HD 550

Seminar on Family Relationships

Course Description:

In this course we will critically examine current research on interpersonal, as well as social/institutional, aspects of and influences on family relationships. In reviewing the family relationships literature, class members will critique major conceptual and methodological strengths and challenges in the study of family relationships, and will explore how to apply empirical research on family relationships in various professional contexts.

Objectives:

Students will develop a research based understanding of family relationships in the following areas:

• Mate selection/relationship formation
• Marriage, marital satisfaction
• Divorce
• Remarriage/blended families
• Cohabitation, other family forms
• Same sex relationships
• Motherhood, fatherhood
• Grandparents/extended family
• Family violence
• Work/family issues - within and out of home
• Poverty/economic influences
• Cultural influences