Graduate Courses for Family Science (FMSC)

Schedule of Classes: Fall | Winter | Spring | Summer
(Only current and next semester available)

FMSC 430 Gender Issues in Families (3 credits)
Prerequisite: SOCY100 or SOCY105 or PSYC100. Also offered as WMST430. Credit will be granted for only one of the following: FMSC430, FMST430 or WMST430. Formerly FMST430.
The development of historical, cultural, developmental, and psychosocial aspects of masculinity and femininity within the context of contemporary families and the implications for interpersonal relations.

FMSC 431 Family Crises and Intervention (3 credits)
Prerequisite: PSYC100. Credit will be granted for only one of the following: FMSC431 or FMST431. Formerly FMST431.
Family crises such as divorce, disability, substance abuse, financial problems, intra-familial abuse, and death. Theories and techniques for intervention and enhancement of family coping strategies.

FMSC 432 Adult Development and Aging in Families (3 credits)
Prerequisite: PSYC100; and {SOCY100 or SOCY105}; and FMSC/FMST332 {or a comparable development course}. Credit will be granted for only one of the following: FMSC432 or FMST432. Formerly FMST432.
Theory, research, history, and programming related to adult development and aging in the intergenerational context of family.

FMSC 452 Family Policy Analysis (3 credits)
Prerequisite: permission of department. Credit will be granted for only one of the following: FMSC452 or FMST452. Formerly FMST452.
Examination of public, private, and nonprofit sector policies and their impact on the quality of family life. Emphasis on policy formation, implementation, and evaluation.

FMSC 460 Violence in Families (3 credits)
Prerequisite: PSYC100 or SOCY100 or SOCY105. Credit will be granted for only one of the following: FMSC460 or FMST460. Formerly FMST460.
Theories of child, spouse, and elder abuse in the family setting. Emphasis on historical, psychological, sociological and legal trends relating to physical, emotional, and sexual abuse. Introduction to methods for prevention and remediation.

FMSC 477 Internship and Analysis in Family Science (3 credits)
Prerequisite: FMST383, plus an additional six FMSC/FMST credits and permission of department. For FMST majors only. Credit will be granted for only one of the following: FMSC477, FMST347 or FMST477. Formerly FMST477.
A supervised internship and a seminar requiring analysis. Opportunities to integrate theory and practice including 120 hours of contracted field experience. Summer or fall internship contracts due May 1; Spring contracts due December 1. See department for application procedures.

FMSC 480 Work and Family Issues and Programs (3 credits)
Credit will be granted for only one of the following: FMSC480 or FMST480. Formerly FMST480.
The purpose, nature, organization and administration of work site, or employer-based, family support resources, including child and elder care referral and subsidies, parenting education, health and wellness programs, parental and sick child leaves, and flexible work scheduling.

FMSC 485 Introduction to Family Therapy (3 credits)
Prerequisite: FMSC/FMST330 or FMSC/FMST370; or one psychology course at 300 or above level. Credit will be granted for only one of the following: FMSC485 or FMST485. Formerly FMST485.
The fundamental theoretical concepts and clinical procedures of marital and family therapy including premarital and divorce therapy issues.

FMSC 487 Legal Aspects of Family Problems (3 credits)
Credit will be granted for only one of the following: FMSC487 or FMST487. Formerly FMST487.
Laws and legal procedures, with emphasis on adoption, marriage, divorce, annulment, and property rights, and how they affect family life.

FMSC 490 Family and Addiction (3 credits)
Prerequisite: SOCY100 or SOCY105 or PSYC100 or permission of instructor.
Theory, research, and clinical practice in the area of addictions and recovery as they relate to family processes.

FMSC 497 The Child and the Law (3 credits)
Credit will be granted for only one of the following: FMSC497 or FMST497. Formerly FMST497.
Legislation and case law regarding children's legal rights with emphasis on the rights of children in the juvenile justice system, and rights to medical, educational, and other social services.

FMSC 498 Special Topics: Family Science (1-3 credits)
Prerequisite: permission of department. Repeatable to 6 credits if content differs. Formerly FMST498.
Special course topics in family studies.

