Syllabus for Educ 5295
Parenting in Modern Society (2 cr)
Spring Semester 2007

Class meeting time: TBA
Instructor: TBA
Office & phone:  
Office hours: TBA
e-mail: TBA
Class alias:

 

Course Description:

Parent-child interaction, roles, and responsibilities throughout the life cycle; analysis of parenting strategies; contemporary variation of family cultures, structures, and lifestyles; sources of education and support.

Required Texts / Readings:

INTASC Standards/MN Standards of Effective Practice Conceptual Framework Themes
  • Standard 1: Subject Matter
  • Standard 2: Student Learning
  • Standard 3: Diverse Learners
  • Standard 4: Instructional Strategies
  • Standard 5: Learning Environment
  • Standard 6: Communication
  • Standard 7: Planning Instruction
  • Standard 8: Assessment
  • Standard 9: Reflection and Professional Development
  • Standard 10: Collaboration, Ethics, and Relationships
  • Diversity (D)
  • Reflection (R)
  • Empowerment (E)
  • Collaboration (C)
  • Technology (T)

Conceptual Framework: Learner-Sensitive Teacher

Course Outcomes:

Outcome

Conceptual Framework Themes Dept of Education

Parent & Family Educ Subject Matter Std 8710.3100 subp. 3

 

Evidence of Learning and Assessment Opportunities

1. Students will understand and be able to describe, analyze and reflect on parent's role as primary socializer and educator of the family within a cultural context, and the interrelationships among culture, language, and other functions of home culture in young children's development.

Reflection

Diversity

Empowerment

Subp 3, A (1),

 

 

Participation in class discussion related to Ch 1 & 2 in text "Understanding Parenting"

Assessment:

(1) Reflection paper #1 (Week 2)

(2) Parenting Philosophy (Week 14)

(3) Exam #1, Ch 1-7 (Week 8)
2. Students will demonstrate knowledge of factors which affect child and adult development, including gender and parental roles and responsibilities across the life span.

Reflection

Diversity

 

Subp 3, A(7), B(6)

Participation in class discussion related to Ch 8 in text "Understanding Parenting" and readings in text "Life Span Development"

Assessment:

(1) Parent-Child Observation Summary #3, (Week 11)

(2) Relationship Analysis (Week 8)

(3) Exam #2, Ch 8-14 (Final Exam Week)
3. Students will understand theories of family dynamics and parent-child interaction and be able to recognize and identify patterns of family dynamics, family decision-making and problem solving, family communication, and parent-child interaction

Collaboration

Diversity

Empowerment

Reflection

Subp 3, A(2), A(3), A(8), B(2), & B(3)

Participation in class discussion related to text, Ch 2 and 3, "Understanding Parenting.

Assessment:

(1) Parent-Child Observation Summary #1, (Week 4)

(2) Exam #1, Ch 1-7 (Week 8)

(3) Role Playing scenarios and reflection (Week 3)
4. Students will investigate contemporary variations of families within cultural and societal contexts and the supports needed for a wide range of positive parent-child relationships.

 

Diversity

Empowerment

 

Subp 3, B(1),

 

Participation in class discussion and activities related to Ch 4 in text, "Understanding Parenting"

Assessment:

(1) Exam #1, Ch 1-7, (Week 8)

(2) Parent-Child Observation Summary #2 (Week 7)
5. Students will analyze and evaluate the elements of successful community programs offering education, advocacy and support to parents, particularly the reciprocal nature of these relationships and the role of community in the lives of families.

Reflection

Empowerment

Diversity

Collaboration

 Subp. 3, A(10)

Participation in class discussion and activities related to Ch 1 in text, "Understanding Parenting" and add'l literature

Assessment:

(1) Exam #1, Ch 1-7, (Week 8)

(2) Case Study Analysis #1, (week )
6. Students will assess the effects of historic, socio-cultural, ethnic, economic, and psychological factors on contemporary parent-child relations from multiple perspectives Diversity Reflection Empowerment

Subp 3, A(5) & A(14)

 

Participation in class discussion and activities related to journal article readings, ch 1 in text "understanding parenting" and video "The First Years Last Forever"

Assessment:

(1) Exam #1, Ch 1-7, (Week 8)

(2) Social Change Letter, (Week 13)
7. Students will understand and recognize the signs of emotional distress, abuse and neglect in parent-child relationships and know the responsibility and procedures for mandatory reporting.

