Languages: English

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).

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).

Looks into over two decades of research on marital interactions conducted by John Gottman and his associates. The class begins with an overview of Gottman’s major contributions to the literature on marital interactions, including such proprietary concepts as the three categories of marital styles, the “negativity-to-positivity ratio”, and “The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse”. In a visit to Gottman’s research laboratory, students see this important multi-methodological research in action. The role of the psychological process in marital relations is also discussed. Featured interview: Professor John Gottman (University of Washington – Seattle).

Uses discussion of a hypothetical family in therapy to illustrate the interconnectedness/systemic nature of the family structure. Several key concepts in systems theory are described, including interdependence, patterns of self-regulation, interactive complexity/punctuation, and structural complexity. The class closes with a discussion on the limitations of a systems approach to analyzing family structures.

Explores the basic dynamics of a multi-generational family. Dr. Galvin introduces genograms – a system of symbols that help students create a family tree for the purpose of recording information about family members, analyzing complex family interaction patterns, and looking at the influence of multiple generations on family relationships. Featured interview: Dr. Charles Wilkinson, Marriage and Family Therapist.

Explores communication challenges in multi-generational families from a standpoint of ethnic and cultural influences. Class begins with a definition of “ethnicity” and then looks at various cultural conceptions of family, particularly those of African-American, Hispanic, Native-American and Italian cultures. Discussion examines the role of ethnicity and culture in creating family values, managing conflict and sharing affection. Featured interviews: Professor Rhunette Diggs (University of Louisville) and students enrolled in Northwestern University’s Master of Science in Communication program.

Examines how family rules and secrets influence communication. Concepts explored in the class include how family rules are created and the purpose they serve, how families come to define such concepts as “outsiders” and “acceptable behavior”, and how family secrets can serve both a positive and negative function. Featured interviews: Professor Anita Vangelisti (University of Texas – Austin) and Dr. Charles Wilkinson, Marriage and Family Therapist.

Explains the four functions of family stories. Students learn how family stories provide moral lessons, help to connect generations, shape personal identity, and socialize new members into the family. Discussion topics also include the universal importance of family stories, the kinds of questions family stories tend to answer, and the genealogical function of family stories. Featured interview: Professor Rives Collins (Northwestern University).

Considers the impact of relational culture, dialectical tensions, and relational currencies (ways of sharing affection). Definitions for and examples of each are provided. A special emphasis is placed on shared meaning and congruence of currencies. Featured interviews: Dr. Charles Wilkinson, Marriage and Family Therapist and Professor Julia Wood (University of North Carolina ).

Focuses on the importance role of rituals in creating, managing, and maintaining relationships. Discussion explores verbal and non-verbal marital communication rituals – particularly the day-to-day, often very intimate ones. Students learn to recognize and define the different ritual functions help create a culture of two. Featured interview: Professor and researcher Carol Bruess (Hamline University).