Psychology 4345 Fall 2011 Syllabus

Course: Violence in the Family, Psychology 4345 Prerequisite: None Day/Time: Mondays, 4:00-6:45 p.m. Instructor: Mary Jane Hall, M.Ed., LPC-S, LMFT Office: CR 1.320 Office Hours: Mondays, 3:00-4:00 p.m., or By Appointment

Location: CR 1.202 Email: mary.hall@utdallas.edu

Required Textbooks: 1. Barnett, O., Miller-Perrin, C. L., & Perrin, R. D. (2011). Family Violence Across the Lifespan, 3rd Ed. SAGE. 2. Rivers, Victor Rivas. (2005). A Private Family Matter: A Memoir. Atria. Course Description: The course explores family violence with primary emphasis on the problems of child abuse and intimate partner abuse. Analysis of each of these areas of family violence focuses specifically on the epidemiology of the problem, characteristics of the families, etiological theories, and treatment approaches. *This class may be taken by individuals who do or do not have knowledge about family abuse. The class will not act as a counseling session for anyone. However, due to the sensitive nature of family violence, assignments and classroom activities or discussions may be disturbing for those who have directly experienced domestic abuse or know someone who has. The National Domestic Violence Hotline for confidential crisis counseling and referral is available 7 days a week, 24 hours a day at 1-800-799-7233. Student Learning Objectives/Outcomes 1.2 Describe and analyze major theoretical perspectives and overarching themes of psychology and family systems and their historical development. 2.1 Identify and explain different research methods used by psychologists and mental health professionals. 2.3 Locate, accurately summarize, and evaluate bodies of scientific literature in psychology specifically relating to family interactions and/or abuse on micro, mezzo, and macro levels. 3.1 Use critical thinking to evaluate popular media and scholarly literature relating to abuse in families and societies. 3.3 Use creative thinking to address psychology-related issues specifically related to abuse in families and societies. 4.1 Demonstrate effective writing skills in various formats (e.g., summaries, integrations, critiques, technical reports) and for various purposes (e.g., informing, teaching, explaining, defending, persuading, arguing). 4.2 Demonstrate effective oral communication skills in various context (e.g., group discussion, debate, lecture) and for various purposes (e.g., informing, teaching, explaining, defending, persuading, arguing). 4.4 Demonstrate competence in effectively collaborating with others. 5.1 Apply psychological concepts, theories, and research findings to issues in everyday life. 5.2 Identify appropriate applications of psychology in human service, education, and business professions. 5.3 Demonstrate how psychological principles can explain social issues and inform public policy, specifically for those related to policies on domestic violence or child abuse in families and societies. Course & Instructor Policies Attendance Policy/Class Participation: Attendance is very important. In order to receive credit for attending and turning in assignments, the student must be present during each class meeting time to turn in the weekly paper assignment. Students will be responsible for all classes missed due to either an excused or unexcused absence. Excessive tardiness or disruptive behavior may result in the student being asked to leave the classroom; and, if necessary, steps may be made to refer the student for disciplinary actions. If a student stops attending but does not officially withdraw from the course by the withdrawal date, that student will receive a grade of F for the course. Late Assignment Policy: Assignments are due on the designated date (see course schedule presented in this syllabus). No late assignments will be accepted unless prior approval is given. Assignments submitted later than the due date will receive an automatic 5% reduction in grade for every day that the assignment is late. Assignments will not be accepted after 5 days. Make-up Exams: Make-up exams are allowed only in the case of emergencies or sudden illness. If a student has an emergency or illness on the date of an exam, it is that students responsibility to contact the instructor before the exam to discuss the situation and That student will be required to provide a doctors excuse. Missed exams will earn grades of 0. No Extra Credit: No extra credit work will be available. The course requirements have been established so that there are a variety of opportunities to contribute to the course grade.

Descriptions and timelines are subject to change at the discretion of the Instructor.

