This course supports students who are completing their Child Life practicum by providing focused assignments, discussion, and presentations on themes central to understanding and applying Child Life Theory to working with pediatric patients and families.

The course is designed to provide students with opportunities to explore the prevalence and impact of intimate partner violence (IPV) and history of systemic response to it. Students will be introduced to methods of engagement, assessment, and intervention based on current research and practice knowledge. Particular attention will be given to the examination of personal and professional values regarding IPV as well as co-occurring issues.

Study of the contributors to and the recipients of family resources. Emphasis on the methods of assisting families to better allocate family resources through understanding money beliefs and attitudes and practicing financial planning strategies.

Demographic, social, economic, political, and professional issues related to emerging trends in family life education will be examined. Emphasis will be placed on the development, implementation, and evaluation of family life education curriculum materials.

Exploration and definition of the legal, ethical, and professional issues in the practice of couple and family intervention. Emphasis will be on developing professional skills, attitudes, and identity for couple and family intervention.

The study of research techniques and methodological problems involved in research on the family. Emphasis is placed on research concerning interrelations between the family and its environment, development within the family, and family dynamics.

Field training in a community setting related to family sciences to develop competencies in program planning, delivery, and evaluation. Student will work under the supervision of a faculty and a training site supervisor. May be repeated to a maximum of six credits.

Study and application of established theories and techniques in couple therapy and in sex therapy. Emphasis on developing and demonstrating knowledge, skills, issues, and treatment procedures in couple and family therapy.

Half-time to full-time work on thesis. May be repeated to a maximum of six semesters.

Half-time to full-time work on dissertation. May be repeated to a maximum of six semesters.