Course Catalog

SWK355E Helping Troubled Families (3 credits) 9730

COURSE DESCRIPTION
Introduces family systems theory as well as the history and development of family interventions. Presents the major approaches of working with families.

LEARNING RESULTS
1. Acquire information about the origin and development of family therapy.
2. Identify and better understand the distinguishing characteristics of the family as defined in contemporary society.
3. Have a better understanding of one's own family of origin and develop an awareness of self and family that uses strengths and weaknesses to improve current and future family relationships.
4. Understand and apply family system concepts to a variety of family systems.
5. Compare the different contemporary approaches to working with troubled families.
6. Understand the different techniques and skills associated with each approach to helping families.
7. Understand how family therapy can help poor, ethnically diverse and female-headed families.
8. Understand perceptions and differences in families based on gender, ethnicity, religious creed, sexual orientation, and age.
9. Obtain the beginning skills to help troubled families.
10. Integrate faith practices and working with families.
11. Demonstrate critical and creative thinking skills as they relate the current family issues (personal, professional and societal).

REQUIRED TEXTS AND MATERIALS
Goldenberg, I. and Goldenberg, H. 2000. Family Therapy. 7th ed. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth.

Goldenberg, I. and Goldenberg, H. 2000. Family exploration: Personal viewpoints from multiple perspectives. 7th ed. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth.

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INTEGRATION OF FAITH AND LEARNING
As we study various theories and issues surrounding the family, we integrate our faith in exploring how we practice and work with troubled families.

LEARNING DOCUMENTATION
To determine if the course learning results have been attained, students document their learning by submitting the following items:

Journal entries
A family genogram and assessment
Term paper
2 Exams

LEARNING EVALUATION
The evaluation for this course is based on a point system. The Journal assignments are worth 20 points (accumulated, not separate.)Both exams are worth 20 points each, the Family Genogram and Assessment is worth 20 points, and the Term paper is worth 20 points for a total of 100 points. Although the reading assignments are not for points, you must complete them in order to successfully accomplish the assignments and exams.