Professor: Michelle Moon, Ph.D

Psychology 327 Parenting Spring 2011 ______

Professor: Michelle Moon, Ph.D. Phone: 805-437-2752 Email: [email protected] Office: Sage Hall, #2131 Office hours: Tuesdays 10:15-11:45, Thursdays 10:15-11:45 and by appointment

Tuesdays 12:00-2:50; Broome Library 2490

University Bulletin Description: Provides an in-depth study of Parenting and Family Relations.

Learning Objectives: Upon completion of the course students will be able to: 1. Discuss and evaluate theoretical frameworks of parenting and family relations. 2. Become familiar with literature on parenting issues and special topics (e.g., divorce and step-parenting) 3. Apply empirically-based techniques to parenting issues. 4. Articulate developmental milestones and appropriate parenting responses during early childhood and adolescence. 5. Critique parenting practices and beliefs presented in the popular press.

Required Texts: Christophersen, E. R., & Mortweet, S. L. (2003). Parenting that works: Building skills that last a lifetime. Washington: American Psychological Association.

Holden, George (2010). Parenting: A Dynamic Perspective. Thousand Oaks: Sage.

Accommodations for Students with Disabilities: If you require accommodations because of a disability, please make an appointment with me so that we may discuss your special needs. You will be asked to supply a letter from the Office for Students with Disabilities to assist in planning any special accommodations.

Academic Dishonesty: Cheating, plagiarism and any other form of academic dishonesty will not be tolerated in this class. These violations of University policy may lead to failure in this class and a report to the appropriate University office for investigation. So don’t do it! CLASS SCHEDULE

Approximate Dates Topic Readings

January 25 Introduction and overview.

February 1 Introduction: From Beliefs to Evidence Holden: Ch 1 Theoretical Perspectives on Parenting Holden: Ch 2

February 8 Approaches to Parenting Research Holden: Ch 3 The Controversy Over Parental Influence Holden: Ch 4

February 15 Determinants of Parenting Holden: Ch 5

February 22 Quiz 1 (Holden Chapters 1-5)

March 1 Becoming a Parent Holden: Ch 6 Teaching Your Child What Is Important APA: Ch 1

March 8 Parenting: From Infancy-Preschool Years Holden: Ch 7 Providing Positive Feedback APA: Ch 2

March 15 Communicating With Your Child APA: Ch 3 Disciplining Your Child Effectively APA: Ch 4 Building Parent Coping Skills APA: Ch 5

March 22 Spring Break—no class

March 29 Guest Lecturer

April 5 Managing Your Child’s Behavior Away From Home APA: Ch 6 Getting the Most Out of Toys, Games and Sports APA: Ch 7 Building Self-Quieting Skills APA: Ch 9

Encouraging Independent Play Skills APA: Ch 10

April 12 Establishing Bedtime APA: Ch 11 Facilitate Toilet Training APA: Ch 12 Discouraging Aggression APA: Ch 13 Coping with Whining and Tantrums APA: Ch 14

April 19 Parenting: Middle-Childhood Years Holden: Ch 8 Parenting: Adolescents Holden: Ch 9

April 26 Parenting in Nontraditional Families and Special Populations Holden: Ch 10 Dealing with Divorce APA: Ch 8

May 3 Child Maltreatment… Holden: Ch 12 Social Policy Issues Holden: Ch 13

May 10 Quiz #2 (Holden 8-10, 12 and 13; APA 6 -14) Final Project Due.

QUIZZES: There will be two quizzes (multiple choice and short answer), the questions will be based on the assigned readings and the material presented and discussed in class. Each quiz is worth 100 points. You will need the small, bluish-green scantron and a small blue book for each quiz. Make-up quizzes will be permitted only when an absence is verifiably due to illness or other emergency situation, and you must discuss this with me prior to the test time.

CLASS ACTIVITIES: There will be class activities throughout the semester. Students will not be able to make up class activities if they are absent. 6 points per class activity (60 points).

HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENTS: There will be 10 homework assignments given throughout the semester. If you are absent, it is your responsibility to contact a classmate and learn about the assignment. Homework will include, but is not limited to, personal reactions, projects, observations, and interviews. Note: Please use the assignment sheet as your cover page when turning in your homework.

Homework assignments must be turned in during class (assignments will not be accepted via email). Late homework will NOT be accepted. Each assignment is worth 10 points, 100 points total.

FINAL PROJECT: You will be assigned a final project. Details of this assignment will be distributed early in the semester. Your project is due May 10 and may be turned in late (for 50% credit) until May 16, 2011.

EXTRA CREDIT: Extra credit will be permitted if you have been present for 5 of the 6 Class Activities AND turned in 8 of the 10 Homework Assignments. Due May 10th. 10 possible points

BOOK REVIEW: Select a book in any area of the psychology of parenting and family relations that is of interest to you. Your grade on this assignment will be based on your written report, which should consist of a cover page, and 3-5 pages of double-spaced text (12-point font, standard margins), and must address: 1. What was the book about? What was the author’s general approach and intention? 2. What were the 3-5 major points of the book? 3. Give a clear example of the author’s approach or orientation as applied to the reality of parenting and/or family relations. 4. Provide an evaluation and critique of the book (try to relate this answer to the material covered in our class). 5. What did you learn? What disappointed you about the book? GRADING: Grades for the course will be based on the total points earned for Quizzes (200 points), Class Activities (60 points), Homework Assignments (100 points), and Final Project (25 points). Based on 385 possible points: Final Grade Percentage Minimum Points A 95 365 A- 90 346 B+ 88 338 B 85 327 B- 80 308 C+ 78 300 C 75 288 C- 70 269 D+ 68 261 D 65 250 D- 60 231 F >60 below 231

Please note: I will save course material (e.g., quizzes, uncollected homework, etc.) for two weeks into the Fall, 2011 semester. After this time, all materials will be destroyed. If you have questions regarding your grade or need clarification, please see me prior to the second week of next semester.