Method of Presentation: Discussion, lecture, projects, small group exercises, and multiple forms of technology will be used in class throughout the semester. It is important that every student reads each chapter before coming to class in ordered to be prepared for class discussions. I ceased to be a teacher. It wasnt easy. It happened rather gradually, but as I began to trust students, I found they did incredible things in their communication with each other, in their learning of content material in the course, in blossoming out as growing human beings. Most of all they gave me the courage to be myself more freely, and this led to profound interaction. They told me their feelings, they raised questions, I had never thought about. I began to sparkle with emerging ideas that were new and exciting to me, but also, I found, to them. I believe I passed some sort of crucial divide when I was able to begin a course with a statement something like this: This course has the title Personality Theory (or whatever). But what we do with this course is up to us. We can build it around the goals we want to achieve, within that very general area. We can conduct it the way we want to. We can decide mutually how we wish to handle these bugaboos of exams and grades. I have many resources on tap, and I can help you find others. I believe I am one of the resources, and I am available to you to the extent that you wish. But this is our class. So what do we want to make of it? This kind of statement said in effect, We are free to learn what we wish, as we wish. It made the whole climate of the classroom completely different. Though at the time I had never thought of phrasing it this way, I changed at that point from being a teacher and evaluator, to being a facilitator of learninga very different occupation (Rogers, Freedom to Learn, 1983, p. 26.) Assignments & Grading Policy Reading/Writing Assignments & Class participation (33%): Weekly reading assignments will be given and are to be completed prior to the following class period. While reading each chapter, students will type one question selected from the discussion questions at the end of the chapter; and, at the conclusion of the reading assignment, create a one-page (double-spaced) discussion of what they believe is the answer to the question based on what was learned from the text. There will be one paper due per weekly assignment. The papers will be discussed in class, and all students will be held accountable for the information. Students will be asked to discuss questions/responses in class and will lose credit if participation does not occur. Students should turn in a total of 11 questions/responses worth 3 points each for a total of 33 points (33%) of the final grade. Homework must be turned in during class for credit; no late or early work will be accepted. Exams (50%): Two exams are scheduled, and each will contribute 25 points (25%) to course the grade for total of 50 points (50%). Exams may consist of short answer, multiple choice, and/or essay questions. Make-up exam/missed exam policy is above. Journal Article Summary and Class Presentation (10%): Each student will write a summary paper and give a presentation to the class based on a review of a recent (2000 or later) empirical study from a peer reviewed journal that is related to the topic for the assigned week. Students must have journal articles approved by the instructor prior to their presentations. The task for the class presentation is to step into the shoes of the author of an article from a peer reviewed journal and present a 5-7 minute "snapshot" of the study to the class, just as the author probably originally did at a professional meeting or conference. Presentations should address the goals/purpose of the study, the method, the results, and any conclusions/implications that can be drawn. The goal is to tell a coherent story (backing it up with empirical evidence) about a key issue regarding domestic violence. Students may use Powerpoint or overheads and should provide a handout for the class and instructor that summarizes the article in 1-2 pages. The summary must be written in APA style and will also include a title page and reference page. The assignment will contribute 10 points (10%) to the course grade. Group Project (7%) Each student will participate in a group with other students to select and review a movie that portrays some aspect of domestic violence. Groups will write and submit a 2-3 page summary paper discussing the film and will provide a 20-25 minute class presentation. The presentation and summary will contribute 7 points (7%) to the course grade. The following topics will be addressed in the summary paper and class presentation: 1. Characteristics of the family portrayed and the type of domestic violence depicted (epidemiology) 2. How a particular theory of domestic violence might explain what is happening in the film (etiological theories) 3. Laws and/or policies that are related to the type of domestic violence portrayed in the film 4. Some of the resources that would be available now in the Dallas area for a similar real life situation (resources and treatment approaches)

Descriptions and timelines are subject to change at the discretion of the Instructor.

Grading Scale: Scores for all components listed above will be compiled and grades assigned according to the following scale. Plus and minus (+/-) grades may also be assigned at the discretion of the instructor. A: 90 -100 B: 80-89 C: 70-79 F: below 70 Academic Integrity Seminar: Students are required to read all information offered by the UTD office of Judicial Affairs, at http://www.utdallas.edu/judicialaffairs/index.html . All students are responsible for understanding what constitutes scholastic dishonesty and school policies.

