Dr. C. Rebecca Oldham

Assistant Professor (Human Development & Family Science | Women's & Gender Studies)

Dr.  C. Rebecca Oldham
(615) 898-2468
Room 103, Ellington Human Sciences Building (EHS)
MTSU Box 86, Murfreesboro, TN 37132
Office Hours

You may book a meeting with Dr. Oldham (virtual or in-office) through this website.

Degree Information

  • PHD, Texas Tech University (2019)
  • MS, Texas Tech University (2014)
  • BS, Freed-Hardeman University (2010)

Areas of Expertise

  • Sexual behavior in romantic relationships
  • Romantic relationship development
  • Gender-based violence
  • Sexual violence and coercion
  • Prevention and intervention program development and evaluation
  • Community-based participatory research
  • Scholarship of Teaching and Learning: Information Literacy and Open Educational Resources

Biography

Dr. Oldham earned her M.S. and Ph.D. in Human Development and Family Studies, as well as a graduate certificate in Women’s and Gender Studies, from Texas Tech University. 

Broadly, Dr. Oldham's research interests include both normative and coercive sexual behavior in romantic relationships. Her current program of research collaborates with community partners to develop and evaluate evidence-based educational and prevention programming to reduce gender-based violence, partic...

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Dr. Oldham earned her M.S. and Ph.D. in Human Development and Family Studies, as well as a graduate certificate in Women’s and Gender Studies, from Texas Tech University. 

Broadly, Dr. Oldham's research interests include both normative and coercive sexual behavior in romantic relationships. Her current program of research collaborates with community partners to develop and evaluate evidence-based educational and prevention programming to reduce gender-based violence, particularly for male-identifying audiences.

She teaches Child Development and Family Studies courses on family violence, Family Life Education program development/evaluation, interpersonal communication, poverty, and discrimination. She was the recipient of the National Council on Family Relations 2022 Emerging Mentor/Teacher Award for excellence in teaching and research mentorship.

She is a member of:

  • MTSU Women's and Gender Studies Affiliate Faculty
  • MTSU Campus Community Response Team, Engaging Men Committee
  • Tennessee Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence State Action Plan Leadership Team, Focus on Youth Subcommittee
  • National Council on Family Relations
  • Society for Personality and Social Psychology
  • North American MenEngage Network
  • International Association of Relationship Research

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Publications

Peer-Reviewed Journal Articles

*Undergraduate Mentee.

 

Cook, C., Oldham, C. R., Casha, C., & Franklin, J. (in press). Utilizing family theories to maximize early intervention work: An examination and application of family systems theory and bioecological theory. Family Science Review.

Niehuis, S., *Davis, K., Reifman, A., *Callaway, K., Luempert, A., Oldham, C. R....

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Peer-Reviewed Journal Articles

*Undergraduate Mentee.

 

Cook, C., Oldham, C. R., Casha, C., & Franklin, J. (in press). Utilizing family theories to maximize early intervention work: An examination and application of family systems theory and bioecological theory. Family Science Review.

Niehuis, S., *Davis, K., Reifman, A., *Callaway, K., Luempert, A., Oldham, C. R., Head, J., & Willis-Grossmann, E. (2022). Psychometric evaluation of single-item relationship satisfaction, love, conflict, and commitment measures. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 50(3), 387-405. https://doi.org/10.1177/01461672221133693

