This course explores the nature of intimate relationships, covering major theories and frameworks that explain relational development. Students will examine how social, psychological, and cultural factors shape intimate relationships, including variations in relationship structures and functions. The course also highlights strategies used in helping professions to support healthy relational functioning and explores career opportunities in marriage and relationship counseling.

Students have the opportunity to develop individualized studies with their mentor in Child and Family Studies (CHFS). Registration for this class must be approved by the student’s mentor.

This course discusses forms of child abuse and neglect. Students will explore the causes of and risk factors for abuse within a psycho-social framework. Community and Human Service Area of Study guidelines for Knowledge of Human Behavior.

This course will expose students to careers associated with the elderly. Students will explore professional and educational attainment, as well as laws, resources, policies, and programs associated with gerontological services. Students will learn about the history of professional caregiving for older adults in the United States. Community and Human Service Area of Study guidelines for Knowledge of Service Delivery.

This course will define bullying and provide an overview of the range of ways that adults can intervene. The statistics on bullying across American schools are staggering, and the subsequent impact on child and adolescent well-being--cognitive, social and emotional development is especially concerning. Students will examine ways to identify and intervene on micro, mezzo, and macro levels on behalf of children and adolescents. Note: This course is aligned with the Community and Human Services Area of Study guidelines for Knowledge of Service Delivery and Skills.

This study focuses on theoretical and practical frameworks for understanding and intervening in distressful individual, couple, and family issues. An emphasis is placed on contextual factors, particularly those unique to marginalized and diverse populations. Note: This course is aligned with the Community and Human Services Area of Study guidelines for Knowledge of Human Behavior and Diversity.

This course introduces students to major theories and developmental frameworks in family studies, emphasizing the social, psychological, and historical contexts that shape family dynamics. Students will explore variations in family structures and functions, as well as the laws and policies affecting families. Career opportunities in marriage and family services will also be discussed.

In an increasingly digital world, children, adolescents, and young adults face rising threats from both physical bullying and cyberbullying. This course introduces students to the definitions and contexts in which bullying occurs, with a focus on the psychological and behavioral impacts of cyberbullying. Students will explore the warning signs that parents, educators, and mental health professionals should recognize and examine strategies to prevent and intervene in cyberbullying incidents.

Students have the opportunity to develop individualized studies with their mentor in Child and Family Studies (CHFS). Registration for this class must be approved by the student’s mentor.

This course explores the processes and experiences of aging within the context of an increasingly interconnected and culturally diverse world. Students will examine how gender, race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and cultural traditions shape the aging experience across societies. The course emphasizes the global trends of industrialization, globalization, and technological change, analyzing their impact on aging populations and the policies and services designed to support them. By comparing Western and non-Western perspectives, students will gain insights into the roles of family, community, and government in addressing the challenges and opportunities of aging. Through critical analysis and culturally informed strategies, students will prepare to engage with aging populations in a multicultural and globalized environment. This course meets the Community and Human Service requirement for Diversity.

This study provides an overview of child welfare services in the United States from both historical and contemporary perspectives. Topics may include child maltreatment and protection, preventive family services, the range of out-of-home placements, and the impact of poverty on the lives of families involved in the child welfare system. Note: This course aligns with the Community and Human Services Area of Study guidelines for Knowledge of Service Delivery. This course is part of the BS in Public Health program.

This study provides students with an overview of theories, research, and interventions related to children who have experienced stress and trauma. Students will learn the signs and symptoms of stress and trauma as well as strategies to help children cope and develop resiliency. The impact of present day trauma will be considered in the context of historical, generational and racial trauma in the lives of children and families. Note: This course aligns with the Community and Human Services Area of Study guidelines for Diversity, Knowledge of Human Behavior, Skills and Application and Integration.

In this study students will explore the various theories, models, and treatment approaches for working with children and adolescents who need counseling. Students will learn techniques that helping professionals use for assessment, engagement, and intervention. An important part of this study is examining counseling children and adolescents in various social and cultural contexts. This course aligns with the Community and Human Services area of study guidelines for Knowledge of Human Behavior, Skills, and Application and Integration.

This course offers an in-depth exploration of violence, abuse, and neglect as they impact older adults and the elderly. Students will examine the causes of elder abuse, with a focus on family dynamics, cultural influences, and systemic factors. The course will also cover intervention strategies, prevention initiatives, and relevant policies and laws within the health and human services field.

This course covers family theories, assessments, and interventions to create a framework for understanding, evaluating and implementing a variety of family interventions. Students will learn and critique intervention and preventative tactics used to address crises occurring across the family life cycle. The course also explores research-supported therapeutic approaches that are effective for working with diverse families, with attention to distinct family contexts, strengths, needs, values, traditions and beliefs. This course meets the Community and Human Services Area of Study guidelines for Skills and Application and Integration. This course is aligned with the BS in Addiction Studies program guidelines for Skills, Assessment & Education, and Application and Integration.