Schedule of Topics & Assignments

Assignments may be rescheduled as warranted by semester progress. Readings may also be added and/or revised. Date Topic and Class Activity Assignment for Next Class Chapters 1 & 2: read chapters and write discussion question & response Chapter 3: read chapter and write discussion question & response Chapter 4: read chapter and write discussion question & response Chapter 5: read chapter and write discussion question & response Chapter 6: read chapter and write discussion question & response Study for exam

Aug. 29 Introductions, syllabus, and assignments

Sept. 12 Ch. 1, History and Definitions of Family Violence Ch. 2, Research Methodology, Assessment, and Theories Sept 19 Ch. 3, Child Neglect and Psychological Maltreatment WHO Program Curriculum and Assigned Article Presentations Sept 26 Ch. 4, Child Physical Abuse Assigned Article Presentations and Group Presentation Oct. 3 Ch. 5, Child Sexual Abuse Assigned Article Presentations & Group Presentation

Oct. 10 Ch. 6, Abused and Abusive Adolescents Assigned Article Presentations and Group Presentation Oct. 17 Chapters 1-6 Exam Love Is Not Enough Curriculum Oct. 24 Ch. 7, Dating Aggression, Sexual Assault, and Stalking Assigned Article Presentations and Group Presentation Oct. 31 Ch. 8, Abused Heterosexual Partners, Primarily Women Assigned Article Presentations and Group Presentation Nov. 7 Ch. 9, Abused Heterosexual Partners, Primarily Men Assigned Article Presentations and Group Presentation

Chapter 7: read chapter & write discussion question & response Chapter 8: read chapter and write discussion question & response Chapter 9: read chapter and write discussion question & response Chapter 10: read chapter and write discussion question & response Chapter 11: read chapter and write discussion question & response

Nov. 14 Ch. 10, Abused and Abusive Partners in Understudied Populations Assigned Article Presentations and Group Presentation

Nov. 21 Ch. 11, Adult Intimate Partner Violence: Practice, Policy, and Prevention Chapter 12: read chapter and write Assigned Article Presentations and Group Presentation discussion question & response Nov. 28 Ch. 12, Abuse of Elderly and Disabled Persons Assigned Article Presentations and Group Presentation Book Study - Rivers

Descriptions and timelines are subject to change at the discretion of the Instructor.

Dec. 5

A Private Family Matter: A Memoir Exam Review

Study for exam

Dec. 12 Chapters 7-12 Exam

Have a great break!