Joel, S., Eastwick, P. W., Allison, C. J., Arriaga, X. B., Baker, Z. G., Bar-Kalifa, E., Bergeron, S., Birnbaum, G., Brock, R. L., Brumbaugh, C. C., Carmichael, C. L., Chen, S., Clarke, J., Cobb, R. J., Coolsen, M. K., Davis, J., de Jong, D. C., Debrot, A., DeHaas, E. C., Derrick, J. L., Eller, J., Estrada, M. J., Faure, R., Finkel, E. J., Fraley, R. C., Gable, S. L., Gadassi, R., Girme, Y. U., Gordon, A. M., Gosnell, C. L., Hammond, M. D., Hannon, P. A., Harasymchuk, C., Hofmann, W., Horn, A. B., Impett, E. A., Jamieson, J. P., Keltner, D., Kim, J. J., Kirchner, J. L., Klewer, E. S., Kumashiro, M., Larson, G., Lazarus, G., Logan, J. M., Luchies, L. B., MacDonald, G., Machia, L. V., Maniaci, M. R., Maxwell, J. A., Mizrahi, M., Muise, A., Niehuis, S., Ogolsky, B. G., Oldham, C. R., Overall, N. C., Perrez, M., Peters, B. J., Pietromonaco, P. R., Powers, S. I., Prok, T., Pshedetzky-Shochat, R., Rafaeli, E., Ramsdell, E., Reblin, M., Reicherts, M., Reifman, A., Reis, H. T., Rhoades, G. K., Rholes, W. S., Righetti, F., Rodriguez, L. M., Rogge, R., Rosen, N. O., Saxbe, D., Sened, H., Simpson, J. A., Slotter, E. B., Stanley, S. M., Stocker, S., Surra, C., Vaughn, A. A., Vicary, A. M., Visserman, M. L., & Wolf, S. (2020). Machine learning uncovers the most robust self-report predictors of relationship quality across 43 longitudinal couples studies. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 11(32), 19061-19071. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1917036117

Niehuis, S., Reifman, A., Weiser, D., Punyanunt-Carter, N., Flora, J., Arias, V. S., & Oldham, C. R. (2020). Guilty pleasure? Communicating sexually explicit content on dating-apps and disillusionment with app usage. Human Communication Research, 46(1), 55-85. doi:10.1093/hcr/hqz013

Niehuis, S., Reifman, A., & Oldham, C. R. (2019). Effects of relationship transgressions on idealization of and disillusionment with one’s romantic partner: A three-wave longitudinal study. Personal Relationships, 26(3), 466-489. doi: 10.1111/pere.12287

Niehuis, S., Reifman, A., Al-Khalil, K., Oldham, C. R., Fang, D., O'Boyle, M., Davis, T. (2019). fMRI activation in response to prompts of romantically disillusioning events. Personal Relationships, 26(2). doi: 10.1111/pere.12272

*Wood, W. I., Oldham, C. R., Reifman, A., & Niehuis, S. (2017). Accuracy and bias in newlywed spouses’ perceptions of each other’s personalities. Personal Relationships, 24, 886–901. doi: 10.1111/pere.12219

Purcell, J. B. K., Oldham, C. R., Weiser, D., & Sharp, E., (2017). Lights, camera, activism: Using a film series to generate feminist dialogue about campus sexual violence. Family Relations, 66, 139-153. doi: 10.1111/fare.12228

Encylopedia Entries

Oldham, C. R., Lindsey, J., & Niehuis, S. (2017). Doing gender. In K. L. Nadal (Ed.), The SAGE encyclopedia of psychology and gender (pp. 468-469). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications. doi: 10.4135/9781483384269.n

Oldham, R., & Niehuis, S. (2014). Hooking up. In M. J. Coleman & L. H. Ganong (Eds.), The social history of the American family: An encyclopedia (Vol. 2, pp. 695-696). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.

Oldham, R., & Niehuis, S. (2014). PREP Programs. In M. J. Coleman & L. H. Ganong (Eds.), The social history of the American family: An encyclopedia (Vol. 3, pp. 1073-1075). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.

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Presentations

Paper Presentations

*Undergraduate Mentee.

Oldham, C. R. (2024, November). Unequally yoked: A systematic literature review of deconversion within religiously homogamous marriages. Lightning paper presentation at the National Council on Family Relations Annual Conference, Bellevue, WA.

Oldham, C. R., Shealy, A., Tilton, K., & Oldham, C. (2022, November). Discrimination and poverty as a prism for teaching in...

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Paper Presentations

*Undergraduate Mentee.

Oldham, C. R. (2024, November). Unequally yoked: A systematic literature review of deconversion within religiously homogamous marriages. Lightning paper presentation at the National Council on Family Relations Annual Conference, Bellevue, WA.

Oldham, C. R., Shealy, A., Tilton, K., & Oldham, C. (2022, November). Discrimination and poverty as a prism for teaching information literacy. Paper presented at the National Council on Family Relations Annual Conference, Minneapolis, MN.

