APSY A500L: CLOSE RELATIONSHIPS (Fall 2007)

COURSE STRUCTURE

DEPARTMENTAL MISSION STATEMENT: The mission of the USCA Department of Psychology undergraduate program is to educate students in the knowledge, research techniques, basic and applied perspectives of the various subfields of psychology, and the appreciation of psychological values in an individualized learning environment, involving classroom, laboratory, and applied experiences.

COURSE OBJECTIVES: Close Relationships is a course designed to survey the major theories, concepts, and current research in the study of interpersonal relationships. Specifically, this course offers an overview of the means by which individuals initiate and maintain close relationships. The goals of this course are to:

(1) Introduce the basic concepts, theories, and research in close relationships

(2) Enhance overall understanding of social interactions and the nature of close, interpersonal relationships

(3) Understand how relational processes apply to everyday life and evaluate the nature of one’s own relationships

(4) Learn to think critically about relationship theories and research

(5) Report and explain relational phenomena in context of the empirical literature

CLASS ATTENDANCE & PARTICIPATION (40 points): It is highly recommended that you attend every class session as this is an intensive upper-level course, which requires active listening and discussion.

Additionally, there may be material covered solely in lecture, which may not be found in the textbook. An attendance check sheet will be distributed each class period to track student attendance. You will be allowed two absences without penalty. Each absence that occurs beyond the initial two, regardless of excuse, will result in a one point penalty per class missed.

TESTS (300 points total): Tests will cover the information presented in both lectures and the textbook. Each of the three tests (two tests regularly scheduled during the course of the semester and one scheduled during the final exam period) will cover the unique section of material outlined in the syllabus. Each test will be worth 100 points and may consist of a combination of the following: multiple choice questions, matching, short answer essays, and long answer essays. Item content will focus on central concepts, major findings, definitions, and theories associated with the study of close relationships.

• TESTS 1 & 2 (100 points each)
• FINAL EXAM (Test #3; 100 points): The final exam is simply Test #3 and will cover the last section of material outlined in the syllabus.

MINI-PAPERS (30 points each): Two mini-papers (3-5 pages in length) will be due during the course of the semester, one on a given topic per section as identified below:

Paper 1: Relationship Initiation or Attraction

Paper 2: Relationship Development or Maintenance

More specific details regarding the paper assignments will be distributed in class. For each paper, you will need to find at least one empirical article (i.e., contains original research/data) published in a refereed social psychological journal (e.g., Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, Personal Relationships, Journal of Marriage and the Family, Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, etc.). Papers are to be written in APA format, typed in a standard 12-point font, and double-spaced. Please include a title page with each mini-paper (this does not count toward the 3-5 page length requirement).

RELATIONSHIP EVALUATION TERM PAPER (100 points): The relationship evaluation paper assignment is designed to have one assess a close relationship in one’s personal life, preferably a romantic relationship, in context of the theories and constructs discussed during the course of this class. For this paper, you will need to use your everyday life experience in addition to textbook material and empirical findings to evaluate the nature and structure of one important relationship in your life. This paper is to be 8-10 pages in length (it may be longer than 10 pages, but not to exceed 15 pages), written in APA format, typed in a standard 12-point font, and double-spaced. A title page, abstract, and reference page(s) are also to be included (these will not count toward the page length requirement).

GRADING: The final grade distribution will be as follows…

A = 448-500 points

B+ = 433-447 points

B = 398-432 points

C+ = 383-397 points

C = 348-382 points

D+ = 333-347 points

D = 298-332 points

F = 000-297 points

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

(1) The class is taught in a lecture/discussion format. Due to time constraints, not all material presented in the book will be presented in class. However, you are still responsible for all material in the textbook even though some of it may not have been covered in class. You are also responsible for lecture material that might not be covered in the book.

(2) Your instructor values good writing in this course. Please remember that the written work that you produce in this class can be included in your rising junior writing portfolio. For further information on the portfolio requirement, please consult your USCA Undergraduate and Graduate Studies Bulletin or visit Dr. Lynne Rhodes, Director of Writing Assessment.

(3) It is the policy of the Psychology Department that work submitted for completion of the requirements of this course must not have been previously submitted for the completion of requirements in any other course. Simultaneous submissions are also disallowed. Violations will be treated in accordance to the University Honor Code.

(4) Academic Responsibility: Please note that the University Honor Code and principle of Academic Integrity are in effect in this class (see the USCA Student Handbook for a full version). All students must adhere to these principles and any breach therein can result in a failing grade.

• The following statement should appear on all major examinations and paper assignments:

"On my honor as a University of South Carolina Aiken student, I have completed my work according to the principle of Academic Integrity. I have neither given nor received any unauthorized aid on this assignment/examination."

_______________________________________________________________

Signature Date

(5) If you have a physical, psychological, and/or learning disability which might affect your performance in this class, please contact the Office of Disability Services, B&E 126, (803) 641-3609, as soon as possible. The Disability Services Office will determine appropriate accommodations based on medical documentation.

(6) The use of electronic devices (e.g., cell phones, PDAs, Bluetooth, etc.) is PROHIBITED during the course of class. Please turn off and remove from sight (i.e., place in backpack) any such devices. Under special circumstances or in case of emergency, prior approval may be sought from the professor.

(7) Please take an active role in your own education…ask questions, suggest topics for discussion, make relevant/appropriate comments, etc. Do NOT wait until the end of the semester to discuss course difficulties with your professor as there is very little that can be done at that point.

COURSE SCHEDULE

August 24 – September 24: UNIT #1: STUDYING CLOSE RELATIONSHIPS

Building Blocks of Relationships (Intimacy, Culture, Experience, & Individual Differences); Research Methods; Basic Processes (Attraction); Social Cognition (Impressions & Perceptions)

Text Readings: Chapters 1, 2, 3, & 4

September 26^th: Test #1 Grade: ________

September 28 – October 29: UNIT #2: DEVELOPING RELATIONSHIPS

Communication (Verbal & Nonverbal); Interdependency & Power; Friendship; Love (Types & Individual Differences);

Text Readings: Chapters 5, 6, 11, 7, & 8

October 5^th: Paper #1 Due Grade: ________

October 11 & 12^th: FALL BREAK (NO CLASSES)

October 31^st: Test #2 Grade: ________

November 2 – December 7: UNIT #3: RELATIONSHIP ISSUES, MAINTENANCE, & DISSOLUTION

Stresses & Strain (Hurt feelings, Jealousy, Betrayal, etc.); Conflict & Violence; Shyness & Loneliness; Maintaining & Repairing Relationships; Dissolution & Loss of Relationships;

Text Readings: Chapters 10, 12, 14, 15; & 13

November 9^th: Paper #2 Due Grade: ________

December 3^rd: Relationship Evaluation Paper Due Grade: ________

Dec. 12^th (Tues.) @ 11:00am: FINAL EXAM (Test #3) Grade: ________