COM 244W - Family Communication

Credits: 3
Instructional Contact Hours: 3

Offers an understanding of interpersonal communication in the context of family systems. Studies family communication through the lens of family systems theory, rules, and interaction theory. Applies and operationalizes theories through various assignments related to their family of origin, existing family, and family configurations in other cultures.

Prerequisite(s): READING LEVEL 3 and WRITING LEVEL3
Corequisite(s): None
Lecture Hours: 45 Lab Hours: 0
Meets MTA Requirement: Humanities
Pass/NoCredit: Yes

Outcomes and Objectives

Identify the foundational concepts related to the study of family communication.
1. Explain the characteristics of the communication system of a family.
2. Discuss differences between social construction theory, systems theory, interaction theory, and the dialectical process.
3. Examine the family narrative approach to understanding family processes.
Explain the purpose family rules have in the study of family communication.
1. Identify the rules by which a family is governed.
2. Examine how rules impact communication in the family.
Explain the function relational stages play in the study of family communication.
1. Identify relational stages in families.
2. Examine the factors that influence the relational stages in the family.
3. Identify the factors that impact relational formation in the family.
Define the function roles have in the study of family communication.
1. Identify the roles of family members.
2. Explain how role relationships influence communication in a family.
3. Identify the role of culture in family configurations.
Define the function changes in the family play in the study of family communication.
1. Identify changes in family structure.
2. Examine how changes in families influence communication.
Use writing to promote learning of all of the above Outcomes and Objectives.