Goals:

1. Become familiar with systems theory, concepts, and terms.

2. Develop interview skills via the Genogram and Ecomap. Use both to document information in the file.

3. Become acquainted with a thorough review of the MFT research literature.

4. Develop professional writing and presenting skills.   

Course Requirements: Grades will be based on two one-week presentations, a genogram paper, and a 45 minute genogram presentation.

Each student will prepare a week-long presentation consisting of: (a) a 2-hour presentation over a chapter from Goldenberg & Goldenberg, and (b) a 1-hour presentation over Price, Price, & McKenry. Ideally, these presentations will be integrated; however, some topics may need to be separated. Students will prepare handouts with page numbers and provide each student an e-copy prior to the presentation. Each presentation week is worth 100 points.  

The family interview paper is worth 50 points and will be written in biopsychosocial format. It should be between 3-5 pages single spaced. A genogram must be completed and should highlight information in the paper. The paper should include the following sections:

            a. presenting problem

            b. problem history and attempted solutions

            c. family history, relationships, family roles

            d. family medical history, alcohol/drug use

            e. friends/agencies outside of the family

            f. clinical assessment of the family

            g. recommendations for treatment

            h. a genogram attached at the back of the paper

i. a total of 5 references from referred journals or books (exclusive of the three class text books) should be used in the clinical assessment and recommendations sections (sections f & g).

The class presentation is worth 50 points and will be made using the family interview paper and genogram. Students are expected to “brain storm” with the clinician (presenter) about a treatment strategy while attempting to understand the family at a deeper level. Therefore, some of your grade will come from your participation during the other students’ presentations. This should be a fun task for the whole group, so think of it as a case conference, not as a presentation.

300 points are possible:

            270-300 = A                210-239 = C                179 or less = F

            240-269 = B                180-209 = D

*The psychology department will keep an electronic record of your written assignments for accreditation purposes. All papers must be turned in electronically (michael.vandehey@mwsu.edu ). Either use Microsoft Word or WordPerfect Corel:

Please title all files with: firstname.lastname.CWID#.psyc####.semester.year.typeofproduct

Make-up Policy: Make-up exams will be all essay and will require a weeks notice. Failure to make-up an exam will result in a zero for that test.

Attendance: Attendance is required. A student is allowed two absences without penalty. The 3rd absence results in 1/2 grade drop, the 4th absence in 1 grade drop, and a 5th absence results in a grade of ‘F.’ Being tardy three times will count as an absence. Afterward, every additional tardy counts as an absence. Two partial absences (coming in or leaving half-way through a course) will count as one absence.

Note: Individuals requiring special accommodation may contact me after class or during office hours.

Cheating Policy: Any evidence of cheating will result in dismissal from this class with a grade of “F”.