/ /

Semester

/ Spring 2011

Section

/ 002

Days

/ Wednesday

Time

/ 5:30 to 8:20 pm
Location / PHYS 104
Instructor / Office Hours
Wendy Middlemiss Ph.D. / Monday 9:30-10:30am
304H Matthews / Wednesday 4:15pm 5:15pm
/ Or By appointment
Office phone: 940 369-8870
Course Description / Commonalities and differences in parenting, caregiving and family life are emphasized from systems, ecological and cross-cultural perspectives. Parenting and caregiving in diverse family forms and clutures are studied in relation to adult-child interactions, parent/school/community relations, family roles, laws and parenting skills. Satisfied Cross Cultural, Diversity, and Global Studies requirement of the University Core Curriculum.
Texts / Brooks, J. (2011). The Process of Parenting (9th ed.). McGraw-Hill: New York.
ISBN-978-0-07-337876-3
Other reading as announced

Core Course objectives

  1. to understand the diversity of human cultures.
  2. to understand the relationships among the economic, social, political, environmental, and symbolic systems of societies.
  3. to compare and contrast human behaviors in different cultural contexts
  4. to analyze differences and commonalities across cultures
  5. to demonstrate interconnectedness of human experiences among and between societies
  6. to development strategies for reducing prejudice and stereotyping of groups
  7. to develop sensitivity, respect, and appreciation for the diversity of human cultures
  8. to value diversity in a global society

Course Requirements

Preparation for and completion of mid-term and final examinations.Learning takes time and attention… keeping up with reading, taking time to understand what you have read, and finding ways to remember what we have discussed in classes are all challenges. To help in that process, we will have short quizzes each week. Quizzes will be

Quizzes: 5 points each [11 quizzes/highest 10 toward grade]; 50 total points

Midterm: Chapters 1-9; 75 points

Comprehensive Family: Chapters 1-16; 75 points.

Position Paper. Part of learning is being able to share our ideas with others in a way that is sound, reasoned, and persuasive. Toward that end we will learn to structure an argument and position based on completion of two position papers. The first will be a starting point for our learning process. In constructing your first paper, you will focus on stating your position and explaining why it is that you hold that position. Through the course, we will learn more about what theories may help to support your position—further we will do some reading on the topic we discuss. Then, we will discuss how best to take your first position statement and create a position paper that forms a strong argument for your ideas. In completing this assignment, then, the following tasks will be completed… All papers are to be completed in APA Style and typed.

Position paper on Sleep Training[1-page; 25 points]

Two Journal Articles Reviews. One supporting and one not supporting your position. [Completion of formatted review; 2 reviews; 15 points each]

Summary Position paper [2-pages; 100 points]

DISCUSSION In-Class: [15 points]

In Class Family Work.To help with understanding how families differ across culture, we will form families in our class. As we progress through the chapters, there will be various in-class assignments for families to work through and to present informally during class time. In larger classes we may form impromptu groups, rather than families.

In-Class Family Work: [30 points]

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Statement regarding Discriminatory Practices: The University of North Texas’ College of Education does not discriminate on the basis of disability in the recruitment and admission of students, the recruitment or employment of faculty and staff, and the operation of any of its programs and activities, as specified by Federal laws and regulations. The designated liaison for the Department of Educational Psychology is Devin Callahan, Room 316, Matthews Hall 204. The student has the responsibility of informing the course instructor of any disabling condition which will require modifications to avoid discrimination.

Eagle mail. All Students should activate and regularly check their Eagle Mail (e-mail account). Eagle Mail is used for official communications from the University to students. Many important announcements for the University and College are sent to students via Eagle Mail. For information about Eagle Mail, including how to activate an account and how to have Eagle Mail forwarded to another e-mail address, visit:

Academic honesty. It is expected that students will conform to the University of North Texas’ Code of Student Conducted and Discipline as outlined in the undergraduate catalog (see also the Student Handbook which can be found on line at This states in part that all instances of cheating, fabrication and plagiarism are prohibited and will be reported. Any student who assists in any form of dishonesty is equally as guilty as the student who accepts such assistance. Any work submitted to me with your name alone on it should represent your work alone. To the extent that others contribute ideas, suggestions, they must be directly credited by name (and full cite as appropriate). Disciplinary action will be taken against any student found in violation of the Code, which may include failure in the course and possible expulsion from the University.

COURSE SCHEDULE DFST 2033

Spring, 2011; Dr. Middlemiss

WEEKDATEHAVE PREPAREDHAND-IN**

Week 1Wednesday, Jan. 19Ch 1. Parenting as a process

Week 2Wednesday, Feb. 2Ch 2. Seeking Guidance

Week 3Wednesday, Feb. 9Ch 3. Cultural Influences Parenting First Position Paper

Week 4Wednesday, Feb. 16Ch 4. Emotional Relationships

Ch 5. Children’s Growth and Dev.

Week 5Wednesday, Feb. 23Ch 6. Becoming Parents

Ch 7. Infants: Years from Birth to 2

Week 6Wednesday, March 2Ch 8. Early Childhood: Years 2 – 5

Review

Week 7WednesdayMarch 9Midterm Chapters 1-8

Week 8Wednesday, March 16SPRING BREAK

Week 9Wednesday, March 23Ch. 9 Elementary School YearsArticle Reviews Due

Week 10 Wednesday, March 30Ch 10. Parenting Early Adolescents

Ch 11. Parenting Late Adolescents

Week 11 Wednesday, April 6Ch 12. Parenting Adults

Ch 13. Parenting and Work

Week 12 Wednesday, April 13 Ch 14.Single Parenting Position Papers Due

Week 13Wednesday. April 20Ch. 15. Complex Family Structures

Week 14Wednesday, April 27Ch. 16. Parenting in Challenging Times

Discussion Presentations [?]

Week 15 Wednesday, May 4Discussion Presentations

Week 16FINALS Week

**On each class day there may be specific assigned work to complete as part of your family. Please be ready each day to think about how the information in the chapter reflects the construction and needs of your family… and the family of others. Please remember there will be a second schedule for family work that should be consulted as you prepare for class.

Grading Scale

To earn a(n):

Arequires400-360

Brequires359-320

Crequires 323-280

Drequires 279-240

Earning less than 239 results in a failing grade.