School of Nursing
Course Syllabi
Course Description
Number: HLTH3320
Title: Communication with Families
Credit: 3-0-3
Catalog description: This course focuses on developing skills that can be utilized in interacting with families in human service systems such as health care settings, schools, and private nonprofit organizations. The course is designed to introduce students to interdisciplinary assessment and intervention with children, parents, and family members across the life span. Emphasis will be placed on communicating with culturally diverse populations, dysfunctional families, and those experiencing stressful events.
Prerequisite(s): Junior standing
Corequisite(s): None
Textbook Information
Required: Assigned readings on reserve in the Library under HLTH3320; course does not have a required textbook.
Technology Requirements
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Each CSU student is required to have ready access throughout the semester to a notebook computer that meets the ITP Choice requirements (http://itpchoice.clayton.edu/) for the student's academic program.
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Students must have access to the Internet either through the on-campus local area network or through an Internet Service Provider.
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Students must be proficient with Internet access, WebCT Vista and Microsoft Office and demonstrate competency using web browsers, website navigation, search engines and e-mail communication.
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Contact the HUB for software and connectivity issues; no excuse will be accepted for inability to access the Internet and/or technical difficulties.
Course Objectives
By the completion of the course, the student should be able to:
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Assess family functioning using concepts and principles from family theory.
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Describe the stages of the family life cycle.
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Modify communication styles and methods with children and adults, based on developmental levels and presenting problems.
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Analyze ways to educate and guide parents in coping with developmental issues and family stressors.
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Apply principles of crisis theory to work with families in various human service settings. Examine the impact of ethical, legal, and economic issues on the family lifecycle.
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Consider how cultural differences influence family processes, and modify interactions with families based on their backgrounds, values, and perspectives.
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Compare and contrast the impact of various life stressors and transitions on family functioning.
Methods of Instruction
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Web-based research
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Bulletin board and in class discussions
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Family assessments
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Group learning activities
Course Requirements
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Courses taught in an online format require students to be self-directed and responsible for meeting deadlines.
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Attendance is mandatory at scheduled on-campus meetings.
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Participation in assigned group activities, on-line chats and bulletin board postings.
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This syllabus provides a general plan for this course; the faculty reserve the right to make changes to the syllabus and/or course schedule including but not limited to assignments, time tables, examinations, projects, etc.
Evaluation
| Application case study | 35% |
| Bulletin board discussions (6 topics) | 30% (5% each) |
| Family assessment | 20% |
| Class participation (attendance at on-campus sessions and discussion responses) | 15% |
Grading Scale
| 90-100% | A |
| 80-89% | B |
| 75-79% | C |
| 65-74% | D |
| Below 65% | F |
Classroom Policies
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Attendance: Mandatory for scheduled on-campus meetings.
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Communication: WebCT Vista is the official tool for this course and is accessible online from any computer; students are responsible for monitoring e-mail on a regular basis and should direct all communications with faculty and other students through WebCT or Clayton State e-mail.
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Conduct: Students must abide by policies in the University Student Handbook, the Basic Undergraduate Student Responsibilities, and if applicable program handbook; the code of academic integrity will be strictly enforced.
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Electronic devices: Cell phones/pagers must be turned off (or placed on vibrator mode) during class meetings. Permission from individual faculty is necessary before taping a class.
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Mid-term progress report: Mid-term grade will reflect approximately 1/3 of the entire course grade. Based on this grade, students may choose to withdraw from the course and receive a grade of “W”; contact the Registrar for withdrawal procedures.
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Submission: Students are responsible for completion and submission of all course requirements as scheduled in the course calendar. On-line activities not submitted by the due date must be completed within one week for credit; a late penalty will affect grade. Make-up work is at the discretion of the faculty.
To obtain this document in an alternative format, contact the Disability Resource Center.