Empowerment

Reflection

Collaboration

 Subp 3, B(9)

Participation in class discussion and activities based on reading from "Children's Mental Health" and other literature

Assessment:

(1) Analysis of Case Study #2, (Week 11)
8. Students will understand and think critically about the influence of public policies on families and programs for young children, including the effects of societal conditions, current issues and trends, and legal issues.

Empowerment

Collaboration

Diversity

Reflection

 Subp 3, A(13)

Participation in class discussion and activities related to the issue of public policy and related topics

Assessment:

(1) Social Change Letter, (Week 13)
9. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the impact of parent expectations, practice and behaviors on children's development, including the influence of adult partner relationships on parent-child relationships  

 

Subp 3, B(4), B(7), & B (8)

Participation in class discussion and activities related to Ch 2, 3 & 7 in text, "Understanding Parenting" and add'l literature

Assessment:

(1) Exam #1, Ch 1-7, (Week 8)

(2) Parent Interview, (Week 10)

(3) Parenting Philosophy (Week 14)
10. Students will understand and think critically about the application of child development in providing for developmentally appropriate and safe and healthy learning environments, activities, and interactions with children, including the need and maintenance of positive and consistent care giving relationships within the family and the role of play in child development.  

Subp 3, C(7), & C(9)

Class activities, Field Observations, Participation in class discussion and activities related to 8 in  text, "Understanding Parenting" and Ch 6 & 7 in "Life Span Development"

Assessment:

(1) Exam #2, Ch 8-14, (Final Exam Week)

(2) Analysis of the role of play (Week 7)
11. Students will understand sexuality development of human sexual behavior   Subp 3, A(6), & C(8)

Participation in class discussion and activities related to Ch 8 in text, "Understanding Parenting" and add'l literature

Assessment:

(1) Exam #2, Ch 8-14, (Finals Week)
12. Students will understand the effects of change and loss on family functioning   Subp 3, A(15)

Participation in class discussion and activities related to Ch 13 & 14 in text, "Understanding Parenting"

Assessment:

(1) Exam #2, Ch 8-14, (Finals Week)

 

Dispositions:

  1. Establish rapport with colleagues
  2. Demonstrate flexibility and adaptability
  3. Has a sense of humor and friendly disposition
  4. Show enthusiasm reflecting a positive attitude
  5. Show sensitivity to the needs and feelings of others
  6. Engage in self-reflection to improve teaching and learning
  7. Show sensitivity to differing family structures and cultural backgrounds

Instructional Strategies:

Your learning format will include: small and large group discussion, peer collaboration, lecture, videos, class assignments/activities, observations, Internet and library research, role-playing, textbook and assigned reading, and written reflection. The use of technology will be enhanced through electronic submission of assignments, power point presentations, and www research.

Diversity:

  1. Diversity will be addressed through course content and course methodology. The course content will guide the student toward an understanding of both learner differences (eg. English as second language learners and exceptionalities) as well as variation in family form, and cultural background.
  2. Sensitivity and awareness to the variations in parenting style based on ethnic heritage, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status and family configuration will be a critical component to discussions, activities and reflection.
  3. The instructional methods in this course will be designed to meet the needs of all learners through varied instructional methods, and through modeling effective adult education.

Course Requirements/Expectations:

  1. Attendance: Attendance is mandatory due to the nature of this course. To bring meaning to the course content you will be asked to participate in discussion, group work and other activities. These discussions and activities will be foundational in your understanding of the issues surrounding parenting and cannot be made up, therefore your absence forfeits the opportunity to learn from these activities. Missing 2 class sessions will result in your earned grade being dropped one full letter grade. Missing 3 class sessions will result in your earned grade being dropped two full letter grades. Missing more than 3 class sessions will result in a failing grade for the course.
  2. Assignments: Assignments are due at assigned dates and times. Due dates are listed on the syllabus. Late assignments will be penalized 25% of the possible point total and must be handed in by 10:00 Monday morning following the due date. Late student work will not be accepted after that time.
  3. Formatting: Unless otherwise specified, all assignments will be submitted in typed, paper copy. Assignments will be graded for appropriate writing and formatting conventions as specified in Guidelines for Assignments.
  4. Professional Conduct: It is expected that students seeking teaching licensure will demonstrate specific dispositional skills, specifically, a professional level of conduct for operating in educational settings. Therefore, your conduct in this class will be observed and evaluated according to those expectations. Professional conduct is here defined as skills required for successful future teaching and/or appropriate interpersonal interactions in educational settings. In addition to fulfilling class assignments, you are expected to participate fully in class activities and to demonstrate a positive, cooperative attitude toward all course participants and course activities. Up to one full letter grade can be added or deducted to your final score based on the instructor's subjective evaluation.
  5. Academic Dishonesty: Dishonesty in any form such as, but not limited to, plagiarism or cheating on tests and assignments will not be tolerated. Students who misrepresent their work or commit another act of dishonesty will receive a failing grade for the course and will be recommended for removal from the program. Specifically, the words, thoughts, ideas, and opinions of others (authors, speakers, web sites, etc.) are expected to be cited and appropriately referenced within the context of written materials.
  6. Attendance Exclusion: Students required to attend district or university events that conflict with class time must present documented evidence of the meeting/event demonstrating (a) that the individual is required to attend and (b) the date and specific times required for attendance. Students are expected to work out a plan with the instructor in order to make-up lost class time, and to hand in work ahead of time.
  7. Incompletes: Incompletes will not be given without extraordinary circumstances and prior discussion and permission of the instructor.
  8. Cancellation: If classes are cancelled at UMD because of inclement weather or other emergency, contact the instructor (or check email) within 24 hours to find out the status of assignments.
  9. Missed Class: Arrange with a peer to collect handouts for you and to bring you up to date on class assignments/activities. Please do not wait until the next class period.
  10. Email: Please check your UMD email account regularly in order to receive any class announcements/clarifications.

