Family Studies

Theory and practice of interpersonal communication, including how self-concept, language, nonverbal communication, and relationships effect and are affected by communication. Common problems in interpersonal communication, options for managing these problems, and ethical issues in interpersonal communication are examined. Students apply theory and concepts through class exercises, simulations and individual projects.

Examination of communication dynamics within the family system. Patterns of interaction, message exchange, developmental stages, and satisfaction and stability will be explored in light of today's ever-changing family structure. Focus will include traditional (nuclear) and non- traditional family types. Prerequisite: Junior or senior standing or permission of instructor

As a foundation of the Family Studies major and minor, this course provides an interdisciplinary exploration of the discipline and profession of Family Studies. Students will be introduced to primary family theories and the practical nature of theorizing for understanding, explaining and strengthening all families; read original and translated/applied research on family topics; explore substantive topics of the field; examine the current state of Family Studies and its multidisciplinary roots; become familiar with family studies’ occupations and professional organizations; review ethical principles of working with and studying families; and examine a range of contemporary issues for families in the 21st century.

An introduction to issues and theories of development dealing with infancy, toddlerhood, and early and middle childhood. The course reviews the principles, theories, research and application of cognitive, emotional, personality, social and physical development. Also examined is how children develop the knowledge, skills, and personality characteristics that allow them to become successful adults as well as how differences among children come about. Prerequisite: PSYC 111 NOTE: Students who receive credit for PSYC 200 may not receive credit for PSYC 202.

An introduction to developmental principles and theories throughout the life span. The course also includes research, application and the interplay among the physical, emotional, social and intellectual variables in the process of growth and development. Also examined is how individuals develop the knowledge, skills, and personality characteristics that allow them to become successful later in life as well as how differences among individuals come about. Prerequisite: PSYC 111 NOTE: Students who receive credit for PSYC 202 may not receive credit for PSYC 200 or 204.

An examination of the psychological concepts, issues, challenges and changes relevant to marriage and family today. Topics include intimacy, liking and loving, power and control, gender, marriage and family therapy, and the psychological effects of marriage vs. non-marriage, divorce, and various parenting styles. Prerequisites: PSYC 111 and junior standing or permission of the instructor

The primary focus of this course is to investigate how humans interact with their social environments. This is a theory-heavy course focusing on metacognition- training students to think about the way we think. The course provides students with knowledge of theories of the social environments and how they impact, as well as are impacted, by human behavior. Further, theories on human behavior are examined through the multidimensional framework constituting biological, psychological, spiritual, socio-cultural, political, and economic factors. Emphasis is on the role of and interaction between these multiple factors at the level of various systems: the individual, family, small group, organization, community, and society, including political and economic systems. The course consists of five modules: interpersonal relations and empowerment; social systems; political and economic systems; justice; and multiculturalism. The course investigates the multiple dimensions and intersections of diversity including gender, race/ethnicity, age, religion, ability, sexual orientation, nationality, and global and international perspectives. Students leave the class with a holistic understanding of the human experience within the environments that surround them. Prerequisite or concurrent registration: SOWK 281/2810; Prerequisites: SOCI 100, PSYC 202/2025; BIOL 105/106/1120 or consent of the program director. SOWK 340/3400 is the same course as SOWK 3400/340 at St. Catherine University/University of St. Thomas.

This course presents the family resilience framework as a foundational context for working with diverse populations, focusing on strengths and adaptive capacity. Specifically, this course explores critical issues, theory and skills related to social work practice with immigrants and refugees. Consideration is given to the macro context of immigration including related policy responses. Key factors in resettlement and transition, such as migration trauma, the social work delivery system, and the role of the social worker with clients, communities and organization will be addressed.

This course is designed to acquaint students with the theology of Christian marriage, understood as covenant relationship and as sacrament, that is, an effective sign of God's love in our world. Primary though not exclusive emphasis will be on the Roman Catholic tradition. Students will also examine contemporary cultural attitudes toward sexuality, marriage, and the family in the light of Christian theology. Prerequisite: THEO 101 and one 200-level or 300-level THEO course, and PHIL 115

This course is designed to acquaint students with the theology of Christian marriage, understood as covenant relationship and as sacrament, that is, an effective sign of God's love in our world. Primary though not exclusive emphasis will be on the Roman Catholic tradition. Students will also examine contemporary cultural attitudes toward sexuality, marriage, and the family in the light of Christian theology. Prerequisite: THEO 101 and one 200-level or 300-level THEO course, and PHIL 115

An examination of the psychological concepts, issues, challenges and changes relevant to marriage and family today. Topics include intimacy, liking and loving, power and control, gender, marriage and family therapy, and the psychological effects of marriage vs. non-marriage, divorce, and various parenting styles. Prerequisites: PSYC 111 and junior standing or permission of the instructor

This course is designed to acquaint students with the theology of Christian marriage, understood as covenant relationship and as sacrament, that is, an effective sign of God's love in our world. Primary though not exclusive emphasis will be on the Roman Catholic tradition. Students will also examine contemporary cultural attitudes toward sexuality, marriage, and the family in the light of Christian theology. Prerequisite: THEO 101 and one 200-level or 300-level THEO course, and PHIL 115