Catalog Description

Formerly known as HDEV 23ABCD
Hours: 54 lecture
Description: A survey of historical and contemporary attitudes toward parenting. Review of research on child-rearing practices and parent-child relationships. Exploration of current approaches for effective interaction and communication of family members. Emphasis on the influence of personality, developmental stage, family structures, ethnic and cultural factors. (CSU)

Course Student Learning Outcomes

  • CSLO #1: Evaluate the important role historical and cultural attitudes and beliefs play in contemporary child rearing practices.
  • CSLO #2: Apply current theories and approaches to child guidance in order to develop effective skills and parenting strategies.
  • CSLO #3: Examine the environmental impact and outcomes of poverty, violence and abuse on children's development.
  • CSLO #4: Research and evaluate resources available to parents in the community.

Effective Term

Fall 2018

Course Type

Credit - Degree-applicable

Contact Hours

54

Outside of Class Hours

108

Total Student Learning Hours

162

Course Objectives

1. Analyze important factors, issues and consequences related to the decision to parent or not to parent.
2. Identify the developmental sequence of child growth and development from infancy through adolescence.
3. Describe the sequence of stages both parents and children experience developmentally and how they affect each other's growth.
4. Compare and contrast the important role historical and cultural attitudes and beliefs play in childrearing practices.
5. Discuss current theories and approaches to child guidance in order to develop skills and practice in various techniques.
6. Incorporate effective communication skills between parents and children.
7. Describe the significance of self-esteem and devise strategies for enhancing a positive self-concept.
8. Analyze the significance of parenting behaviors and their consequences for children.
9. Examine the environmental impact and the outcomes of poverty, violence and abuse on children's development.
10. Research, locate, evaluate helpful resources available to parents.
11. Research, locate, evaluate support groups/services available to parents in the community.

General Education Information

  • Approved College Associate Degree GE Applicability
    • CSU GE Applicability (Recommended-requires CSU approval)
      • Cal-GETC Applicability (Recommended - Requires External Approval)
        • IGETC Applicability (Recommended-requires CSU/UC approval)

          Articulation Information

          • CSU Transferable

          Methods of Evaluation

          • Classroom Discussions
            • Example: Students will be given a series of debates of controversial issues such as spanking where students can weigh the pros and cons of current research.
          • Essay Examinations
            • Example: Write an essay analyzing a specific parenting style and the implications of either a positive or negative outcome for the child. Provide concrete, specific examples to illustrate general statements and to support stated conclusions. Rubric Grading.
          • Objective Examinations
            • Example: Instructor will give a multiple choice test to students covering subject matter. Grading will be based on accuracy of course content. Sample question: According to Diana Baumrind, the most effective parenting style is: a) authoritarian, b) authoritative, c) permissive
          • Projects
            • Example: Students will be given case studies of real parenting situations such as "how to determine if your infant has a healthy attachment to you" in which they need to develop a plan for the parent(s) to foster positive outcomes for the child. Students will explore possible supports/resources for the family to utilize. Rubric Grading.
          • Reports
            • Example: Students will choose a professional in the field who has written a book for parents and report the findings in class. For example: The Gift of Failure: "How the Best Parents Learn to Let Go So Their Children Can Succeed ", by J.Lehey (2015). Rubric Grading.

          Repeatable

          No

          Methods of Instruction

          • Lecture/Discussion
          • Distance Learning

          Lecture:

          1. The instructor will lecture on nurturing close emotional relationships. Students are expected to participate in the discussion.
          2. The instructor will assign students to read a parenting article on supporting children's growth and development that illustrates a real life application of a parenting skill or technique studied in the course, summarize the material presented in the article, and make a clear comparison with information outlined in the text, class lecture/discussion and/or viewed video segments. The instructor will evaluate the writing competency and content.

          Distance Learning

          1. Instructor will guide students in use of computer program, The Virtual Child, by providing demonstrations.

          Typical Out of Class Assignments

          Reading Assignments

          1. Read article on 2017's Biggest Parenting Trends by Today's Parent, 1/4/17 that focus on a variety of parenting issues and concerns and compare this information to research identified in the text. 2. Read Stephen Camarata's, (a specialist in child development and in developmental disabilities such as autism, Down Syndrome and other conditions resulting in childhood speech and language disorders)book, The Intuitive Parent: Why the Best Thing for Your Child Is You" and report findings to the class.

          Writing, Problem Solving or Performance

          1. Locate three websites specially catering to parental issues. Locate three articles addressing what you believe to be the biggest parenting challenge and write a paper identifying three suggestions to remedy each challenge. Lastly, explain the pros and cons of each of these practices for both parent(s) and child. (For example: www.pluggedinparents.com; breastfeeding guide for working moms) 2. Choose one parenting issue to research (i.e., setting limits, teaching logical consequences, discipline strategies, etc.) and identify an appropriate parenting skill to support positive behavior in a child. Identify clear age-appropriate expectations for the child that take into account a child's age, ability, and temperament, and introduce a parenting behavior plan to assist the child in reaching optimal development.

          Other (Term projects, research papers, portfolios, etc.)

          1. Complete the computer program, The Virtual Child, by "raising" a child from birth through adolescence by responding to developmental questions/situations at each stage of childhood. Students will "compare" their parenting/child development experiences to material in the text.

          Required Materials

          • The Process of Parenting
            • Author: Brooks, J.
            • Publisher: Mayfield
            • Publication Date: 2013
            • Text Edition: 9th
            • Classic Textbook?:
            • OER Link:
            • OER:

          Other materials and-or supplies required of students that contribute to the cost of the course.