Aceves, L., Bermea, A., Bradley, C., Caldwell, J., Doty, J., Mendez, S., Newquist, J., Oldham, R., Rose, A., Routon, J., Sanner, C., (2022, November). Results of a formative assessment to promote racial justice for students and new professionals in the family science field. A Student-New Professionals invited presenters symposium at the National Council on Family Relations Annual Conference, Minneapolis, MN

Oldham, C. R., Fleming, W. M., Hoskins, N., Scales, B., Strattion, T., Allen, D., Hill, K., Bakari, A., & Borchert, J. (2020, November). Men’s engagement in violence prevention: Methods and messaging in the era of #MeToo. Symposium paper to be presented at the National Council on Family Relations Annual Conference, St. Louis, MO (virtual due to COVID-19).

Oldham, C. R. & Purcell, J. B. K. (2018, November). Critical film analysis as a pedagogical tool for feminist family scholars: Research & theory. Paper presented at the National Council on Family Relations Annual Conference, San Diego, CA.

Oldham, C. R., Niehuis, S., Reifman, A., & Weiser, D. (2018, July). Relative timing of sex and commitment during courtship: Implications for changes in marital satisfaction over the first two years of marriage. Symposium paper presented at the International Association for Relationship Research Biennial Conference, Fort Collins, CO.

Poster Presentations

*Young, M., & Oldham, C. R. (2022, November). Attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors: When do people feel sex guilt versus regret? Poster presented at the National Council on Family Relations Annual Conference, Minneapolis, MN.

Oldham, C. R., & McKnight, E. (2021, November). Passion turning points revisited: Using mixed methods to map romantic relationships’ sexual development. Interactive poster presented at the National Council on Family Relations Annual Conference, Baltimore, MD (virtual due to COVID-19).

Oldham, C. R., Niehuis, S., Reifman, A., & Weiser, D. A. (2019, November). A longitudinal study of the timing of first sex in romantic relationships and subsequent relationship quality. Poster to be presented at the National Council on Family Relations Annual Conference, Fort Worth, TX.

Oldham, C.R., Niehuis, S., Reifman, A., & Weiser, D. (2016, November). Predicting the timing of sex in relationships using discriminant analysis. Poster presented at the National Council on Family Relations Annual Conference, Minneapolis, MN.

Oldham, C. R., Yuan, S., Lindsey, J., *Barron, K., *Ginste, K., *Ozpolat, A., Reifman, A., & Niehuis, S. (2015, November). The use of self- versus partner-reports in the Actor-Partner Interdependence Model. Poster presented at the annual conference for the National Council on Family Relations Annual Conference, Vancouver, BC, Canada.

Oldham, C. R., Noriega, I., Baird, H., Niehuis, S., *Wood, W., Ireland, M. (2014, November). Mentoring undergraduate research in the social sciences. Roundtable presented at the National Council on Family Relations Annual Conference, Baltimore, MD.

Oldham, C. R.(2014, April). Do Hispanic acculturation and religion predict the relative timing of sex, love, and commitment? Paper presented at the Texas Tech Changing the Face of the Academy: Diversity in Action Conference, Lubbock, TX.

Oldham, C. R., Reifman A., & Niehuis, S. (2013, November). Predictors of sexual tempo: A survival analysis. Poster presented at the National Council on Family Relations Annual Conference, San Antonio, TX.

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Awards

Teaching

Oldham, C. R. (2023, April). Influential Faculty of Staff, Phi Kappa Phi Honors Society, Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro, TN.

Oldham, C. R. (2022, November). Emerging Mentor/Teacher Award, Advancing Family Science Section, National Council on Family Relations, Minneapolis, MN.

Cook, J. C., Oldham...

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Teaching

Oldham, C. R. (2023, April). Influential Faculty of Staff, Phi Kappa Phi Honors Society, Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro, TN.

Oldham, C. R. (2022, November). Emerging Mentor/Teacher Award, Advancing Family Science Section, National Council on Family Relations, Minneapolis, MN.

Cook, J. C., Oldham, C. R., Weir, S., & Bruce, J. (2022) Faculty Learning Community: MT Engage Major Pathway, Award $2,000, (August 2022-May 2023), MT Engage, Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro, TN.

