M.A. in Family Science: Curriculum

This course familiarizes the student with an understanding of the history, evolution and demographics of the family. Kinship, family structures, functions and roles are explored. Particular emphasis will be placed on the family’s relationship to other systems and institutions in the society.

The course is designed to introduce the scope and function of information and the research process in family studies. The course will introduce students to types and fundamental concepts and process in the research literature. Problem solving is viewed as one of the primary functions of the research literature information, leading to strategies and action for solutions and change. Students will gain experience developing a framework for consuming the research literature and information in family studies.

This course is designed to provide an understanding of family strengths and weaknesses in light of internal dynamics of the family. Students will explore the family as a system of relationships extending across the family life cycle. The course includes a survey of current developments in the study of family and analysis of changes in American society and their influences on family life. Emphasis is placed on using family systems processes to examine and understand the internal dynamics of the family that lead to effective family life education program planning, implementation, and assessment.

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. Topics include: decision-making, valuing, planning, communication, and organization skills for resource use.

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.

The purpose of this course is to familiarize the student with the emotional and psychological aspects of intimate relationships. Topics include: dating and courtship; love and romance; and sexual behavior, values and decision-making. An emphasis will be on sexuality and intimacy in interpersonal relationships across the lifespan.

This course includes a study of human growth and development throughout the life cycle. Consideration of physical, emotional, cognitive, social, moral, sexual, spiritual and personality development is included.

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.

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.

This course provides a pedagogical framework for planning, implementation, and evaluation of programming for parent and family education.

This course reviews the connection between research methods and the research question or problem. Students will explore the role of assessment and evaluation in early childhood education. Various forms of assessment will be considered with an emphasis on the recursive nature of assessment. Students will experience the process of establishing strategy for a program in early childhood education.

This international travel course supports students’ program learning with first-hand experience.

This course assists students in synthesizing previous coursework leading to greater self-reflection and assessment of learning. In addition, the student will present and discuss the final MA Capstone eFolio.

This course assists students in synthesizing previous coursework leading to greater self-reflection and assessment of learning. In addition, the student will present and discuss the final MA Capstone eFolio. This is the capstone course for students who have selected the Non-CFLE track.