Summer 2006

FI540/840

Lee / Furrow

FI540/840: NARRATIVE AND FAMILY LIFE.  C. Lee and J. Furrow

DESCRIPTION:

This course introduces students to the relevance of story formation in the lives of families, arguing that work with family systems should appreciate their function as meaning-generating social contexts.  Lectures will develop the theoretical elements to draw together narrative concepts across different fields of study, including both psychological and cultural perspectives.  The application of narrative to conceptions of healing and wholeness will be explored, with a particular emphasis upon the understanding of the themes of love and loss/suffering.

COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES:

Students who successfully complete this course will (a) have a fundamental understanding of the relationship of narrative concepts to social constructionist theory and postmodernism in family systems therapy; (b) understand the basic principles of narrative practice and their implications for the church and pastoral counseling.

RELATIONSHIP TO SCHOOL AND SEMINARY LEARNING OUTCOMES:

The course learning outcomes above serve the School of Psychology’s outcome of training students who are able to (a) provide excellent preventative or transformational mental health services to church and community, and (b) apply the insights of Christian theology along with the knowledge and techniques of the social and behavioral sciences.  This in turn serves the larger seminary goals of training students who (a) understand theology, ministry, and spirituality, and (b) are able to pursue careers consistent with their education.

COURSE FORMAT:

This 4 unit course meets every day, Monday through Friday, for the 2 weeks of July 17-28.  Class sessions will be held from 9 AM to 12 noon.  Sessions will include lecture and discussion, with a particular focus on the readings and films required for the course.  Special screenings of the films will be arranged on campus in the afternoons for this purpose; those unable to attend may rent and watch the videos as convenient.

REQUIRED READING:  

Anderson, H. (1997).  Conversation, language, and possibilities.  New York: Basic.

Coles, R. (1989).  The call of stories.  Boston: Houghton Mifflin.

MacAdams, D. (1997).  The stories we live by.  New York: Guilford.

McEwan, I. (2001).  Atonement.  New York: Anchor.  (NOTE: This novel must be read before the class begins.)

Choose two of the following:

Ehrlich, E. (1997).  Miriam’s kitchen.  New York: Penguin.  (Jewish)

Lee, H. (2002).  In the absence of sun.  New York: Harmony Books.  (Korean)

McBride, J. (1996).  The color of water.  New York: Riverhead.  (African-American)

Villasenor, V. (1991).  Rain of gold.  New York: Delta.  (Hispanic/Latino)

RECOMMENDED READING:

Angus, L. E., & McLeod, J. (Eds.) (2003).  The handbook of narrative and psychotherapy.  Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.

Berger, P., & Luckmann, T. (1967). The social construction of reality. Garden City, NY: Anchor/Doubleday.

Fivush, R., & Haden, C. A. (2003).  Autobiographical memory and the construction of a narrative self.  Mahwah, NJ: Erlbaum.

Freedman, J. & Combs, G. (1996).  Narrative therapy.  New York: Norton.

Gergen, K. (1994).  Realities and relationships.  Cambridge: Harvard.

Gorman, M. J. (2001).  Cruciformity: Paul’s narrative spirituality of the cross.  Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans.

Hauerwas, S. (1977).  Truthfulness and tragedy.  Notre Dame: University of Notre Dame.

Kindig, E. S. (1997).  Remember the time?  Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.

Kleinman, A. (1988).  The illness narratives: Suffering, healing, and the human condition.  New York: Basic.

MacIntyre, A. (1984).  After virtue.  2nd ed.  Notre Dame: University of Notre Dame.

Middleton, J. R. & Walsh, B. J. (1995).  Truth is stranger than it used to be.  Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity.

Pratt, M. W., & Fiese, B. H. (2004).  Family stories and the life course.  Mahwah, NJ: Erlbaum.

Witherington, B. (1994).  Paul’s narrative thought world.  Louisville, KY: Westminster/John Knox.

ASSIGNMENTS:

Students must attend all class sessions, complete all required readings, and view the films as needed to participate fully in class discussions.  Written assignments include the keeping of a journal (which will be used for discussion purposes), and two 5-6 page essays, one interacting with the lectures and readings, the other reflecting on the application of narrative concepts to one’s own family story (or an optional interview).

PREREQUISITES:

None.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM:

Meets FI requirement for Marriage and Family and Psy.D. Family track; elective otherwise.

FINAL EXAMINATION:

None.