Oldham, C. R. (2021-2022). Faculty Fellows Program, Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro, TN.

Oldham, C. R., Cook, J. C., Weir, S., & Bruce, J. (2021) Embracing Equity through Open Educational Resources (OER) Medium-Scale Conversion, Award $4,000 (May 2021-September 2021), Tennessee Board of Regents, Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro, TN.

Oldham, C. R. & Shealy, A. (2021). Information Literacy Curriculum Integration Grant, Award $2,000 (June 2021-June 2022), James E. Walker Library, Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro, TN.

Oldham, C. R. (2016). Helen DeVitt Jones Excellence in Graduate Teaching Award, Award $500, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX.

Research

Niehuis, S., Reifman, A., & Oldham, C. R. (2019). Effects of relationship transgressions on idealization of and disillusionment with one’s romantic partner: A three-wave longitudinal study. Personal Relationships, 26(3), 466-489. https://doi.org/10.1111/pere.12287 Awarded second place for the best article published in a journal of the International Association for Relationship Research in 2019 or 2020 out of approximately 500 eligible articles

Young, M. & Oldham, C. R. (2021). Undergraduate Research Experience and Creative Activity (URECA) Assistant, Award $1,000 (Sept 2021-May 2022), Undergraduate Research Center, Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro, TN.

Howard, S. & Oldham, C. R. (2021). Undergraduate Research Experience and Creative Activity (URECA) Assistant, Award $500 (May 2021-August 2021), Undergraduate Research Center, Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro, TN.

Young, M. & Oldham, C. R. (2021). Undergraduate Research Experience and Creative Activity (URECA) Assistant, Award $500 (May 2021-August 2021), Undergraduate Research Center, Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro, TN.

Oldham, C. R. (2020). First Place for Outstanding Dissertation Award in Social Sciences, Award $1,500, Graduate School, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX.

Niehuis, S., Weiser, D., Reifman, A., Punyanunt-Carter, N. M., Flora, J., Arias, V. S., & Oldham, C. R. (2019). Top Four Paper Award, Interpersonal Communication Division of the Western States Communication Association.

Oldham, C. R. (2018). Doctoral Dissertation Completion Fellowship, Award $16,200 (August 2018-May 2019), Graduate School, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX.

Oldham, C. R. (2018). Graduate Student Research Support Award, Award $1,000 (August 2017-May 2018), Office of Parent and Family Relations, Graduate Student Advisory Council, Graduate School, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX.

Oldham, C. R. (2014). Helen DeVitt Jones Fellowship, Award $30,000 (August 2014-May 2017), College of Human Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX.

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Research / Scholarly Activity

Dr. Oldham is currently building partnerships with community members, particularly in Middle Tennessee, who do work in gender-based violence (e.g., sexual assault, intimate partner violence). She encourages any community members who are interested in collaborating with her to call or email.

In collaboration with MTSU's Power of One of Office and Engaging Men Committee, she is the primary investigator on a focus group research project that is studying men's reactions to gender-based vi...

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Dr. Oldham is currently building partnerships with community members, particularly in Middle Tennessee, who do work in gender-based violence (e.g., sexual assault, intimate partner violence). She encourages any community members who are interested in collaborating with her to call or email.

In collaboration with MTSU's Power of One of Office and Engaging Men Committee, she is the primary investigator on a focus group research project that is studying men's reactions to gender-based violence prevention programming and messaging. Our team consists of faculty, staff, graduate students, and undergraduate students. She is currently accepting applications for lab research assistants for the Fall 2021 semester. If students are interested in working on a focus group project about gender-based violence program messaging, please complete the RA application here.

Dr. Oldham is also publishing out of her dissertation data regarding the development of sexual behaviors within romantic relationships with collaborators and URECA student researchers.

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In the Media

Teaching

Wagner, S. (2023, April). Registration open for family violence panels with local professionals, networking, MTSU News. https://mtsunews.com/registration-open-family-violence-panels-2023/ 

Middle Tennessee State University (2022). Child Development and Family Studies P...

