University of Maryland College Park School of Public Health FMSC 381 Families Poverty and Affluence Final revision 7 21 Semester Summer 2011 Instructor Dr Kevin Roy kroy umd edu Office SPH 1142T Phone 301 405 6348 Required Texts and Other Readings Hays S 2004 Flat broke with children Women in the age of welfare reform New York Oxford University Press ISBN 0195176014 Moore W 2010 The other Wes Moore One name two fates New York Speigel Grau ISBN 978 0 385 52819 1 Seccombe K 2007 Families in poverty New York Pearson ISBN 0 205 50254 7 Shipler D 2005 The working poor Invisible in America New York Vintage Books ISBN 0 37570821 9 Course Description We live in a society which offers vastly different life chances to individuals and families This course will focus on understanding the dynamics of socioeconomic status in the United States We will consider how social historical and economic patterns shape social policies and how the creation of and reaction to such policies shape families experiences with wealth and poverty We will also examine how the social structures of race ethnicity gender and age interrelate to issues of sustainability and equity among families Course Learning Objectives Upon completing this course the student will be able to Develop a critical consciousness by learning basic information about socioeconomic dynamics life patterns sustainability and historical experiences of families in the United States Consider different theoretical frameworks for understanding how poverty and affluence shapes daily experiences of equity among families and individuals Examine our own experiences and perspectives on social class and family life Actively engage in course material through discussion of readings lecture materials media presentations and student presentations Program Competencies Addressed in This Course The following competencies for the Department of Family Science are addressed in this course 1 Evaluate policy and programmatic interventions to address social and behavioral factors that influence family well being 2 Analyze and critique the range of social structures and systems such as health legal and economic that affect family well being Course Policies Communication If you have any questions or concerns related to this course you are welcome to email me E mail correspondence is probably the best way to get in touch with me I will respond to e mail within 24 hours Please do not wait if you have questions regarding your assignments I will check my e mail every day and expect that you will do the same Expectations I view this class as a partnership between the instructor and students with the goal of an enjoyable semester during which the students learn and master the course material Both students and the instructor are expected to take an active role in achieving this goal Students are expected to work hard to learn the course material and successfully complete the assignments Students are also expected to be proactive and talk with the instructor if they are having a problem or need extra assistance The instructor will work hard to help the students learn and master the material and will be available to students and responsive to their concerns However if you have logistical questions about the course e g due dates how to submit materials etc please consult the syllabus and or information on blackboard before contacting me I will respond last if at all to questions that can be answered by looking at the syllabus or the materials posted on blackboard A Note About On Line Classes This course is entirely on line there will be no in person meetings other than the final exam On line courses are different from face to face courses Students often find they have to take more responsibility for staying on track in on line courses than they do in face to face courses Successful completion of this course will require that you stay on top of the course work and assignment due dates There are assignments due each week and falling behind by 1 week in a 6 week course can be detrimental to your grade To avoid falling behind log on to the blackboard course space and check your e mail at least once a day You need to have at least a moderate level of comfort using a computer the internet and blackboard www elms umd edu You will also need a reliable computer that has access to the internet Although we will not have in person classes feel free to contact me at any time through e mail or make an appointment to meet with me in person Email the Official University Correspondence All enrolled students are provided access to the University s email system and an email account All official University email communication will be sent to this email address or an alternate address if provided by the student Email has been adopted as the primary means for sending official communications to students so email must be checked on a regular basis Academic advisors faculty and campus administrative offices use email to communicate important and time sensitive notices Your instructor welcomes inquiries about course content and assignments When you e mail your instructor about a course related issue it is helpful if you include 381 somewhere in the subject line e g 381 Question about Monday s assignment Unfortunately your instructor cannot review 2 advance drafts of written assignments for class via e mail Please note that email correspondence should follow guidelines for professional communication Use proper forms of address e g Professor Roy not hey Kevin Students should use correct grammar and complete sentences When students receive a response from an instructor they are encouraged to reply with a short thank you email to confirm receipt of response Special Accommodations Disability Support Services If you have a documented disability and wish to discuss academic accommodations for test taking or other needs you will need documentation from Disability Support Service 301 314 7682 If you are ill or encountering personal difficulties please let the instructor know as soon as possible You can also contact Learning Assistance Services 301 314 7693 and or the Counseling Center 301 314 7651 for assistance Academic Integrity The University s code of academic integrity is designed to ensure that the principle of academic honesty is upheld Any of the following acts when committed by a student constitutes academic dishonesty CHEATING intentionally using or attempting to use unauthorized materials information