Course Syllabus for Psych 409b (WI & O) 
Fall 2009,  G30, Gartley 217 (Tuesdays 1:00 to 3:30 pm)

 

Instructor: Dr. Leon James, Professor of Psychology, Gartley Hall 213A
e-mail: 
leon@hawaii.edu  You can meet with the instructor before and after classes (M, T, R), and by appointment

Course DescriptionBest Friends in Love: Natural and Spiritual Dimensions of Marriage and Couplehood

This research seminar examines three styles of interaction practiced by couples – dominance, equity, and unity. We will review the process of becoming a completely unified couple, known popularly as “soul mates.” This involves acquiring substantive ideas about the afterlife of eternity where soul mates live. Students will make oral presentations on three popular books on counseling for couples that exemplify each relationship style. Students will collaborate in writing a report of their analysis of the media portrayals of the three relationship styles, including TV, movies, magazines, song lyrics, You Tube videos, virtual world, and the Web. Students publish their reports on the Web to become part of the cumulative Online Generational Curriculum that Dr. James has maintained since 1994.

Readings(1) The Unity Model of Marriage (2008) by Leon James. Online Lecture Notes available here http://www.soc.hawaii.edu/leonj/leonj/leonpsy28/409b-g28-lecture-notes-p1.htm  (2) What Women Want Men to Know (2001) by Barbara De Angelis (New York: Hyperion) (3) You Just Don’t Understand (2001) by Deborah Tannen (New York: Harper) (4) The Proper Care and Feeding of Marriage (2007) by Laura Schlessinger (New York: Harper).

GRADES:  POINT VALUE OF ACTIVITIES

40 points

Oral Grade. Individual and team oral presentations

60 points

WI grade. Appearance, content, and quality of your Web site containing your Home Page and the two required reports. For the two reports combined, the total length of typed text must exceed 32 pages of standard format, or about 9000 words.

A+ =95 points; A =94-90; A- =89-85; B+ =84-80; B =79-75; B- =74-70
C+ =69-65; C=64-60; C- =59-55;  D=54-50; F=49-0

Attendance is required for class and lab and is taken at the start of each class. Being late for class or leaving early: -1 point each occurrence. Penalty points are on account of non-participation in oral and interactive exercises when not present in class. Absence Penalty: - 3 points per absence.  Late Work Penalty: - 3  points per week late per item, up to -9 points per item.   Due Dates are announced in class and by email.

Grading Policy:  You will receive email from the instructor with your grade for each report you publish on the Web, along with instructions on how you need to correct it. Corrections according to instructions can add points to your grade. For your oral presentations, you will receive email feedback at midterm on your oral presentations and class activities.

Temporary Class Home Page: 
http://www.soc.hawaii.edu/leonj/leonj/leonpsy29/classhome-g29.htm
The Instructor's Home page is at:  www.soc.hawaii.edu/leonj/leonj/leonpsy/leon.html
DrDriving 409b Class Home:  http://drdriving.org/409b