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Teaching

Wagner, S. (2023, April). Registration open for family violence panels with local professionals, networking, MTSU News. https://mtsunews.com/registration-open-family-violence-panels-2023/ 

Middle Tennessee State University (2022). Child Development and Family Studies Program at MTSU, Out of the Bluehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S2PHkZwnkx0 

Logue, G. (2022). MTSU students work, walk April 29 to stem tide of violence against children, MTSU News. https://mtsunews.com/hometown-heroes-walk-april2022/

Research

Joel et al. (2020) News Coverage

Kaur, H. (2020, July 29) A landmark study shows what makes a successful relationship, CNN. https://www.cnn.com/2020/07/29/us/what-makes-a-relationship-successful-study-wellness-trnd/index.html

Young, G. (2020, August 24). Researchers contribute to broader understanding of committed relationships, Texas Tech Today. https://today.ttu.edu/posts/2020/08/Stories/researchers-contribute-broader-understanding-committed-relationships

 

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Special Projects

MT Engage ePortfolio Sway Training

Research Mentorship

Since 2013, Dr. Oldham has mentored dozens of u...

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MT Engage ePortfolio Sway Training

Research Mentorship

Since 2013, Dr. Oldham has mentored dozens of undergraduate researchers in her lab at MTSU and as a project manager in Dr. Sylvia Niehuis's SMITTEN Lab at Texas Tech University. She has trained undergraduate student researchers in participant recruitment, research ethics, various methods of data collection (e.g., interviewing, survey administration, experiments, fMRI data collection, focus group moderation), data management (e.g., SPSS data entry, codebook management, lab file management), and data analysis (quantitative and qualitative). She has assisted students' acquisition of project and travel funding to present results at local, state, and national conferences. Several students won awards for outstanding research. She has also mentored students admittance to NSF Research Experiences for Undergraduates and graduate schools. Her mentees have gone on to diverse career paths including, couples and family therapy, counseling, clinical psychology, medicine, physician assistant, nursing, social psychology, social work, criminal justice, and more. 

Dr. Oldham has also formally and informally mentored graduate students in navigating graduate school, the job market, research projects, and dissertations. She served on multiple dissertation committees at MTSU about sexual behaviors, attitudes, and sexual violence prevention/intervention.

In Summer 2021, Dr. Oldham and two undergraduate students will be working on research projects funded by the MTSU URECA program. In the 2021-2022 academic year, one student continued as a Silver URECA Researcher and completed another project as a follow-up to her summer work, which she presented at a national conference.  

Students who have an interest in social science research, romantic relationships, sexuality, or graduate school may contact Dr. Oldham directly or apply to work with her as a research assistant. Dr. Oldham is currently accepting applications for lab research assistants. If students are interested in working on a focus group project about gender-based violence program messaging, please complete the RA application here.

Dr. Oldham's lab is featured in the MTSU Lab Directory 2022.

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Courses

CDFS 2100 Dating & Mating: The Science of Love, Sex, and Relationships

Description

In this course, students learn about diverse romantic and sexual relationships across the life course from and interdisciplinary perspectives.

This is a traditional lecture-discussion-based class. Throughout the semester, students work on a series of assignments and small student support group discussions to facilitate growth in a communication skill that they identify as needing...

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CDFS 2100 Dating & Mating: The Science of Love, Sex, and Relationships

Description

In this course, students learn about diverse romantic and sexual relationships across the life course from and interdisciplinary perspectives.

This is a traditional lecture-discussion-based class. Throughout the semester, students work on a series of assignments and small student support group discussions to facilitate growth in a communication skill that they identify as needing improvement. Small groups share their collective learning at the end of the semester via classroom activities and presentations.

Details

  • Fall semester
  • Face-to-Face
  • Miller, R. (2022). Intimate relationships. 9th edition.

