General Information

• Name: Introduction to Families
• Discipline: Human Development & Family Studies (HDFS)
• Units (Credits): 3
• Schedule History: See when this course was offered over the last three years.
• Transfer Information: Courses with numbers 100 to 299: This course is designed to apply toward a WNC degree and/or transfer to other schools within the Nevada System of Higher Education, depending on the degree chosen and other courses completed. It may transfer to colleges and universities outside Nevada. For information about how this course can transfer and apply to your program of study, please contact a counselor.
• Academic Division: Social Science, Education, Humanities & Public Service
• Prerequisites: None

Course Outline

I: Catalog Course Description

Explores the dynamics of development, interaction, and intimacy of primary relationships in contextual and theoretical frameworks, societal issues and choices facing diverse family systems. This course is taught from a bio-psycho-social approach within the family ecological system context. It incorporates issues relevant to international families and diverse family arrangements within North America. Traditional issues of families are reframed, reconstructed, and questioned. Application of ideas to those working with families in a variety of settings including: physical health, mental health, economic and educational arenas.

II: Course Objectives

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.

III: Course Linkage

Linkage of course to educational program mission and at least one educational program outcome.

This course meets one of the recommendations for the A.A.S. Degree in Early Childhood Education, and Certificate of Achievement. Students will explore the importance of advocating for child and family related issues at the community and legislative level. Students will also examine child and family related service agencies.

Linkage to General Education Mission and Outcomes
Students who complete this course are expected to demonstrate they:

Communication
• have college-level skills in reading, writing and oral communication appropriate to their degree and/or emphasis.

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.