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HDFS 525 family interaction
4 hours (seminar)
Spring Semesters
Course Objectives
This course will focus on the interaction of family members as a tool for understanding the nature and quality of family relationships and functioning. Several theoretical approaches will be used as organizing frameworks for understanding family interaction, and these theories will be evaluated in terms of their usefulness for understanding family processes. Diverse methods of studying family interaction will also be covered with a particular emphasis on systematic observational approaches. The specific objectives of this course are as follows:
- to provide students with the knowledge of different theories and methods for understanding and interpreting family interaction
- to provide students with an understanding of the implications of family interaction for the examination of individual behavior, development and (mal)adaptation
- to provide students with skills in observing, describing, and analyzing family interaction that can be used for both research and practical application
- to provide students with opportunities to develop and practice their critical thinking, writing and oral skills
Topics
- Defining family interaction
- Theoretical approaches: family systems theory, structural/functionalism, symbolic interactionism, conflict theory
- Research methods: observation, coding, analysis, interpretation, content analysis
- Implications for applied practice: assessing families, interventions
Graded activities
- Reaction papers (2)
- Project paper and presentation
- Exam