Provides an introduction to the wide range of approaches used to improve family communication. The various theoretical approaches to these strategies are discussed as are the strengths and weakness of particular approaches, such as Marriage Encounter. Students review some of the common denominators that exist between disparate approaches. A discussion outlines the differences between therapy models that focus on the individual and those that involve the entire family as a system. Featured interviews: Professor Mary Anne Fitzpatrick (University of Wisconsin – Madison) and Professor Dr. William Pinsof (Northwestern University), President and CEO of The Family Institute at Northwestern University.
Grade levels: Adult
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Optimal Family Communication Patterns
Provides a course review that recaps the ways in which individuals, partners and family members communicate in order to enhance everyday interaction. Particularly optimal communication techniques such as emotion coaching, storytelling and reading, listening are reviewed and future trends in family communication are discussed. Students are coached through a summary of the key course concepts. Featured interviews: Professor Rives Collins of (Northwestern University), Professor John Gottman (University of Washington), and Dr. Charles Wilkinson, Marriage and Family Therapist.
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Genesis, Chapters 1, 2, and 3
Lesson 1 examines the creation stories of Chapters 1 and 2, with special emphasis on their differences of language and style, the concept of “deity”, the purpose of the text, and the significance of being “made in the image of God”. The discussion of Chapter 3 focuses on the enduring vitality of the Adam and Eve story and the Myth of the Fall. Do Adam and Eve assert their basic human dignity in their defiance? What does it mean to be fully human according to the Adam and Eve myth? Why should the gaining of knowledge/experience and the loss of innocence/simplicity require a connection with Sin, Error, and Pain? Featured interview: Dr. Wil Gaylin, author of Adam and Eve and Pinocchio: On Being and Becoming Human
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The Book of Job
When innocent people suffer difficult circumstances, does that deny the concept of a just God? Discussion focuses on the knotty philosophical question of theodicy and on Job’s personal evolution from despair to faith. How does orthodoxy, in whatever form, keep one from an authentic pursuit of meaning? Featured interviews: Rabbi Harold Kushner, the author of When Bad Things Happen to Good People, and Professor David Clines (University of Sheffield), who authored a critical text on the Book of Job
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Homer, Iliad (Part 1)
Discussion in these two lessons focuses on the nature of epics, the tragedy of Achilles, the nature of the Homeric hero, the relation between humans and gods, and the nature of honor as a motivating principle. Discussion also explores the Iliad as both a celebration of and a protest against war.
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Homer, Iliad (Part 2)
Discussion in these two lessons focuses on the nature of epics, the tragedy of Achilles, the nature of the Homeric hero, the relation between humans and gods, and the nature of honor as a motivating principle. Discussion also explores the Iliad as both a celebration of and a protest against war.
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Sophocles, Oedipus the King
The range of discussion topics in this lesson includes the nature of tragedy, the concept of “moira” (fate) vs. “tuche” (chance), the religious conservatism practiced by Sophocles, and some general speculations about human nature. What besides his own destruction does Oedipus gain? What does it mean to be human? How should one live? Does Oedipus suffer justly? Is the play a celebration of the tragic hero?
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Sophocles, Antigone
Antigone sparks a debate on the subject of duty: Is a citizen’s first duty is to the law of the state or to the law of religion? Who is the tragic protagonist of the play? Who “owns” the tragedy? Are Creon and Antigone equally right and equally wrong? Does Sophocles favor one over the other? The lesson turns to a discussion on how the play might have contemporary applications. Featured interview: Justice Seymour Simon, Former Justice of the Illinois State Supreme Court
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Family Conflict Patterns
Reinforces the idea that marital and family conflict is a normal side of life that needs to be managed for healthy family communication. Conflict is defined, and several misconceptions about it are discussed. The class also explores the various ways in which patterns of conflict emerge in the family structure, and discussion addresses the predictable, habitual nature of conflict. The six stages of family conflict are described: prior conditions, frustration awareness, active conflict, solution/non-solution, follow-up, and resolution. Featured interviews: Professor Douglas Kelley (Arizona State University – West) and Professor Michael Roloff (Northwestern University).
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Destructive/Constructive Family Conflict
Focuses on destructive and constructive family conflict patterns, and pays particular attention to verbal aggression as a destructive pattern. The class explores the implications to communication caused by verbal aggression, as well as the long-term damage caused by psychological abuse and parental hostility toward children. Students are walked through a variety of methods that help to hold abusive conflict at bay, including techniques for fighting fairly, criticizing behaviors instead of people, avoiding hot buttons, engaging in reflective listening, and scheduling communication “checkups”. Featured interview: Professor Douglas Kelley (Arizona State University – West) and Professor Teresa Sabourin (University of Cincinnati).