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HDFS 426 family conflict management
3 undergraduate hours or 4 graduate hours (lecture-discussion)
Spring Semesters
Course Objectives
The major objective of this course is to gain an understanding of conflict within intimate family relationships. The course examines the processes of conflict and conflict management in different types of family relationships, in light of current psychological and sociological theories. Upon completion of this course the student will:
- be able to identify beneficial aspects of conflict
- be able to distinguish destructive and constructive styles of conflict in families
- understand the importance of communication as an effective conflict management strategy
- understand the contribution of negotiation and mediation in settling pronounced family disputes
- e) develop a program to help families manage a particular form of family conflict.
Topics
- The value of conflict
- Theoretical perspectives on conflict: psychoanalytic, field, social exchange, gaming, phase, attribution
- Communication patterns and conflict management: systems theory, communication theory
- Forms of family conflict: parent-child,sibling, marital
- Marital therapy, divorce mediation, shared custody
Graded Activities
- Exams (2)
- Workshop project and presentation
- Workshop reflection paper