Student Conduct & Discipline The University of Texas System and The University of Texas at Dallas have rules and regulations for the orderly and efficient conduct of their business. It is the responsibility of each student and each student organization to be knowledgeable about the rules and regulations which govern student conduct and activities. General information on student conduct and discipline is contained in the UTD publication, A to Z Guide, which is provided to all registered students each academic year. The University of Texas at Dallas administers student discipline within the procedures of recognized and established due process. Procedures are defined and described in the Rules and Regulations, Board of Regents, The University of Texas System, Part 1, Chapter VI, Section 3, and in Title V, Rules on Student Services and Activities of the universitys Handbook of Operating Procedures. Copies of these rules and regulations are available to students in the Office of the Dean of Students, where staff members are available to assist students in interpreting the rules and regulations (SU 1.602, 972/883-6391). A student at the university neither loses the rights nor escapes the responsibilities of citizenship. He or she is expected to obey federal, state, and local laws as well as the Regents Rules, university regulations, and administrative rules. Students are subject to discipline for violating the standards of conduct whether such conduct takes place on or off campus, or whether civil or criminal penalties are also imposed for such conduct. Academic Integrity The faculty expects from its students a high level of responsibility and academic honesty. Because the value of an academic degree depends upon the absolute integrity of the work done by the student for that degree, it is imperative that a student demonstrate a high standard of individual honor in his or her scholastic work. Scholastic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, statements, acts or omissions related to applications for enrollment or the award of a degree, and/or the submission as ones own work or material that is not ones own. As a general rule, scholastic dishonesty involves one of the following acts: cheating, plagiarism, collusion and/or falsifying academic records. Students suspected of academic dishonesty are subject to disciplinary proceedings. Plagiarism, especially from the web, from portions of papers for other classes, and from any other source is unacceptable and will be dealt with under the universitys policy on plagiarism (see general catalog for details). This course will use the resources of turnitin.com, which searches the web for possible plagiarism and is over 90% effective. Email Use The University of Texas at Dallas recognizes the value and efficiency of communication between faculty/staff and students through electronic mail. At the same time, email raises some issues concerning security and the identity of each individual in an email exchange. The university encourages all official student email correspondence be sent only to a students U.T. Dallas email address and that faculty and staff consider email from students official only if it originates from a UTD student account. This allows the university to maintain a high degree of confidence in the identity of all individual corresponding and the security of the transmitted information. UTD furnishes each student with a free email account that is to be used in all communication with university personnel. The Department of Information Resources at U.T. Dallas provides a method for students to have their U.T. Dallas mail forwarded to other accounts. Withdrawal from Class The administration of this institution has set deadlines for withdrawal of any college-level courses. These dates and times are published in that semester's course catalog. Administration procedures must be followed. It is the student's responsibility to handle withdrawal requirements from any class. In other words, I cannot drop or withdraw any student. You must do the proper paperwork to ensure that you will not receive a final grade of "F" in a course if you choose not to attend the class once you are enrolled. Student Grievance Procedures Procedures for student grievances are found in Title V, Rules on Student Services and Activities, of the universitys Handbook of Operating Procedures. In attempting to resolve any student grievance regarding grades, evaluations, or other fulfillments of academic responsibility, it is the obligation of the student first to make a serious effort to resolve the matter with the instructor, supervisor, administrator, or committee with whom the grievance originates (hereafter called the respondent). Individual faculty members retain primary responsibility for assigning grades and evaluations. If the matter cannot be resolved at that level, the grievance must be submitted in writing to the respondent with a copy of the respondents School Dean. If the matter is not resolved by the written response provided by the respondent, the student may submit a written appeal to the School Dean. If the grievance is not resolved by the School Deans decision, the student may make a written appeal to the Dean of Graduate or Undergraduate Education, and the deal will appoint and convene an Academic Appeals Panel. The decision of the Academic Appeals Panel is final. The results of the academic appeals process will be distributed to all involved parties. Copies of these rules and regulations are available to students in the Office of the Dean of Students, where staff members are available to assist students in interpreting the rules and regulations. Incomplete Grade Policy As per university policy, incomplete grades will be granted only for work unavoidably missed at the semesters end and only if 70% of the course work has been completed. An incomplete grade must be resolved within eight (8) weeks from the first day of the subsequent long semester. If the required work to complete the course and to remove the incomplete grade is not submitted by the specified deadline, the incomplete grade is changed automatically to a grade of F. Disability Services The goal of Disability Services is to provide students with disabilities educational opportunities equal to those of their non-disabled peers. Disability Services is located in room 1.610 in the Student Union. Office hours are Monday and Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.; Tuesday and Wednesday, 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.; and Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The contact information for the Office of Disability Services is: The University of Texas at Dallas, SU 22 PO Box 830688 Richardson, Texas 75083-0688 (972) 883-2098 (voice or TTY) Essentially, the law requires that colleges and universities make those reasonable adjustments necessary to eliminate discrimination on the basis of disability. For example, it may be necessary to remove classroom prohibitions against tape recorders or animals (in the case of dog guides) for students who are blind. Occasionally an assignment requirement may be substituted (for example, a research paper versus an oral presentation for a student who is hearing impaired). Classes enrolled

Descriptions and timelines are subject to change at the discretion of the Instructor.

students with mobility impairments may have to be rescheduled in accessible facilities. The college or university may need to provide special services such as registration, note-taking, or mobility assistance. It is the students responsibility to notify his or her professors of the need for such an accommodation. Disability Services provides students with letters to present to faculty members to verify that the student has a disability and needs accommodations. Individuals requiring special accommodation should contact the professor after class or during office hours. Religious Holy Days The University of Texas at Dallas will excuse a student from class or other required activities for the travel to and observance of a religious holy day for a religion whose places of worship are exempt from property tax under Section 11.20, Tax Code, Texas Code Annotated. The student is encouraged to notify the instructor or activity sponsor as soon as possible regarding the absence, preferably in advance of the assignment. The student, so excused, will be allowed to take the exam or complete the assignment within a reasonable time after the absence: a period equal to the length of the absence, up to a maximum of one week. A student who notifies the instructor and completes any missed exam or assignment may not be penalized for the absence. A student who fails to complete the exam or assignment within the prescribed period may receive a failing grade for that exam or assignment. If a student or an instructor disagrees about the nature of the absence [i.e., for the purpose of observing a religious holy day] or if there is similar disagreement about whether the student has been given a reasonable time to complete any missed assignments or examinations, either the student or the instructor may request a ruling from the chief executive officer of the institution, or his or her designee. The chief executive officer or designee must take into account the legislative intent of TEC 51.91 (b), and the student and instructor will abide by the decision of the chief executive officer or designee.

Descriptions and timelines are subject to change at the discretion of the Instructor.