By the end of the semester the student will be able to:

• Explain family theoretical frameworks and distinguish between several approaches.
• Discuss families from a historical perspective, citing recurrent themes.

• List demographic characteristics of contemporary North American families.
• Discuss factors and issues impacting upon contemporary North American families.
• Compare and contrast concepts of family systems and family ecological systems frameworks.
• Discuss families from various countries, including developing nations.
• Discuss intergenerational transmissions.
• Identify theoretical models of family love.
• Describe and identify paradigms commonly held by families.
• Explore expanding and contracting stages of family development.
• Discuss elements of family communication and disclosure.
• Identify similarities and differences in roles and relationships of families of various socio-economic levels.
• Give and evaluate examples of various approaches to discipline and parenting.
• Discuss the stressors, issues, and opportunities for growth associated with events such as infertility, divorce, family violence, drug abuse, chronic health conditions, media exposure, death and dying.
• Discuss issues related to managing work and family roles.
• Describe crisis and the definable stages of coping with family crisis.
• Discuss the major challenges, adjustments, and problems in blended family relationships.

Communication
 college level writing skills
 oral communication skills
 college level reading skills
Analysis
have effective and efficient learning skills, including the location and
evaluation of information

Personal Development
work effectively with others


Community Commitment
understand the importance of cultural traditions, diversity, and ethics in
the modern world