SA 210: Introduction to Family Systems
This course examines family systems theory and techniques related to working with substance abuse clients and their families. Students apply these theories using case studies.
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
SLO1: Analyze the various roles in family systems theory.
SLO2: Practice skills related to research-based family therapy processes, such as recursive feedback loops, active listening, triangulation, circular causality, differentiation, etc.
SLO3: Understand how culture influences family systems.
SLO4: Interpret the context and structure of a family system.
Suppes, B.C. Family Systems Theory Simplified. New York, NY: Routledge, 2022(1st edition).
Other sources will be included throughout the course.
Weekly Modules: All materials will be listed in Canvas in Weekly Modules for students to complete. All assignments, discussions, and other activities will be completed and/or submitted in Canvas unless noted otherwise. Modules will open Monday at midnight and close Sunday evenings at 11:59 PM.
Discussions: Each week will likely have a discussion question/prompt. You are responsible for posting your response of 125-200 words, using at least one citation in APA format in your opening post. (A Link to the APA formatting and style guide (7th edition). You must respond to two classmates’ posts with at least 100 words each. The discussion rubric is found in Canvas.
Assignments:
You will receive various assignments throughout the quarter.
- Any written assignments must be typed on a computer using a standard word processor (i.e., Microsoft Word). Any written assignments that are not completed using a standard word processor will not be accepted.
- Please do not use your phone or mobile device for class assignments and do not submit assignments via the mobile app.
- All assignments must be submitted via Canvas.
- All written work must be word processed. No pictures of handwritten work will be accepted or graded.
- All assignments must be submitted within required time frame. For example, Week 1 assignments must be submitted during Week 1.
- Missing assignments due to absence must be submitted within 1 week of return.
- All late submissions of assignments will result in a penalty of -1 point per day late up to one week. Anything over 1 week late will result in a grade of 0.
- To receive full credit for late, students must provide documentation for an excused absences or it will be subject to the same treatment as any other late work. Examples include court documents, hospitalization, etc.
- It is your responsibility to ask about missed assignments.
Quizzes/Tests: Exams are open book and open notes and will consist of 15-25 multiple-choice, short answer, and/or essay questions. You’ll have two opportunities to take the exam and the system will retain the higher score. If you miss an exam, please contact instructor immediately. Missing exams due to absence must be submitted within 1 week upon return. Failure to take missing exams within 1 week upon return will result in an F on the missed exams.
Projects: Information about projects if it applies
Assignment Points:
Tests 400 points
Discussion Board 100 points
Quizzes 200 points
Journal submissions 100 points
Paper/Presentation 100 points
Total Points 1000 points
Grading Scale:
A = 90% - 100%
B = 80% - 89%
C = 70% - 79%
D = 60% - 69%
F = below 60%
Deadlines and due dates are posted in every module for every assignment. In the event of an emergency, please email your instructor. Knowing the following will help you be successful.
- Please respect yourself, your instructor, and your classmates.
- Please email me with any questions or to make an appointment to discuss any issue that arises.
- The Syllabus is subject to change. Please see your weekly modules for the most up to date information. Any changes will be announced on the announcements section as well.
- Use HJC resources to solve any technical issues.
- Please read the assigned chapters in a timely manner and be prepared to discuss topics found in the textbook.
|
Module |
Student Learning Outcomes |
Concepts & learning materials |
Activities & Tools of Assessment |
|
One |
SLO1, SLO2, SLO3, SLO4 |
Module 1: Course Introduction |
Activity 1 Discussion 1 |
|
Two |
SLO1, SLO4
|
Module 2: History of Family Systems
|
Activity 2 Discussion 2 |
|
Three |
SLO1, SLO2, SLO4
|
Module 3: Theory and Modality |
Activity 3 Exam 1 |
|
Four |
SLO1, SLO4
|
Module 4: Roles and Responsibilities |
Activity 4 Discussion 4 |
|
Five |
SLO1, SLO3, SLO4:
|
Module 5: Family Structure |
Activity 5 Discussion 5 |
|
Six |
SLO2, SLO4 |
Module 6: Family Communication
|
Activity 6 Exam 2 |
|
Seven |
SLO1, SLO2, SLO4
|
Module 7: Family Context
|
Activity 7 Discussion 7 |
|
Eight |
SLO1, SLO4 |
Module 8: Co-Occurring Systems
|
Activity 8 Discussion 8 |
|
Nine |
SLO2, SLO4:
|
Module 9: Boundaries and Circular Causality
|
Activity 9 Discussion 9 |
|
Ten |
SLO3, SLO4 |
Module 10: Cultural Considerations
|
Discussion 10 Genogram Project |
|
Final |
SLO1, SLO2, SLO3, SLO4. |
Week 11 student engagement and assessments for this course take place during the Residency activities. See event schedule for details. |
Discussion 11 |
Emails will be responded to no later than 48 hours or by the end of business on Monday for mail received over the weekend.
