Note: Course content may be changed, term to term, without notice. The information below is provided as a guide for course selection and is not binding in any form, and should not be used to purchase course materials. Page 1 of 7
COURSE SYLLABUS DBFA 400 CHILD/ADOLESCENT DEVELOPMENT, DEVIANCE AND VIOLENCE: ETIOLOGY, ASSESSMENT & TREATMENT COURSE DESCRIPTION This course examines the developmental aspects of deviant, violent and problem behaviors in children and adolescents. Effective interventions and referral strategies for helping minors and their parents are addressed, as well as some of the sociological and community related factors regarding these challenging issues. Ethical concerns and multicultural factors are also considered. RATIONALE The cultural battle for the hearts and minds of today s children and adolescents is stronger than ever. Increasing rates of delinquency, deviance, and violence in our culture, particularly among young people, is taking a dramatic toll on society. Yet, too often, the media misses the etiological factors behind these behaviors, often casting blame in places it does not belong. In order to redeem the culture, responsive and proactive measures must begin with an understanding of the root causes. This course addresses aggressive and violent behaviors in light of contemporary behavioral science theory and research, considering the political, sociological, and cultural factors that also play a part. Intervention strategies, filtered through a theological lens, are offered to develop a compassionate Christian response to such behaviors. This course is offered in an eight-week format and includes extensive readings, experiential observations, exams, a research paper, and interactions with other students via Discussion Board. I. PREREQUISITE For information regarding prerequisites for this course, please refer to the Academic Course Catalog. II. III. IV. REQUIRED RESOURCE PURCHASE Click on the following link to view the required resource(s) for the term in which you are registered: http://bookstore.mbsdirect.net/liberty.htm ADDITIONAL MATERIALS FOR LEARNING A. Computer with basic audio/video output equipment B. Internet access (broadband recommended) C. Microsoft Office MEASURABLE LEARNING OUTCOMES Page 2 of 7
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to: A. Describe etiological factors surrounding strong-willed, deviant, and violent behaviors among children and adolescents. B. Describe proactive parenting strategies for effective discipline and child-rearing for strong-willed children and adolescents. C. Demonstrate critical thinking skills needed to evaluate, critique and synthesize current research on deviance and violence. D. Identify how different ethnicities and cultural dynamics are impacted by adolescent deviance and violence. E. Examine the cultural, sociological, and political factors related to adolescent development, deviance, and violence. F. Understand public policy issues related to advocacy on behalf of troubled adolescents, victims, and societal interests. V. COURSE REQUIREMENTS AND ASSIGNMENTS A. Textbook Readings and lecture presentations B. Course Requirements Checklist After reading the Course Syllabus and Student Expectations, the student will complete the related checklist found in Module/Week 1. C. Discussion Board Forums (4) Each forum will require the student to answer questions with a minimum 400 word thread based on that particular module/week s course materials. The students will be required to post a 300 word reply to one other student s thread. Specific assignment instructions are included with the course materials. D. 4 MAT Review (2) The 4-MAT Book Review system is a way of responding to readings that requires the learner to interact with new ideas on several levels, including a Summary, Concrete Responses, a Reflection, and personal Application. Specific assignment instructions are included with the course materials. E. Movie Review (2) The Movie Review assignments provide opportunities to focus on a movie that has an example of a cultural battle for today s children and adolescents. Students must interact with the movie s content in a way that aids understanding of the impact of movies on the counseling process, including a Review, and the Personal/Professional Implications of the movie. Specific assignment instructions are included with the course materials. VI. COURSE GRADING AND POLICIES A. Points Course Requirements Checklist 10 Page 3 of 7
B. Scale Discussion Board Initial Post (4 at 60 pts ea.) 240 4 Mat Review (2 at 200 pts ea) 400 Movie Review (2 at 180 pts ea) 360 Total 1010 A = 900 1010 B = 800 899 C = 700 799 D = 600 699 F = 0 599 C. Late Assignment Policy If the student is unable to complete an assignment on time, then he or she must contact the instructor immediately by email. Assignments that are submitted after the due date without prior approval from the instructor will receive the following deductions: 1. Late assignments submitted within one week of the due date will receive a 10% deduction. 2. Assignments submitted more than one week late will receive a 20% deduction. 3. Assignments submitted two weeks late or after the final date of the course will not be accepted. 4. Late Discussion Board threads or replies will not be accepted. Special circumstances (e.g. death in the family, personal health issues) will be reviewed by the instructor on a case-by-case basis. D. Disability Assistance Students with a documented disability may contact Liberty University Online s Office of Disability Academic Support (ODAS) at LUOODAS@liberty.edu to make arrangements for academic accommodations. Further information can be found at www.liberty.edu/disabilitysupport. VII. SUGGESTED READINGS Bennett, W. (2012). America: The last best hope (Vol. I.) Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson. ISBN: 1595551115. Dees, R. (2014). Resilient nations. San Diego, CA: Creative Team Publishing. ISBN: 0989797562. Dobson, J. (2004). Marriage under fire: Why we must win this battle. Sisters, OR: Multnomah. ISBN: 1590524314. Dobson, J., & Bauer, G., (1994) Chidren at risk: The battle for the hearts and minds of our kids. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson. ISBN- 978-0849935848 Moreland, J.P. & Craig, W. L. (2003). Philosophical foundations for a Christian worldview. Downers Grove, IL: Intervarsity Press. ISBN: 0830826947. Page 4 of 7
Sire, J. W. (2009). The universe next door: A basic worldview catalog (5 th ed.). Downers Grove, IL: Intervarsity Press. ISBN: 0830838503. Page 5 of 7
COURSE SCHEDULE DBFA 400 TEXTBOOKS: Clinton, T., Clark, C., & Straub, J. (2010). The quick-reference guide to counseling teenagers. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books. ISBN: 9780801072352. Dobson. J. (2004). The new strong-willed child: Birth through adolescence. Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House. ISBN: 9781414391342. Meeker, M. (2007). Your kids at risk: How teen sex threatens our sons and daughters. Washington, DC: Regenery Publishing. ISBN: 9781596985131. MODULE/ WEEK READING & STUDY ASSIGNMENTS POINTS 1 Strong-Willed ch. 1-3 Guide Teenagers: Bullying Bible Readings Course Requirements Checklist Class Introductions DB Forum 1 10 0 60 2 Strong-Willed ch. 4-6 Movie Review 180 3 Strong-Willed ch. 7-9 DB Forum 2 60 4 Strong-Willed: ch. 10-12 Guide Teenagers: ADHD 4 MAT Review 200 5 Meeker: ch. 1-5 DB Forum 3 60 Page 6 of 7
Guide Teenagers: Culture and Media Influence 2 presentations 6 Meeker: ch. 6-9 2 presentations Movie Review 180 7 Meeker: ch. 10-12 Guide Teenagers: Gangs and Violence; Anger; Destructive Dating Relationships 2 presentations DB Forum 4 60 8 Guide Teenagers: Alcoholic and Abusive Parents; Drugs and Alcohol; Parent-Adolescent Relationships; Pornography and Masturbation; Promiscuity and STD s; Trauma 4 MAT Review 200 TOTAL 1010 DB = Discussion Board NOTE: Each course week begins on Tuesday morning at 12:00 a.m. (ET) and ends on Monday night at 11:59 p.m. (ET). The final week ends at 11:59 p.m. (ET) on Friday. Page 7 of 7