Fall, 2008

Dr. Marcia Dixson

Office: NF 230B Office Phone: 481-6558

Office hours: M 4:30 - 5:30 pm, TR 3:00 - 4:30 and happily by appt.

Textbooks:

Family Communication: Cohesion and Change.Seventh Edtion by Kathleen M. Galvin, Carma L. Bylund, and Bernard J. Brommel, Boston: Pearson Publishing, 2008. (Available at Follett's Bookstore).

Objectives for COM 310 Family Communication

At the end of this semester, you should expect to be able to do the following:

1. Comprehend various theoretical approaches to understanding family relationships and behavior.
2. Be able to apply family theory and concepts to gain greater understanding of specific family situations
3. Comprehend the diversity of family structures and organization.
4. Be able to effectively create mediated communication messages (email, discussion forums, webpages)

Teaching Philosphy:

My job here is to facilitate your learning; to provide you with a variety of opportunities to learn the content of this course. To that end, I am generally willing to work with any student who is willing to work as well. But, I expect you to work. If you do your part; i.e., read and consider the material, take quizzes and participate in discussion forums, and complete assignments thoroughly and on time, I absolutely enjoy doing my part. If you have questions or concerns about the class, assignments or content, you should consult with me about those either in person or via email. If you have technical problems, you should contact me or the help desk (x16030) immediately. My services as a facilitator and guide (and occasional technical consultant) come with the tuition you paid for the course, do not be shy about using them!

Helpful places on campus:

Services for Students with a Disability: If you have a disability or acquire one and want to find out about what special services and accommodations are available, you may contact Services for Students with Disabilities in WALB 113.
Writing Center: Can help you with general writing problems or specific assignments (including APA research papers) in KT G19.
CASA (Center for Academic Support and Advancement): Offers many kinds of services to students including tutoring in KT G23.

Helmke Library offers research librarians who can help you find what you need.

Structure of the course (click on links for information):

Six units - each unit requires: 1) quiz; 2) addition to family analysis webpage; 3) participation in a discussion forum. (60% of course grade)

Family Research Project (20% of course grade)

Final Project (20% of course grade) (link added later)

Breakdown of points for the course

Abbreviated Agenda

Aug 25 - Sept. 5: Unit One

Sept 8 - 21: Unit Two

Sept 22 - Oct 5: Unit Three

Oct 10: Family Research Projects Up; Oct 17: Final Revisions Due

Oct 20 - November 2: Unit Four

Nov 3 - 16: Unit Five

Nov 17 - Dec 5: Unit Six

Dec 10: Final Project Up; Dec 16: Final Revisions Due

 

Email Dr. Dixson

Return to Family Communication syllabus

Return to Units Page

Family Webpages

COM 310 Family Communication