B.A. in Family Science: Curriculum

This course is an introduction to the field of family life education. Students will explore primary theoretical principles using the Life Span Family Life Education framework and professional issues influencing the practice of family life education. Emphasizing key content areas, the students will be introduced to: content area definitions and objectives; examples highlighting the integration of theory and practice in family life education; key resources; and future Issues and challenges for family life educators.

This overview course is intended to provide the student with an understanding of families and their relationships to other institutions and an introduction to the family as a dynamic system. Specific attention will be given to family forms and composition; ethnicity and cultural variations; dating, courtship, and marital choice; gender roles; demographic trends among families; institutional effects on families and vice versa; and family structures and functions. (Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C in FAS 200)

This course is an analysis of the family. It investigates the family as a system of relationships which interacts across the family life cycle. It includes a survey of current developments in the study of the family and an analysis of changes in American society and their influence on family life. Also included is a focus on marriage and family therapy from a systems framework. (Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C in FAS 440)

This course familiarizes the student with an understanding of the decisions individuals make about developing and allocating resources to meet their goals. The focus of the course is on internal dynamics of family decision-making processes and on the goal-directed behaviors of families in improving their quality of life. (Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C in FAS 400)

The internship provides the student with an in-depth field experience in a work setting that provides family life education services. The student learns to apply family life education theories and principles.

This course familiarizes the student with an understanding of the psychological, spiritual and social aspects of developing and maintaining healthy interpersonal relationships. An emphasis will be placed on the physiological, psychological, social and sexual development of relationships across the life span. (Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C in FAS 442)

This course examines the intimacy of human sexuality and relationships. Specific attention will focus on the emotional and psychological aspects of sexual involvement, sexual values and decision-making, the physiological and pyschological components of the sexual response, and the influence of sexual involvement on interpersonal relationships. (Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C in FAS 451)

This course provides the student with a conceptual framework for programming family life education. Students will apply the methodology of adult learning to the broad principles of family life education. Attention is directed at developing the ability to plan, implement, and evaluate family life education programming. Through the lens of reflective practice, an emphasis is placed on educational methodology and leadership. In addition, networking with community agencies and the resources and challenges of technology in delivering family life education is explored. (Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C in FAS 453)

This course will familiarize the student with child and adolescent developmental theories. Attention will focus on the physical, emotional, cognitive, social, moral, sexual and spiritual development of the child and adolescent. Application of developmental concepts to family life education will be emphasized. The course will emphasize the child’s position in the family life cycle. (Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C in FAS 446)

The internship provides the student with an in-depth field experience in a work setting that provides family life education services. The student learns to apply family life education theories and principles.

This course examines developmental characteristics of adolescence from a family systems perspective; covering physiological, emotional, cognitive, parent-child, social, vocational and religious dimensions with application to family life education and ministry. (Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C in FAS 447)

This course familiarizes the student with adult develomental and gerontological theory. Attention will focus on the physical, emotional, cognitive, social, moral, sexual and spiritual development of the adult. Developmental concepts across the life span related to family life education will be emphasized. (Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C in FAS 220)

This course explores how parents teach, guide, and influence their children and adolescents. The course will emphasize parenting as a process, a responsibility and a role that changes across the life span. Variations in parenting practices will be discussed in the context of building on strengths, empowering parents, and remaining sensitive to individual and community needs. (Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C in FAS 448)

This course explores historical development of laws and public policy affecting families. Ethics and ethical implications of social change will be explored. Students will understand the legal definition of the family and laws that affect the status of the family. The course will focus on the role of the family life educator as an advocate for the well being of the family. The formation of social values, respect for the diversity of values, and the social consequences of value choices are discussed within a family life education framework. (Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C in FAS 443)

The internship provides the student with an in-depth field experience in a work setting that provides family life education services. The student learns to apply family life education theories and principles.

The final course is designed to help learners reflect on all they have done in the program. Through guest speakers, research study and reflection on practice, students will synthesize all they have learned. Preparation of a professional portfolio will cap the learning experience. (Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C in FAS 444)

This final course is designed to help learners reflect on all they have done in the BA program. Through discussion questions and review of past coursework, students will synthesize all they have learned. Preparation of a professional portfolio will cap the learning experience. This is the capstone course for students who have selected the Non-CFLE track.