Student Comments from previous versions of this course (CDFS 3330)

This has been the best class I have ever taken in all four years of college courses. I can't say enough good things about professor Oldham. Not only was the material, interesting, relevant, and unique, she taught it in a way that made me excited to come to class everyday. This class was the first class that I have ever talked about OUTSIDE of school for extended amounts of time. I have also found myself referencing this class when talking to people outside of school. This professor is amazing at teaching, responding to questions/emails, creating engaging lecture material, and interactive assignments. (Fall 2021)

This was one of the most enriching college courses I've ever taken. I've had two professors who have deeply impacted how I interact with the world, and Dr Oldham is one of them. When I was exhausted and didn't feel like driving an hour to campus for my classes, I rallied every time because of the quality of Dr O's lectures. She has an ability to connect with students personally, as well as in how she delivers course material, and is always approachable and easy to reach outside of class hours. I am looking forward to taking her courses in future semesters! (Fall 2020)

CDFS 4140/5140: Violence in the Family

*MT Engage Course

*Women & Gender Studies Course

Description

The causes, dynamics, and consequences of violence in the family. Includes the discussion of violence toward children, spouses, dating partners, siblings, and elders. Emphasizes the social conditions which lead to these types of violence.

The first half of the semester features in-class lectures with quizzes, but shifts to a flipped classroom halfway through the semester so that class time can be used for group work and guests. The course features multiple opportunities via guest speaking, professional panels, and community engagement to interface with community professionals who work to prevent/intervene in cases of intimate partner violence, sexual violence, stalking, child abuse, and elder abuse. 

2024 Family Violence Professional Panel Series

Students complete three projects:

  1. a media analysis group project wherein students critique portrayals of violence in popular media of their choice (with ample time to work together in class),
  2. an individual analysis paper on a topic of the student's choosing (e.g., research paper, policy analysis, book report, current event analysis), and
  3. a community engagement project wherein students serve and network with local community non-profits that support families at risk of violence or economic insecurity (student chooses either to complete as an individual or as a group assignment). 

Details

  • Spring semester
  • Face-to-Face (latter elements of the course are delivered online to provide more collaborative work and guest panels/speakers during class time)
  • Same as SOC 4140
  • Prerequisite: CDFS 3320 or SOC 2500 with C or better or permission of instructor.
  • Textbook: Miller-Perrin, C. L., Perrin, R. D. & Renzetti, C. M. (2020). Violence and maltreatment in intimate relationships (2nd ed.). Sage Publications.
    • 1st edition is an acceptable substitute.
    • Used for reference to supplement lecture/online course content for writing assignments (i.e., media analysis and individual analysis papers)

Student Comments

Dr. Oldham arranged for guest speakers on a couple occasions, and their presentations were so enriching for me and my classmates. She assembled a professionals panel with people from a range of interdisciplinary fields, all related to our coursework, so we could hear from people doing the work we will be doing once we graduate. It was so inspiring, and gave us a window into the possibilities that await us once we enter the field. (Spring 2022)

Dr. Oldham is not only an instructor, she is a mentor to me and many other students in our program. Her courses are always paradigm-shifting, and I know I am so fortunate to study under her. In CDFS 4140, Dr. Oldham presented what can be incredibly difficult material in a sensitive, trauma-informed way while still addressing the core issues. Her assignments helped us to zoom out and consider the ecological context in which violence occurs, which is essential for understanding what drives intimate partner and family violence. I have come away from Dr. Oldham's class with knowledge that will make me a more effective professional in the field; I have also personally grown from her instruction, influence, and guidance. Dr. Oldham's impact on myself and others is transformative, and I look forward to taking more of her classes. (Spring 2022)

This is my second semester taking one of Dr. Oldham's classes, and I have enjoyed both. Dr. Oldham provided so many opportunities to learn and really connected us to the community through the guest speakers we had in class and the community engagement project. Dr. Oldham really cares about student learning and accessibility. She offered a lot of extra credit opportunities and was so willing to accommodate/meet my needs as a student registered with the DAC. I have never had a professor as kind and accommodating as Dr. Oldham. (Spring 2022)  

Dr. Oldham really knows her course material and makes consistent efforts to give students networking opportunities with real-world orgs and professionals who the course material relates to. For example, we had speakers from the Child Advocacy Center during the part of the course when we learned about child abuse, and a speaker from a local domestic violence shelter when we learned about intimate partner violence. This both helped my learning and helped me conceptualize possible careers I could pursue--I have not had a professor who offered such a high amount of opportunities like this, she went above and beyond here. (Spring 2022)

CDFS 4710: Social and Economic Contexts of Individuals and Families

Description

Cultivates an understanding of the diverse economic and social contexts of individuals and families. Critical self-reflection along with analysis of contemporary policies, events, and issues aim to increase student awareness of how such contexts affect individual and family development and wellbeing. Students also develop information literacy skills to be more critical consumers of news and social media.

