People have always lived in families, but what that means has changed dramatically across time and across cultures. this course explores internal functionality, as well as how the family unit has contributed to the advancement and/or regression of its members and society at large.

A survey of private, non-profit and governmental agencies that serve children and families.

An exploration of the preschool years. Emphasis is placed on the cognitive, physical, emotional, social and creative selves.

Exploration of current topics affecting family life. Topics will address issues across the lifespan and will consider a variety of viewpoints.

Dynamics of growth and development of children from conception through adolescence. Physical, cognitive, social and emotional development, as well as guidance techniques are addressed.

Process of policy formation, implementation, and evaluation. Reciprocal relationship between family functioning and public policy. Analysis of impact and effectiveness of public policy for families and consumers. Roles of family sciences professionals in influencing policy.

Study of methodologies, skills, and strategies for strengthening families through outreach programs in formal, nonformal, and informal settings and using mass, group, and individual modalities. Emphasis on increasing resilience for families experiencing vulnerabilities.

Study of operational processes that are common to human services agencies, whether public or private. Topics include budget and funding, staff and volunteer management and program planning and execution.

Interpersonal violence throughout the life cycle from immediate and extended family members. Physical abuse, sexual abuse, and neglect perpetuated against children, spouses and the elderly. Includes viewpoints of law enforcement and treatment strategies.

A study of the importance of family relationships in the development of the child and individual behavior. Specific study of parenting skills, interaction between parent and child, interrelationships between family and larger community.