Description:

This course will focus on parent-child relationships as a vehicle for understanding social development in children. The central concentration of the course will be on what effects parents have on their children but will also examine: how parents have been studied; how children affect their parents; theories and models of parent-child influence; the determinants of parental behavior; and current research approaches in the study of parent-child relations. Some of the classes will also be devoted to examining contemporary problems including: parents' role in the development of aggression and violence; divorce & remarriage; child abuse & neglect; the effects of marital conflict; and social policy issues.

Texts:

Holden, G.W. Parents and the dynamics of child rearing. 1997

Supplemental readings.

Grading and Requirements:

9 "reaction" papers papers (1 page each) 5

2 mid-term tests 40

2 term papers (6 pages each) 40

1 final exam 15

Papers:

Prerequisites:

Psychology 301 with a grade of C or better, Psychology 304 or 333D, Psychology 418 or an equivalent statistics course with a grade of C or better, and upper division standing.

Updated 24 February 1998
Department of Psychology, College of Liberal Arts
University of Texas at Austin

Some graphics courtesy of Ann Pommerehn