Course Description

This course focuses on the use of family theories, family studies research, and community capacity approaches to critically analyze contemporary issues in family life that impact family processes, family interactions, interpersonal relationships, and individual and family well-being. Emphasis will be placed on using a preventative lens to render services to families in communities and other diverse contexts. Contemporary approaches to working with diverse family structures and training family professionals will be addressed.  

Course Goals

After completing this course, you should be able to:

1.      Describe the characteristics, diversity, and impact of local, national, and global social systems on individuals and families.

2.      Analyze interpersonal relationships using various theoretical perspectives.

3.      Assess the impact of demographics (e.g., class, race, ethnicity, religion, generation, gender, sexuality) on contemporary families.  

4.      Describe the impact of personality and communication styles on relationships.

5.      Articulate social and cultural influences affecting various aspects of family life (e.g., dating, courtship, partner/marital choice and relationships, family composition, divorce, dying/death).