Information Package

Master's Program of Family Counseling without Thesis

FC518

PREMARITAL COUNSELING

Course Code
FC518
Semester
-
Theory+Practice
2 + 0
ECTS
5
Course TypeElective Course
Course LevelMaster's Degree Without Thesis
Year of Study-
Semester-
ECTS5
Name of Lecturer(s) -
Learning Outcomes

At the end of this course, the students;

  1. Evaluate the family roles and responsibilities of couples during marriage preparation within a biopsychosocial framework.
  2. Apply evidence-based counseling knowledge and skills regarding birth control methods and family planning.
  3. Guide couples in effective communication techniques, problem-solving skills, and building solidarity.
Mode of DeliveryFace to face
PrerequisitesNo
Recommended Optional Programme Components
Course DescriptionThis course equips students with the knowledge and practical skills required to provide premarital counseling for couples preparing for marriage or those in the early stages of marriage. The course focuses on family roles and responsibilities, contraception and family planning, positive parenting and child-rearing approaches, problem-solving skills, strengthening mutual support within the family, and effective communication techniques. It also addresses common challenges encountered during the transition to marriage from a biopsychosocial and family systems perspective.
Course Contents
WEEK TOPICS
1st Week Introduction to Premarital Counseling
2nd Week Social and Legal Dimensions of Marriage
3rd Week Couple Dynamics and Relationship Patterns
4th Week Gender Roles in Marriage
5th Week Effective Communication Skills
6th Week Developing Problem-Solving Skills
7th Week Contraceptive Methods: Family Planning and the Counseling Process
8th Week Midterm Examination
9th Week Positive Parenting
10th Week Contemporary Approaches to Child Development and Child-Rearing
11th Week Financial Planning and Resource Management in Marriage
12th Week Extended Family Relationships, Boundary Setting, and Family Systems Theory
13th Week Domestic Violence, Addiction, and Other Family Conflicts
14th Week Case Discussions and Practice Examples
15th Week General Evaluation
Recommended or Required ReadingBowen, M. (1978). Family Therapy in Clinical Practice. Jason Aronson.
Gottman, J. M., & Silver, N. (2015). The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work: A Practical Guide from the Country's Foremost Relationship Expert (Revised ed.). Harmony Books.
Guerney, B. G. (1977). Relationship Enhancement: Skill-Training Programs for Therapy, Problem Prevention, and Enrichment. Jossey-Bass.
Hahlweg, K., & Markman, H. J. (1988). Effectiveness of behavioral marital therapy: Empirical status of behavioral techniques in preventing and alleviating marital distress. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 56(3), 440?447.
Satir, V. (1988). The New Peoplemaking. Science and Behavior Books.
Planned Learning Activities and Teaching Methods
  • Lecture
  • Discussion
  • Questions/Answers
  • Case Study
  • Presentation
Assessment Methods and Criteria
Quantity Percentage (%)
Mid-term 1 20
Assignment 1 10
Presentation of Case Study 1 10
Total(%) 40
Contribution of In-term Studies to Overall Grade(%) 40
Contribution of Final Examination to Overall Grade(%) 60
Total(%) 100
ECTS Allocated Based on Student Workload
Activities Quantity Duration (Hour) Total Workload (Hour)
Midterm exam 1 2 2
Preparation for Quiz
Individual or group work 2 15 30
Preparation for Final exam
Course hours 15 2 30
Preparation for Midterm exam 1 30 30
Laboratory (including preparation)
Final exam
Homework 2 20 40
Literature review 4 5 20
Total Work Load152
Total Work Load / 30 (h)5.06
ECTS Credit of the Course5
Language of InstructionTurkish
Work Placement(s)No
LO1 LO2 LO3
K1 X X X
K2 X
K3 X
K4 X
K5 X X X
K6 X
K7 X X
K8 X X
K9 X X X