DBFA 410 Contemporary Thought, Research and Emerging Paradigms in Marriage and Family Studies

For information regarding prerequisites for this course, please refer to the Academic Course Catalog.

The traditional and biblical definition of family is being undermined and attacked like never before. Contemporary thought on marriage and family issues leads to what is commonly termed today as a “modern family,” one not defined by biological or marital status, but instead one defined by the culture and/or a subjective feeling of “being in love.” This course offers the student exposure to both sides of philosophical and pragmatic thought on these paradigms so the student can effectively debate and stand for the Judeo-Christian definition of the family, yet provide the research and biblical hermeneutic to back it up. The goal is to provide counselors, pastors, and marriage and family champions both a scientific and theological foundation to God’s design for the family and the personal and societal benefits of a healthy marriage and an involved mother and father within the home. This course is offered in an eight-week format and includes extensive readings, experiential observations, review papers, and interactions with other students via Discussion Board.

Textbook readings and lecture presentations

No details available.

Course Requirements Checklist

After reading the Syllabus and Student Expectations, the student will complete the related checklist found in the Course Overview.

Discussions (2)

Discussions are collaborative learning experiences. Therefore, the student is required to provide a thread in response to the provided prompt for each discussion. The student is required to answer questions with a minimum 250-word thread based on that particular module/week’s audio and video resources. Students will also be required to post a minimum of two (2) replies of 100 words each to other students’ threads. Please see the specific assignment instructions included with the course materials. (CLO: A, B, C, D, E, F)

Reflection Journal Assignments (4)

The journal assignments provide a forum for the student to reflect on their studies in the course. This is a private reflection between the student and the professor related to their journey through the course. Reflecting on the course material, outside material, personal experience, and Biblical truth can create meaning and facilitate next steps for the student at course end. (CLO: A, B, C, D, E, F)

Research Paper Assignments (2)

The student will build a 2,000-2,500-word research paper throughout the course of the term, in current APA format. Over the duration of the course, the student will create a title page and outline of the paper; and, finally, submit his or her final research paper. (CLO: A, B, C, D, E, F)

Research Paper: Title Page, Outline, and References Assignment

The student will create a title page, outline, and references assignment in current APA format with 3 references. The outline should include at least 3 references the student plans to use. The references (having been published in the last 5 years) must be listed in a reference section in current APA format. The outline must include Level 1, Level 2, and, if necessary, Level 3 headings the student will use in setting up his or her Research Paper. 

Research Paper: Final Assignment

The student will write a 5 page paper, not including the Title Page or Reference page, in current APA format on the topic of Successful Marriages with at least 3 references (in addition to the course textbooks and the Bible) from sources published within the past 5 years. (CLO: A, B, C, D, E, F)

Book Review Assignments (2)

The 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. Please see the specific assignment instructions included with the course materials. (CLO: A, B, C, D, E, F)