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HDFS 120 INTRO TO FAMILY STUDIES
3 hours (2 hours lecture, 1 hour discussion)
Spring Semesters
Course Objectives
Introduction to Family Studies provides a broad introduction to important concepts, theories, and research methods in family studies from an interdisciplinary (anthropology, history, psychology, sociology) perspective. The course uses a contextual approach which focuses on how the larger social and ecological environment (e.g. culture, community, neighborhood) and local institutions (government, school, workplace) influence family relationships and experiences over time. Throughout the course, particular attention will be given to the diversity of family forms and how they are shaped by race/ethnicity, social class, sexual orientation, and gender.
After completing this course, students will be able to:
- identify and describe theories/models used to understand family life
- define theoretical concepts and apply them to explain family lifeidentify advantages and disadvantages of methodological techniques used to study family life
- recognize and dispel common myths about family life and intimate relationships
- explain how social, cultural, economic, and historical factors influence diverse family structures and dynamics across the life cycle
Topics
- Families: The Intersection of History, Culture
- Race/Ethnicity, Gender and Social Class
- Research Methods and Theories in Family Studies
- Gender Roles
- Dating and Mate Selection
- Nonmarital Lifestyles
- Marriage
- Reproduction and Parenting
- Work and Family Life
- Family Violence
- Divorce
- Remarriage
Graded Activities
- In-class activities (5)
- Exams (3)
- Discussion section assignments (11)