Catalog Description

Formerly known as PSYC 10
Also known as HDEV 21
Hours: 54 lecture
Description: Study of the meaning and functions of intimate relationships and family. Consideration given to the nature of commitments, sexuality, alternative relationships, communication, conflict resolution, economics, parenting, crises, and marital separation. Recommended for majors in Human Development and Family and for those in human service careers. (CSU, UC)

Course Student Learning Outcomes

  • CSLO #1: Analyze the research and theories regarding different types of relationships.
  • CSLO #2: Differentiate stages in the development of intimacy with an identification of factors which may influence the process.
  • CSLO #3: Identify the factors associated with healthy/unhealthy relationships and family dynamics.
  • CSLO #4: Analyze options in becoming a parent, parenting styles, and parenting resources.

Effective Term

Fall 2017

Course Type

Credit - Degree-applicable

Contact Hours

54

Outside of Class Hours

108

Total Student Learning Hours

162

Course Objectives

1. Distinguish between myth and reality with regard to intimate relationships and family in current times.
2. Differentiate stages in the development of intimacy with an identification of factors which may influence the process.
3. Analyze the research and theories surrounding how relationships develop and are maintained.
4. Analyze the theories of Sternberg and John Lee in regard to their differences and commonalities on the subject of love.
5. Assess the choices to become married or stay single.
6. Compare and contrast gender similarities and differences.
7. Analyze the role human sexuality plays in modern-day family and marriage.
8. Analyze the role of communication and family interconnections in relationships and parenting.
9. Compare and contrast diversity in families.
10. Differentiate the effects on the family of separation, death, divorce, and remarriage.

General Education Information

  • Approved College Associate Degree GE Applicability
    • AA/AS - Behavioral Sciences
  • CSU GE Applicability (Recommended-requires CSU approval)
    • CSUGE - D7 Interdisciplinary Soc/Behav
    • CSUGE - D9 Psychology
    • CSUGE - E1 Lifelong Learning and Self-Development
  • Cal-GETC Applicability (Recommended - Requires External Approval)
    • Cal-GETC 4 - Social and Behavioral Sciences
  • IGETC Applicability (Recommended-requires CSU/UC approval)
    • IGETC - 4G Intrdis Social/Beha

Articulation Information

  • CSU Transferable
  • UC Transferable

Methods of Evaluation

  • Classroom Discussions
    • Example: Instructor to provide a handout on possible parenting challenges and and then students use Kahoots! or similar live feedback technology to assess student learning/opinion on how these challenges could be best handled. Grading based on point accumulation.
  • Essay Examinations
    • Example: Compare and contrast the theories on family development. Essay will be graded based upon criteria shared with the class as a part of the assignment.
  • Objective Examinations
    • Example: Answer multiple choice, short answer, true/false questions about types of relationships. Choose which response best reflects criteria outlined in lecture and text. Graded based on correct application of criteria.
  • Projects
    • Example: Interview an MFT and compile a list of ways in which one might protect a marriage. Project would be graded on completeness.

Repeatable

No

Methods of Instruction

  • Lecture/Discussion
  • Distance Learning

Lecture:

  1. Lecture on societal trends of getting married or staying single, and the benefits and drawbacks of each. Instructor to then assign small groups to analyze the advantages and disadvantages of each and to share their own experiences.
  2. Instructor to lecture on best practices of conflict resolution. Students can then discuss scenarios written by the instructor apply these practices to each.

Distance Learning

  1. Instructor to provide a video lecture on step parentng and assign students to listen to a podcast on the same topic. Students will then post the views of the podcast, both positive and negative, on the discussion board and how this content compared to class content.

Typical Out of Class Assignments

Reading Assignments

1. Read and critique one research study related to marriage and family and be prepared to share findings in class. 2. Read the assigned material covering types of love. Be able to cite each of the major theorists on love and compare and contrast their approaches.

Writing, Problem Solving or Performance

1. Interview a newly married couple or someone who has been through a divorce. Analyze their relationship given class concepts. 2. Write a "family autobiography" about how marriage has impacted who you are.

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

Required Materials

  • Choices in Relationships: An Introduction to Marriage and the Family
    • Author: Knox, Schacht
    • Publisher: Cengage
    • Publication Date: 2016
    • Text Edition: 12th
    • Classic Textbook?:
    • OER Link:
    • OER:
  • Marriages, Families and Intimate Relationships: A Practical Introduction
    • Author: Williams, Sawyer, Wahlstrom
    • Publisher: Pearson
    • Publication Date: 2017
    • Text Edition: 4th
    • Classic Textbook?:
    • OER Link:
    • OER:
  • Marriage, Intimate Relationships, and Families
    • Author: Pelz, Bill Hammond, Ron and Cheney, Paul
    • Publisher: Creative Commons Attribution
    • Publication Date: 2021
    • Text Edition: 1st
    • Classic Textbook?: No
    • OER Link:
    • OER: Yes

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