In addition to completing in-depth online learning modules with quizzes and small assignments, students engage in weekly small group discussions via Zoom to facilitate community, reflective learning, and critical thinking. The final project is a Current Event Media Analysis Paper (two drafts).

*Students are strongly recommended to schedule this course during a semester when they have time for time-consuming, rigorous, and challenging coursework. Discuss with your academic advisor and Dr. Oldham if you need further advice on arranging your academic map.

Details

  • Fall semester
  • Web-assisted course: Independent online learning with student-led class meetings once per week
  • Prerequisite: CDFS 3320 with C or better.
  • Corequisite: CDFS 3390 (to give priority to CDFS majors who are graduating within the next calendar year)
  • Textbook: Tatum, B. D. (2017). Why are all the black kids sitting together in the cafeteria? And other conversations about race (2nd ed.). Basic Books.
    • Students will read the entire book in the latter half of the semester and will be quizzed on their reading.
    • The first half of the semester will be based on Open Educational Resources, which will be made freely available to students.

Student Comments

Dr. Oldham makes every effort to seek out and incorporate contemporary issues into the coursework, and all assignments are designed to maximize student learning, engagement, and critical thinking. Her expectations are clearly communicated, and she sets the bar high for us. The outcome is that Dr. O's classes are absolutely transformative. (Summer 2022)

Dr. Oldham did a great job by amplifying voices in the classroom by providing a safe space for giving feedback. I can tell she is very passionate about this course, and that helped her engage us students to be excited. (Fall 2021)

This has been one of my favorite classes. It’s very organized. Dr. Oldham created this classroom as a safe space in which me and my peers can grow our knowledge and character together. (Fall 2021)

Strengths of this course were organization, the instructor was passionate about the topic, provided plenty of material to use in learning, was fair in grading, and helped us whenever we needed it. It was a challenging course, but well worth it for what we learned and how we grew. (Summer 2021)

CDFS 4790: Family Life Program Development and Evaluation

*MT Engage Course

Description

Addresses concepts of Family Life Education (FLE) as they apply to the development, implementation, and evaluation of programs. Incorporates developmentally appropriate criteria for individuals and families over the life span. Students will be assigned to small groups who will spend the entirety of the semester learning about how to develop and evaluate a family education program.

In this flipped classroom, individual students will complete online modules before each class where they will apply their new knowledge to develop a fictional FLE program with their group during class time (attendance required). Students will implement regular instructor feedback on their projects throughout the semester. Working groups will submit and present a concept proposal mid-semester describing the objectives of the FLE and their supporting research. At the end of the semester, working groups will submit a funded proposal including lesson plans, evaluation surveys, marketing materials, etc. Groups will demonstrate one of their designed lessons as their final presentation.  

Details

  • Spring semesters (Fall semester taught by Dr. Claire Cook)
  • Meets 1 per week for a 3-hour block
  • Face-to-Face (attendance requirement, 1 "freebie" mental health day)
  • Prerequisites: CDFS 3310, CDFS 3320, CDFS 3390, CDFS 4310,  CDFS 4340, CDFS 4350, CDFS 4390 , and CDFS 4710 (all with grade of C or better).
  • Students are encouraged to take this course as close to graduation as possible so they have plenty of knowledge from previous coursework to apply to their project.

Student Comments 

Dr. Oldham is a wonderful professor who meets students where they are and helps each student to grow academically, professionally, and personally. All of her courses are organized and extremely effective in portraying complex material. (Spring, 2022)

Dr. O courses are very challenging, but rewarding. I learn a lot in all of her courses, because she definitely makes you put the work in. (Spring 2022)

The strengths of this course was being able to learn information about the detailed process of trying to design a program and the steps an individual will have to go through in order to get that program recognized. I feel as though Dr. Oldham was very thorough in her knowledge regarding this course and this was very beneficial in order to understand the reasoning for evaluation and program design. (Spring, 2021)

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