Family Studies Minor

The Family Studies minor examines the development of individuals and families throughout the life span. The goal of the discipline is to strengthen families and provide students with the knowledge to become productive spouses and parents. The minor consists of 15 hours beyond SO 101: SO 202, SO 303, SOC 330, SO 407, and either SO 350 or PY 313. Red indicates the courses that are required.

101. General Sociology (3 s.h.)

An overview of the basic (concepts of sociology~ culture, socialization, self-concept, groups, social stratification, collective behavior, social institutions and social change. Emphasis is placed oil the relevance of sociology to the students' daily lives.

201. Social Problems (3 s.h.)

A Survey of some of the major problems of modern societies, family, conflicts, religious conflicts, health care, war pollution, etc.

202. Marriage and the Family (3 s.h.)

A sociological view of the institution of family, which includes historical, cross-cultural, and cross-social class perspectives. Topics covered include the nature of the family, marital adjustment, sexual behavior, parenthood, finances, and the future of the family.

301. Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention (3 s.h.)
An overview of the problems associated with alcohol and drug abuse, the characteristics of the addictive personality, and the treatment approaches for dealing with alcohol and drug clients.

303. Social Psychology (3 s.h.)

An examination of how individuals interact with other individuals and groups. The course covers such topics as affiliation, personal attraction, attitudes and attitude change, person perception, group behavior, conformity, and altruism.

313. Developmental Psychology (3 s.h.) Note: You can take PY 350, Childhood and Adolescence (3 s.h.), in place of PY 313 depending on class offerings.

Prerequisite: 201. A study of the descriptions and explanations of developmental changes in behavior as a result of the interaction between heredity and experience. The development of behaviors such as sensory, motor, intellectual, and emotional are examined in a variety of species with particular emphasis on humans.

330. Human Sexuality (3 s.h.)

A survey of the broad scope of human sexual development and expressions. Particular attention will be devoted to sexual development, sexual behavior over the life cycle, sexual variance, law, ethics, and cross-cultural perspectives. Sexual dysfunction and problems related to intimacy will also be considered.

350. Childhood and Adolescence (3 s.h.) Note: You can take PY 313, Developmental Psychology (3 s.h.) in place of PY 350 depending on class offerings.

An in-depth study of the development of the infant through adolescence and the accompanying social changes. Particular attention will be paid to physiological, cognitive, and socio-emotional changes as they affect interaction with family, school, and community environments.

407. Prerequisite: A minimum of nine semester hours in sociology. The student will study the processes, components and methods of theory building. Theoretical orientations (e.g. exchange theory, role theory-symbolic interaction and systems theory) will be explored as well as an overview of various contemporary theoretical concepts (e.g. mate selection, antecedents and consequences of marital times, social processes and social networks.) Intensive readings and seminary reports should be expected.

410. Independent Study (Credit to be determined)

Studies of special topics by selected students. Preference will be given to held work and statistical studies. Research will be conducted in sociology or in related fields proved that they key variables are related to human social behavior.