Course Description
Family processes and transition throughout the life span. Emphasis is on contemporary issues relevant to families.
Athena Title
Issues in Family Systems
Equivalent Courses
Not open to students with credit in CHFD 3920
Prerequisite
HDFS 2100 or HDFS 2100H or HDFS 2100E
Semester Course Offered
Offered fall and spring
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
1. To examine major theoretical approaches used in the study of families. 2. To explore the impact of various social issues on American families. 3. To identify the adaptations in family structure and interaction patterns during times of transition. 4. To consider the diversity in families as influenced by gender, ethnicity, and structure. 5. To gain an understanding of inter-generational family dynamics.
Topical Outline
1. Course Orientation 2. Defining Family 3. Considering the Present Status of Families 4. Family as a System and Family Strategies 5. Models of Family Functioning 6. Structural Models of Family Functioning 7. Intergenerational Model: Genogram & Family Functioning 8. Contextual Models 9. Family Life Course Perspective 10. Mate Selection & Cohabitation 11. Transition to Marriage 12. Family Formation in African American Families 13. Transition to Parenthood 14. Parent-Child Relationship System 15. African American Families: Children and Child Rearing 16. Family in Middle Adulthood 17. Family in Later Life 18. Caregiving in Families 19. Communication and Intimacy 20. Conflict in Marriage 21. Family Violence 22. Death, Loss, and Bereavement 23. Singe-Parent Household 24. Divorce 25. Remarriage and Step Parenting 26. Gay and Lesbian Families 27. Religion and Families 28. Community Context 29. Economic Issues
Syllabus