This course provides an in-depth exploration of sexuality in the context of aging, highlighting the complex interplay of biological, psychological, and social factors. Students will examine the impact of aging on sexuality, including age-related changes, comorbidities, and cultural influences. Emphasis will be placed on understanding and addressing the unique needs of older adults regarding intimacy, affection, pleasure, and self-image. Special attention will be given to the intersectionality of race, gender, sexual orientation, and relationship styles in understanding and supporting sexual health in the aging population. This course meets the School of Human Services guidelines for Knowledge of Human Behavior and Diversity.

This course delves into the intricate dynamics of global aging, highlighting non-Western approaches and country-specific models. Students will explore how various cultures promote active aging and assess their potential adaptation in the United States, with a focus on family impacts. Through analyzing cultural customs, geographical factors, population characteristics, and attitudes toward disability, students will develop a thorough grasp of global aging policies and practices. Note: This course aligns with the Community and Human Services Area of Study guidelines for Diversity and Knowledge of Service Delivery. This course was previously CHS-253314 Global Perspectives on Aging.

By examining the controversies and policies of adoption, we will better understand the evolving child welfare system, and cultural attitudes towards families created by adoption. Note: This course is aligned with the Community and Human Services Area of Study guidelines for Knowledge of Service Delivery.

The purpose of this course is to explore the specific human services skills necessary in working with the aging population. This course will expose students to current demographic, statistics and trends. The course will also present current knowledge and skills preparation to prepare students for working with aging and elderly clients who may require human service interventions in a variety of settings. The course will expose students to specialized issues faced by various vulnerable and marginalized populations. This course is aligned with the Community and Human Services area of study guidelines for Skills and Diversity. This course was previously CHS-253324 Human Service Practice with Older Adults.

This course delves into the ethical challenges encountered by human service professionals working with older adults and families. It covers navigating complex family dynamics, supporting independence, upholding dignity and respect, ensuring safety, and honoring end-of-life wishes. Students will learn to employ one or more of several ethical decision-making models to address these issues, reduce risks, and advocate for the well-being and agency of older adults. Additionally, it explores the social implications of ageism in practice, policy, and the law, and encourages self-reflection and debate on the ethical implications of societal and cultural norms about aging. Lastly, students will identify and address ethical challenges specific to different care settings for older adults. This course meets the School of Human Services guideline for Ethics.

This course examines prevalent forms of interpersonal violence and their effects on individuals, families, and communities. Topics include child abuse, elder abuse, intimate partner violence, gender-based violence, dating violence, and sibling abuse. Students will also explore preventions, interventions, policies, laws, and community-based services related to addressing interpersonal violence.

Persons conducting investigations into child abuse and neglect, adult/elder abuse and neglect, childcare delivery, other kinds of personal care, as well as workplace issues, and accidents have a need for theoretical knowledge and skills to conduct non-police investigations. Students will be able to apply ethical principles to interviews and investigations when working with special populations such as children and the intellectually challenged.

This study examines variations in family life across cultures. Enculturation will also be explored. Note: This course aligns with the Community and Human Services area of study guidelines for Diversity.

The purpose of this study is to develop an understanding of the challenges facing active duty military, veterans, and their families; and to develop an informed position on providing support to them. Note: This course aligns with the Community and Human Services area of study guidelines for Knowledge of Human Behavior, Skills, and Application and Integration.

This course offers a comprehensive examination of LGBTQ+ families. Using an intersectional lens (race, class, gender, etc), readings and assignments will provide students an opportunity to gain an understanding of the impact of societal norms and structures on LGBTQ+ family dynamics. The course will explore current research on LGBTQ+ families, critical analyze LGBTQ+ families and their place in contemporary society, and appreciate the complexities of LGBTQ+ family life. This course meets the School of Human Services guideline for Diversity.

This interdisciplinary study examines cultural, historical and interpersonal factors that influence the shifting structure and function of African American families and intimate relationships, including an overview of engagement and treatment strategies used in working with of couples and families. Topics covered include: love, dating, courtship, cohabitation, marriage and its alternatives, childbirth and parenting, and crisis faced in intimate relationships such as divorce and family violence. Note: This course is aligned with the Community and Human Services Area of Study guidelines for Knowledge of Human Behavior and Diversity.

This course explores mental illnesses diagnosed in children and adolescents; the social and environmental contexts in which they manifest will also be explored. Students will learn how to distinguish between common disorders and identify challenges of assessment of children and adolescents. Media portrayal and stigmas of mental illness will also be examined. Prerequisite (must complete before registering): A minimum of 64 credits or an associate degree Note: This course is aligned with the Community and Human Services Area of Study guidelines for Knowledge of Human Behavior.

This course delves into the influence of cyberbullying on family dynamics, with a focus on helping professionals, educators, and parents to support cyberbullying victims and their families as they cope and adress the behavior of perpetrators. The exploration extends to the destructive nature of cyberbullying across diverse populations and addresses how families in different communities understand and manage this issue. This course is aligned with the Community and Human Services Area of Study guidelines for Skills. Prerequisites: It is strongly recommended students complete CHFS 2132 Introduction to Cyberbullying before registering for this course.

