Course Description

This course focuses on the tools required by Human Development and Family Science professionals to assist others in achieving a sense of security, becoming rational and discerning consumers, understanding and accessing available resources, and effectively managing time/work/family balance to improve the well-being of families throughout the lifespan.  Students will develop an understanding of the decisions individuals and families make about acquiring and allocating resources including money, time, energy, space, material and health assets, and networks of support to meet their goals.

Course Goals

After completing this course, you should be able to:

1.   Describe the range of resources families need, acquire, and manage.

2.   Explain the relationship between individual/family/community choices and resources.

3.   Evaluate effective decision-making processes (e.g., assessment of needs, identification of options, evaluation of outcomes).

4.   Explain the impact of values and goals in the decision-making process.

5.   Apply organizational and resource management strategies, basic management tools and principles to a variety of circumstances and contexts.

6.   Identify best practices associated with financial literacy programming and assisting families coping with loss of resources.