Families in Film and Literature
Family Studies 130
Interim Term 2006
MWF 10:40 - 12:40pm; 1:00-3:00 pm
Holland Hall 317

General Overview: This course introduces students to family studies through the application tools of film and literature. Students will learn about family functioning and dynamics that occur inside the family. They will also explore issues that occur between families and forces outside the family.

Instructor:
Sharon E. Powell, Ph.D
213 D Holland Hall
Phone: (507) 646-3130; (612) 729-7459
Email: powell@stolaf.edu

Office Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 9:00 - 10:00 or by appointment

Course Objectives:

  • To introduce students to the prominent theories and concepts of family studies
  • To examine dynamics between families and society
  • To examine dynamics within families
  • To apply concepts learned in class to "real-life" families through film and literature
  • To introduce students to indicators of healthy family functioning

Required Reading and Viewing:

Readings:

The Great Santini - Pat Conroy

Because of Winn Dixie - Kate DeCamillo

About a Boy - Nick Hornby

Viewings:

On Golden Pond Central Station
Fanny and Alexander About a Boy
In America I am Sam
Whale Rider Bend it like Beckham

Course Format:

During class sessions, there will be several instuctional strategies used:
(1) lecture, (2) large group discussion, and (3) small group discussion of the reading assignments and movies.

Cousre Requirements:

  • Class participation and attendance: Attendance will be taken through a daily question or comment. An excessive number of absences will reduce one's grade.
  • Exams: Two exams will be given throughout the interim. Exams will be essay. They will cover the assigned readings, class lectures, movies, and discussions. The exams are not cumulative.
  • Research Project: Each of you will chose one topic to investigate in depth. You should read at least three articles about current research on your topic. On your presentation day, you will present your information in small groups for about 20 minutes. You will turn in a two-page write up along with any articles to the professor on the day of your presentation.
  • Current Event Assignments: After viewing movies, you will be required to find an example from current events that could be applied to the topics addressed in the films. After each film, you will search for a current event example and bring the example to class the following class day. These examples will be used in class activities and then turned in to the instructor.
  • Discussion questions: After viewing movies, your will be required to write two discussion questions based on the lecture and film to be used in class discussion.
  • Group role play assignment: In gourps of four, you will be asked to perform a role play that exhibits concepts addressed in class, movies, and literature. You should choose two concepts, write a case study for the concept, and perform a scene exhibiting the concepts through family interaction.

Grading

Assignment Percent of Grade
Group Role Play 20 points
Exam #1 20 points
Exam #2 20 points
Research Project 15 points
Current Event Assignments 10 points
Discussion Questions 10 points
Participation   5 points
Total 100 points

Incompletes will be given in this course only for documented emergency situations with approval of the appropriate dean of students. Course grades will be assigned in terms of the percentages listed below:

Letter Grade Percentage
A 93-100
A- 90-92
B+ 88-89
B 83-87
B- 80-82
C+ 78-79
C 73-77
C- 70-72
D+ 68-69
D 63-67
D- 60-62
F less than 60

Class Expectations:

Students are expected to attend every class. Attendance will be monitored by having students turn in a question or coment on the day's readings or discussion at the end of every class session. Assigned readings and viewings are to be read in advance of the class for which they were assigned, and students should be prepared to engage in discussion.

In order to optimize the learning environment in this class, students are asked to honor the following:

  • Be on time for class and stay until the end. We will start promptly at the disignated start time and end promptly at the designated end time.
  • Do not read the newspaper or chat during class.
  • Turn cell phones and pagers off during class. If an emergency page or call is expected, set the device to "vibrate" rather than to "ring".
  • If you must enter late or leave early, do so quitly.
  • "Extra credit" assignments are not given, so please do not ask.

Grading Definitions:

A:  Achievement that is outstanding relative to the level necessary to meet course requirements.

B:  Achievement that is significantly above the level necessary to meet course requirements.

C:  Achievement that meets the course requirements in every respect.

D:  Achievement that is worthy of credit even though it fails to meet fully the course requirements

S:  Achievement that is satisfactory, which is equivalent to C- or better

F:  Work that was completed but at a level of achievement not worthy of credit; or work that was not completed and there was no agreement between the instructor and the student that the student would be awarded an incomplete.

I:  Assigned at the discretion of the instructor when, due to extraordinary circumstances (e.g., hospitalization) a student is prevented from completing the work of the course on time. Requires a written agreement between the instructor, the student, and the appropriate dean of students.

Disability Statement: Any student with a documented intellectual, physical or emotional disability needing academic adjustments or accommodations is requested to speak with me during the first two weeks of class. All discussions will remain confidential. Students with disabilities must also contact Ruth Bolstad, Student Disabilit Specialist in the Academic Support Center at either bostadr@stolaf.edu or by phone ext. 3288. Office located in Room 1 of Old Main Annex.

Other Concerns: If you have other concerns that you think may affect your performance in this class, please let me now ASAP so that we can work together to find a solution.