Academic Honesty Policy
The college has a firm policy against academic dishonesty, including cheating or plagiarism. Students guilty of academic dishonesty will be administratively dropped from the course with a grade of ‘F’ and subject to disciplinary action, which may include suspension and dismissal.
Please refer to the Academic Honesty Policy for detailed information.
Late Assignment Policy
Meeting deadlines, being dependable, and applying appropriate time management are all foundational elements of professional behavior. These same attributes are also required while participating in college courses because the skills, knowledge, and student learning outcomes must be obtained in a specific order and within a certain amount of time.
We at HJC understand that sometimes students encounter circumstances that make it difficult to always meet the required course deadlines. This Late Work Policy is in place to accommodate that. In all circumstances, whenever possible, contact your instructor when you anticipate that you will be submitting work late.
The deadlines for most courses typically follow the pattern below, but it is your responsibility to confirm this and be aware if there are any assignments that may have different deadlines for one reason or another.
The first post in each Discussion Board is usually due on the Wednesday night of each module/week.
Most other assignments are due by 11:59 pm on Sunday evening of each module/week.
- All assignments must be submitted by the required due date.
- Missing assignments due to absence must be submitted within 1 week of return.
- Late submissions of assignments will result in a reduction of 10% of the total points possible per day (e.g., 1 day late = -10%, 2 days late = 20%, etc.) up to one week. Anything over 1 week late will result in a grade of 0.
- To receive full credit for late work, students must provide documentation for an excused absence, or it will be subject to the same treatment as any other late work. Documentation examples include court documents, hospitalization, etc.
Instructors may also choose to deduct less points at their discretion.
If for some reason a student temporarily loses the ability to connect to Canvas due to technical issues it is the student’s obligation to submit assignments by the original due dates. Temporary remedies can be connecting via a public WiFi spot, using school facilities to connect, or use of private networks through friends and family.
In extreme cases, when none of these solutions are available, the student may contact their instructors through other means and ask permission to submit their work directly, in a method that can be received by the instructor. Under no circumstances can methods of delivery outside of Canvas be used without explicit instructor permission. (If this ever happens the instructor should somehow note it).
Minimum Technology Requirements
Having access to a reliable desktop or laptop is required for HJC online courses. This requirement ensures students have the essential technologies to complete online courses successfully. Mobile devices, such as mobile phones and tablets may be utilized as additional tools to assist with completing online courses.
Online video conferences and calls are often the best way for instructors to assist students in many situations. A web camera and microphone are necessary for successful online conferences.
Safari and Chrome: Office 365 is designed to work with the current version of the Safari and Chrome browsers. Microsoft Edge: Office 365 is designed to work with the latest version of the Microsoft Edge browser.
Internet Explorer: Office 365 is designed to work with Internet Explorer 11. We recommend that you upgrade to Internet Explorer 11 if you are using an earlier version. Office might continue to work with versions of Internet Explorer other than Internet Explorer 11, but Office can’t provide any guarantees.
Firefox: Most Office 365 apps are designed to work with the current version of Firefox.
Some courses may have additional technology requirements beyond those listed here. Additional requirements will be listed in your Canvas course room.
Basic Office 365 apps are free and available to students with their HJC Outlook account. For additional questions and help with the required technologies, please contact help@hjc.edu
Minimum Technical Skills Requirements
To complete online courses successfully, you must be able to perform the following basic technical skills before starting the class
- Use the learning management system, Canvas
- Use HJC email with attachments
- Download, save, and upload files in Canvas
For additional questions regarding the required technologies, please contact help@hjc.edu
Technology Support
To be a successful online learner, certain technologies are necessary. Please keep in mind that certain classes may have additional technical requirements. You should be able to find additional technical requirements in your syllabus or your canvas course room. If you have any questions about the technology requirement, please do not hesitate to reach out to us at 304-697-7550 or support@hjc.edu
Accessibility Information
Huntington Junior College is committed to full compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. For additional information, please access accessibility policy. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us at 304-697-7550 or pjustice@hjc.edu if you have any additional questions.
Copyright Policy
As an institution of higher education, Huntington Junior College strongly believes in intellectual property. As such, Huntington Junior College respects intellectual property and has made it a priority to ensure all employees and students respect the copyrights of others. If you have any questions about our copyright policy, please access the copyright policy.
Privacy Policy
The college understands the importance of protecting your information and privacy. Our Privacy Policy provides additional information on the Family Educational Rights & Privacy Act.
Other Student Success Services
Please access Student Success page for other student success services information, such as financial aid, lab hours, parking, library, transcripts, and career services on the college
If you need to speak with a person regarding any college policies and guidelines, please don't hesitate to get in touch with the college at 304-697-7550
This information is standard for each course but specifics may vary based on the delivery method of the course you are taking. Please follow the information provided by your instructor.
This syllabus is subject to change.