The Epidemic: The Rot of American Culture, Absentee & Permissive Parenting, and the Resultant Plague of Joyless, Selfish Children

This course will examine the moral decline of American culture, absentee and permissive parenting, and the resulting plague of joyless, selfish children. Numerous social issues related to technology, media content, marriages, sexuality, values and family systems in the current culture are examined. The ramifications of the social issues on schools and students who bring those behaviors into classroom settings are discussed. Recommendations for helping educators know what they can do to reach students in school settings are presented. Educators will develop a written application essay or lesson/unit plan and a research review. (3 credits)

Write a brief paragraph or two about ideas, knowledge and information that you thought was significant from each chapter in the book. Perhaps statements, a paragraph or a concept that was enlightening and applicable to teaching. Bullet points of main issues are also fine.

1. Stricken Children, Stricken Families
2. Teaching Your Child to Love
3. Starting Down the Right Path
4. The Truth and Consequences of Child Care
5. Who’s House is it Anyway?
6. Raising Moral Children in a Valueless World
7. Don’t Touch That Dial!
8. Who Stole My Childhood?
9. Out of Contact, Out of Control

Write a two or three-page final application paper regarding your experience and understanding of the book The Epidemic: The Rot of American Culture. The essay should be in an area of interest that is relevant to your teaching and life experience. Write about your own experience and how you will apply the information in the book to your methodology or classroom. Alternative options to the final essay could be a classroom activity, a lesson plan or unit-plan.

Total assignments include:

1. Chapter Reviews
2. Final Application Essay (or alternative assignment)
3. Research Article Review