Assessment:

There will be a variety of course activities and assignments in this class. Details of these will be given in class. You will be expected to synthesize the information from readings, videos, observations, lectures and class discussions in the assignments that you complete.

Assignment
Qty
Points
Total
% of Grade
Exams - #1 Ch 1-7, #2 Ch 8-14 2 100 200 20%
Parent-Child Observations & Summaries/Analyses (3) 3 100 300 30%
Analyses - #1 Role Play Scenarios and #2 Relationship Analysis 2 25 50 5%
Social Change Letter 1 50 50 5%
Reflection Papers-#1 Self Assessment & #2 Parenting Philosophy
2   250 25%
Case Study #1 & #2
 2 25 50 5%
Parent Interview 1 100 100 10%
Total     1000 100%

Grading:

A=93-100%
A-=90-92%
B+=87-89%
B=83-86%
B-=80-82%
C+=77-79%
C=73-76%
C-=70-72%
D=60-69
F=<60

IMPORTANT: I INVITE ANY OF YOU WHO HAVE ANY DISABILITY, EITHER PERMANENT OR TEMPORARY, OR ANY OTHER SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES WHICH MIGHT AFFECT YOUR ABILITY TO PERFORM IN THIS CLASS TO INFORM ME SO THAT TOGETHER WE CAN ADAPT METHODS, MATERIALS, OR ASSIGNMENTS AS NEEDED TO PROVIDE EQUITABLE PARTICIPATION.

Class Schedule:

Date

Topic

Reading

Assignment due 

Week 1

Introduction
Ch 1, Addendum A,B,C

Week 2

Parenting in Perspective
Ch 2

Ch 1 questions,

Reflection paper (self assessment),

Case Study Analysis and reflection #1

Week 3

The Transition to Parenthood
Ch 3

Ch 2 questions

role playing scenarios

Week 4

The Process of Parenting
Ch 4

Ch 3 questions

Observation #1 (Summary of Parental Play)

Week 5

Marriage, Divorce and New Family Configurations
Ch 5

Ch 4 questions,

Week 6

Parental Authority, Child Compliance, and Parenting Styles
Ch 6
Ch 5 questions

Week 7

Changing Children's Behavior
Ch 7

Ch 6 questions

Observation #2 (Discipline Encounter)

Analysis of the role of play

Week 8

Communication and Relationships in Families
Ch 8

Ch 7 questions,

Relationship Analysis

Exam #1 (Ch 1-7)

Week 9

Self-Concept, Self-Esteem and Gender Identity
Ch 9

Ch 8 questions,

Week 10

Adjustment, Stress, and Coping
Ch 10

Ch 9 questions

Parent Interview

Week 11

Parenting and Achievement
Ch 11

Ch 10 questions

Observation #3 (Summary of Parent Group),

Case Study Analysis and reflection #2

Week 12

Parenting Adolescence
Ch 12
Ch 11 questions

Week 13

Special Children, Special Parents
Ch 13, Ch 14

Ch 12 questions

Social Change Letter

Week 14

Family Violence, Child Abuse, and Neglect
Selected Readings

Ch 13 & Ch 14 questions

Parenting Philosophy

Final exam

Exam #2 (Ch 8-14)