This course will uncover the linkages between family functioning and public and private policies in the United States. Students will identify policies developed to address child/family issues and problems. The course will explore the extent to which policies have been based on the principles of risk and protection, as well as examine the impact of policies on impacted children, youth, and families across diverse personal and service domains. Topics include policies relevant to health, poverty, disability, education, child welfare and protection, and juvenile justice. This course meets the Community and Human Services' Diversity and Service Delivery foundations.

The content of this course will vary by term and section. Students may repeat this course for credit as long as the topic differs. Please refer to the Term Guide for course topic offerings.

The content of this course will vary by term and section. Students may repeat this course for credit as long as the topic differs. Please refer to the Term Guide for course topic offerings.

Students have the opportunity to develop individualized studies with their mentor in Child and Family Studies (CHFS). Registration for this class must be approved by the student’s mentor.

This course focuses on the theory and application of cognitive and behavioral strategies designed to meet the unique needs of children and adolescents. It examines common challenges faced by youth, emphasizing the roles of systemic inequalities, cultural influences, and developmental stages. The course incorporates cognitive frameworks to explore issues related to power, privilege, and social justice. Students will gain practical skills to foster positive cognitive and behavioral changes, with an emphasis on culturally sensitive interventions. This course fulfills the Community and Human Services requirement for Skills and Diversity.

This course explores the conditions and circumstances that place youth at risk. Students will examine systemic factors such as poverty and racism and assess the agency and vulnerability of underserved youth populations. The course also focuses on the role of community, proposing policies and programs that support and protect at-risk youth.

This study integrates biological and cultural approaches to pregnancy and parenting, drawing on critical perspectives from anthropology, human development, epigenetics, sociology and public/global health. The student will examine the impact of biological and cultural diversity, along with environmental factors, while considering current theories and contemporary trends, local and global. The student will also explore recent literature on the biocultural, evolutionary, and life-course perspectives on pregnancy and parenting, which has shown that early life environment shapes future health, from pre-conception to adolescence. Note: This course aligns with the Community and Human Services area of study guidelines for Knowledge of Human Behavior.

Relying on theory and research related to marital dissolution, students will examine the impact of divorce on children and adults in various family roles across multiple social situations. This study will explore policy implications and practical application relevant to relational dissolution. Note: This course aligns with the Community and Human Services area of study guidelines for Knowledge of human behavior.

This course explores the essential needs of older adults, including connection, community, purpose, stimulation, and emotional expression. The course provides an overview of six creative arts therapy fields: art, dance, music, drama, narrative, and play and how they can address the needs of older adults. Students will learn how to determine the effectiveness of creative arts interventions in different situations and explore the research on the efficacy of creative arts therapies in working with older adults. This course meets the School of Human Services guideline for Knowledge of Skills & Application. Prerequisites: none. Corequisites: none.

The study will introduce students to trauma theory, practice, and stages of recovery as related to work with adults. The study addresses the experiences of people who have suffered traumas including sexual and/or domestic violence, combat, and political terror. Students will explore treatment strategies that may include working with groups, individuals, and families. This course aligns with the Community and Human Services area of study guidelines for Knowledge of Human Behavior, Knowledge of Service Delivery, and Skills. This study will not cover childhood trauma. Please see Childhood Trauma: Theory, Treatment and Recovery for further study of childhood trauma. Prerequisites: N/A. Corequisites: N/A.

This course focuses on trauma-informed practice with older adults, addressing the prevalence of adverse experiences throughout life and the added impact of ageism in the US. Students will explore key principles for creating a trauma-informed environment as well as various theories and models of trauma-informed care for older adults, including how individuals, agencies, and programs can engage in ongoing self-evaluation to provide trauma-informed services. This course satisfies the School of Human Services Guideline for Skills/Application. Prerequisites: None. Corequisites: None.

This course explores the definitions of happiness in the realms of child and adolescent development. It critically examines prevailing narratives and theories related to happiness, resilience, and overall well-being in children and youth. Students will evaluate interpersonal, social, and cultural factors that influence how happiness is perceived, resilience is cultivated, and well-being is manifested during childhood and adolescence. Additionally, the course will survey a range of resources and strategies aimed at navigating adverse experiences and fostering happiness, resilience, and well-being in children and youth. This course meets the School of Human Services Guideline of Knowledge of Human Behavior Prerequisites: N/A. Corequisites: N/A.

This course will take an in-depth look at various family theories and related research. This may include systems theory, exchange theory, family development theory, symbolic interactionism, and others. Learners will gain a clearer understanding of the role of theory to understand family dynamics and guide research. Special attention is paid to the ways that family systems and sub-systems interact and affect individual roles and relations within the family structure.

This course examines the multifaceted aspects of aging, focusing on the influence of societal biases and ageism shaped by factors such as gender, sexuality, race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and disability. Students will explore the social, cultural, scientific, and personal dimensions of aging, critically analyzing stereotypes in mainstream culture. The course emphasizes advocacy skills to promote a more inclusive and respectful approach to aging. This course meets the Community and Human Service Diversity requirement.

The content of this course will vary by term and section. Students may repeat this course for credit as long as the topic differs. Please refer to the Term Guide for course topic offerings.

Students have the opportunity to develop individualized studies with their mentor in Child and Family Studies (CHFS). Registration for this class must be approved by the student’s mentor.