complete ten theory applications at the end of class that relate to the week’s theory. If you are not in class that day, you cannot make up these points without an excused absence from the instructor. These assignments are due to be uploaded to Canvas within 15 minutes of the end of class on the date specified. EXTRA CREDIT OPTION: You may replace the score on any of your theory applications with the submission of a one page summary (double spaced) of one of the Family Matters Conference sessions on October 24th or 25th.
4. Reflection Journal (10@20 pts each/ 200 pts): The purpose of the reflection journal is to consider the content of each of the family theories, critically examine it, compare and contrast it with previous theories learned, and monitor the fit between that theory and your preferred ways of seeing the world. For each theoretical perspective that we examine in class, you will be expected to keep a corresponding reflective journal entry for a total of 10 entries. These journals must address all of the 3C’s (Considerations, Critiques, and Comparisons) by answering at least one of the suggested questions listed under each heading. Each journal entry is worth 20 points and should be in APA formatting, one to two double-spaced pages long, one inch margins, Times New Roman Font size 12, and uploaded to Canvas on the dates specified. These weekly theory reflections will be integral to writing your final paper. Please see the grading rubric provided online for more details.
5. Family Theory Group Facilitation (145 pts): For this assignment your group will create a learning activity for the entire class to participate in that helps us to find new and creative ways to apply individual theories to everyday family life. This can take a variety of forms (interactive games or projects, case studies, analysis of clips from popular culture - movies, TV episodes, documentaries, podcasts, comics, music, news articles, blogs, TED talks, etc.). The entire presentation time should be 30-35 minutes long with no more than 10 minutes allocated to the viewing of, or listening to a media source. Part of your presentation should include a critique of the theory (discussion of its strengths & weaknesses either integrated into the activity or as a separate discussion).
As an example, your group could select a brief clip from a TV episode/movie and have the class break into small groups (each one lead by a group member) to analyze the clip by applying the terms, concepts and assumptions from that particular theory. Group members should know and understand the theory well enough to answer any questions the class might have for you. Please be creative and intentional in the way you design your family theory application class activity. If you need help brainstorming ideas, please contact me. Your group will hand in a lesson plan that includes the following section headings: Learning Objectives, Materials Needed, Description of Activity, Discussion Questions, Three Links to Theory, and Theory Critique. This lesson plan should be 1-2 single spaced pages long, written in bulleted form, and uploaded to Canvas before class begins on the day you are scheduled to present. You can find a grading rubric and an example of a lesson plan online.
6. Feminist Theory Panel (30 pts): A panel is an excellent forum for dialogue because it allows you to hear multiple opinions regarding any given topic. In our class, we will hold a panel on feminist theory. Each group will be required to locate a panelist, provide their picture and bio, prepare questions for their panelists, and participate in, and reflect on the discussion on the day of the panel. Please see the syllabus for due dates. Detailed instructions for this assignment are also on Canvas.
7. Final Paper (245 pts): After reviewing your journal entries for the semester on each theory and comparing and contrasting their strengths and weaknesses, your final paper will discuss and defend why one of them is your preferred theory. You must consult with (and cite) at least one outside academic resource in order to deepen your understanding of this theory. Your paper must explicate your rationale for selecting the theory you have and should include the following elements:
- Compare and contrast the strengths and limitations of at least two other theories as a rationale for deciding on the theory you have selected.
- Identify how your preferred theory fits with your own world view.
- Identify which theory seems to offer the greatest potential for practical use and application in the future work you will be doing with families – again comparing and contrasting with other theories.
The paper should be 4 double spaced pages in Times New Roman, size 12 font and one inch margins. Please see grading rubric provided on line for more details and due date.
8. Exams (2@100 pts each / 200 pts): The purpose of your midterm (first 5 theories) and final (last 5 theories) exams are to assess your ability to identify and understand the key terms, concepts and core assumptions that define a variety of family theories as well as compare and contrast various theories, evaluate their strengths and limitations, and apply them to diverse family relationships and processes in order to analyze what is going on. Each exam will have 60 objective questions (multiple choice or True/False) worth one point each and one video case study worth 40 points that will ask you to analyze family relationships and processes from two different theoretical perspectives. Points for short answer responses will be specified on the exam.
9. Course Evaluation (5 pts) : Please fill out the course evaluation at the end of the semester and take a screen shot indicating you have completed it so you can upload it to the correct Canvas Assignment folder.