Family Studies

http://www/.stolaf.edu/depts/social-work

Chair, 2000-01: C. George Holt, Family and Social Service

As the well being of individuals and families has become a national concern, the "family" as a focus for a discipline in higher education has increased in significance. Since many disciplines contribute to the understanding of families, Family Studies is a multidisciplinary field. Over the last two decades, Family Studies has become a discipline in itself with approximately 250 undergraduates and 130 graduate programs. Family Studies is an integrative field which synthesizes knowledge from liberal arts disciplines, particularly biology, psychology, sociology, and political science, as well as others.

OVERVIEW OF THE MAJOR

The Family Studies major provides academic linkages across disciplines based in the liberal arts. The major supports the college's emphasis on cross-cultural and experiential learning. In preparation for graduate level work and professional career opportunities, a research course assists students in evaluating and critiquing the research literature. The core courses introduce students to the field of family studies and explore issues, problems, concerns and roles within the family life-span and the varied dimensions of human sexuality and interpersonal experience. Lastly, students explore special topics which focus on the explanation of research and the connections between various disciplines in the study of families.

REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MAJOR

Prerequisite courses: Sociology 121 or 126 or 260; Psychology 121; Biology 123 or 243 or permission of department chair.

Students majoring in Family Studies will take ten courses:

1. Introductory Course (one course): Family Studies 232
   
   
2. Core Courses (three courses) Family Studies 242, Family Studies 253, and Family Studies 391
   
   
3. Cross-Cultural Course (one course): Choose from:
   
   
• On Campus Options: Social Work 231, Psychology 259, Sociology/Anthropology 128, Sociology/Anthropology 235, Sociology/Anthropology 241, Sociology/Anthropology 244, Sociology/Anthropology 250, Sociology/Anthropology 261
• Off Campus Options: Family Studies 246, Family Studies 263, Social Work 256, Sociology/Anthropology 263
• Other Options: Future courses as approved by department chair
  
  
4. Experiential Perspective (one course or preapproved alternative):
   
   
• Academic Internship: Family Studies 294, Social Work 294, Psychology 393, or
• A plan which is not offered as a course but is approved by department chair
  
  
5. Research (one course): Social Work 274 or Psychology 231 or Sociology/Anthropology 371
   
   
6. Interdisciplinary Electives (three courses): Choose from following areas:
   
   
• Human Development: Biology 124, Psychology 241, Psychology 242, Sociology/Anthropology 248
• Counseling: Psychology 264, Psychology 271, Psychology 375, Sociology/Anthropology 248
• Public Policy: Political Science 227, Political Science 246, Political Science 270, Social Work 221, Social Work 258
• Social Problems: Social Work 235, Sociology/Anthropology 126, Sociology/Anthropology 244, Sociology/Anthropology 245, Sociology/Anthropology 246, Sociology/Anthropology 267

COURSES

232 Introduction to Family Studies

Students examine American courtship and marriage in relation to personal and professional life, with the major emphasis on communication and commitment in interpersonal relationships. Since this course takes an interdisciplinary approach, a broad range of individualized study is encouraged.

242 Family Relationships

In this course, students study the contemporary American family as it meets the challenge of a changing social world. The primary objectives is to enlarge both personal and intellectual understanding of the complex issues facing families. Students explore the range of behavioral sciences concerned with family life and study the interaction of people within families and of families within society.

246 Family Studies in Cross Cultural Perspective - Hawaii

The course examines socialization patterns, developmental patterns and family structures in Western, East Asian and Pacific cultures. Polynesian and Japanese-American cultures will be explored on the islands of Oahu and Hawaii (Big Island) through readings, guest lectures and field trips. To facilitate students' understanding of family values and dynamics in a multi-ethnic community, the students will interact with and interview non-western families. GE: MSC-D Offered in Interim.

253 Human Sexuality

This course explores the varied dimensions of human sexuality as they relate to, affect, and are affected by past and present human relationships. Sexual problems and issues are re-examined for the development of personal value framework and for the enrichment of family life.

263 Aboriginal Culture in Australia

Students examine historical and social processes which have led to destruction and transformation of Aboriginal cultures, the role of government agencies and policy, and Aboriginal attempts to maintain their own social and cultural distinctiveness. Lectures and trip to an Aboriginal "outstation" near Kalgoorlie are facilitated by faculty of Curtin University, Perth. Visits to Sydney, Fremantle, Rottnest Island, and Uluru (Ayers Rock) are included. GE: MCS-G. Offered during Interim.

294 Internship

298 Independent Study

391 Senior Seminar: Special Topics This capstone seminar required of all majors focuses on the exploration of current research and the integration of key foundation disciplines in the study of families. Students will explore special topics through assigned readings and lecture materials.