20809277Couple Relationships
Course Information
Description
Introduces students to empirical research findings on relationship and marriage success and failure as well as to one of the most nationally recognized skills-based prevention programs for couples. Students will learn to distinguish the patterns that erode as well as protect relationships; students will gain skills and strategies that research has identified for strengthening intimate relationships.
Total Credits
1
Course Competencies
  1. Examine the current empirical research findings on the nature of intimate relationships with special emphasis on those findings that relate to relationship success or failure
    Assessment Strategies
    by completing written assignments and assessments of couple patterns
    Criteria
    you examine the methodology of couples research
    you identify static and dynamic factors in prediction
    you identify the findings on couple interaction
    you identify macro-patterns that erode intimate relationships
    you examine the characteristics of successful couples
    you explore the states of intimate relationships

  2. Explore male/female differences in dealing with conflict
    Assessment Strategies
    by completing exercises from text
    Criteria
    you examine physiological research on gender differences with regards to emotional conflict
    you explore the pursue/withdraw dynamic
    you explore the differences in communications styles

  3. Demonstrate knowledge of the Speaker-Listener Technique
    Assessment Strategies
    by completing log of 2 hours practice with skill
    Criteria
    you demonstrate proficiency in using and teaching this tool for communication

  4. Explore the barriers to good communication
    Assessment Strategies
    by completing Meyers-Briggs Personality Inventory
    by completing exercises from text
    Criteria
    you examine common filters which prevent clear communication
    you identify simple strategies to counter these filters
    you explore personality style differences and how they impact intimate relations, especially communication
    you examine techniques for complaining
    you explore how to help couples recognize and get at deeper or hidden issues in their relationship

  5. Examine a problem-solving model
    Assessment Strategies
    by demonstrating the use of this model in class
    by submitting a three page paper on the communication and conflict management skills
    by completing exercises from text
    Criteria
    you examine effective problem-solving models for couples

  6. Examine the role expectations play in intimate relationships
    Assessment Strategies
    by completing exercises from text
    Criteria
    you identify the ways in which unmet expectations cause problems in relationships
    you explore sources of expectations (family of origin, culture, gender, class)
    you examine two leading pre-marital inventory tools that focus on expectations clarification (Prepare/Enrich and Focus)

  7. Examine the role fun and friendship play in long-term relationship success
    Assessment Strategies
    by producing a deck of "fun cards"
    by completing exercises
    by submitting a three page paper on relationship enhancers
    Criteria
    you identify process of how fun and friendship erode over the long term
    you explore strategies to counteract these patterns

  8. Explore research on sexuality inside long-term relationships
    Assessment Strategies
    by completing exercises in text
    Criteria
    you explore recent sex research survey findings
    you examine findings on sexual satisfaction
    you explore strategies for maintaining sexual satisfaction in intimate relationships.

  9. Examine the role of core beliefs and forgiveness to marital and relationship success
    Assessment Strategies
    by completing exercises in text
    Criteria
    you examine ways in which core beliefs enhance or put relationships at risk
    you explore the topic of forgiveness
    you examine research on infidelity
    you examine a structured model for working through forgiveness

  10. Examine the role of commitment to marital and relationship success
    Assessment Strategies
    by completing exercises
    by completing test on all components of the course
    by completing a visual map of the components of the course
    Criteria
    you research findings on commitment
    you explore patterns of commitment and dynamics of change in commitment patterns