FMSC 600 Family Theories (3 credits)
Credit will be granted for only one of the following: FMSC600 or FMST600. Formerly FMST600.
An overview of the theoretical frameworks underlying research on the family. Survey of research findings.

FMSC 603 Programmatic Approaches to Family Problems (3 credits)
Credit will be granted for only one of the following: FMSC603 or FMST603. Formerly FMST603.
Theories, assumptions, and principles that guide the design, implementation, and evaluation of family-focused prevention and intervention programs.

FMSC 606 Ethnic Families and Health Disparities (3 credits)
Credit will be granted for only one of the following: FMSC606 or FMST606. Formerly FMST606.
Historical, psychosocial, economic, and political factors influencing the structure and functioning of ethnic families. Overview of racial and ethnic health disparities over the life course and ways in which they are influenced by multi-level contextual factors.

FMSC 610 Research Methods in Family Studies (3 credits)
Prerequisite: EDMS645 or equivalent. Recommended: FMST604. Credit will be granted for only one of the following: FMSC610 or FMST610. Formerly FMST610.
Research methods in family science. The role of theory, design, use of qualitative and quantitative measurement techniques, data collection and data analysis. Development of research proposals.

FMSC 640 Family Therapy: Theory and Techniques (3 credits)
Credit will be granted for only one of the following: FMSC640 or FMST640. Formerly FMST640.
Overview of fundamental theoretical concepts and clinical procedures in marital and family therapy, with an emphasis on those therapies which operate from a family systems perspective.

FMSC 641 Couples Therapy, Theory, and Techniques (3 credits)
Prerequisite: FMSC/FMST640. Credit will be granted for only one of the following: FMSC641 or FMSC641. Formerly FMST641.
Overview of theoretical models of couple relationships and methods of facilitating growth and interaction within those relationships. Emphasis on couples with conflicting needs and expectations, and dysfunctional communication and conflict negotiation skills.

FMSC 642 Normal and Abnormal Individual and Family Development (3 credits)
Prerequisite: FMSC/FMST640. Credit will be granted for only one of the following: FMSC642 or FMST642. Formerly FMST642.
Normal development and psychopathology in the family system. Emphasis on parent-child relationships and application of the current Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) to family therapy.

FMSC 645 Sexuality: Issues in Family Therapy and Service Delivery (3 credits)
Prerequisites: a basic course in human sexuality and permission of instructor. Credit will be granted for only one of the following: FMSC645 or FMST645. Formerly FMST645.
Typical, dysfunctional, and pathological sexual functioning: effects on individuals, couples, and family systems. Sensitizes students to sexual issues, explores how perceptions or such issues affect work with people, and emphasizes implications for marriage and family therapy.

FMSC 646 Sex Therapy: Theory, Skills, and Practice (3 credits)
Prerequisite: FMSC/FMST645 or permission of department.
Introduction to the theory and practice of sex therapy, including information about human sexual function and dysfunction and appropriate intervention methods. Emphasis on the relationship and the dynamics of sexual functioning within that system.

FMSC 647 Theory and Techniques of Family Mediation (3 credits)
Credit will be granted for only one of the following: FMSC647 or FMST647. Formerly FMST647.
An introduction to family mediation as an approach to helping families deal effectively with the issues associated with separation and divorce. Theory, practice, and techniques of negotiation, with an emphasis on custody, property division, and the constructive restructuring of family relationships.

FMSC 650 Ethical, Legal, and Professional Principles in Marriage and Family Therapy (3 credits)
Prerequisite: permission of department. Limited to students admitted to the family therapy program. Credit will be granted for only one of the following: FMSC650 or FMST650. Formerly FMST650.
An introduction to the basic principles and practices of family therapy. Emphasis on basic therapy skills applied to a family context and on professional ethics of the family practitioner. Addresses therapist's legal responsibilities and liabilities, certification, and licensure issues.

FMSC 651 Psychopathology in the Family Context (3 credits)
Prerequisite: FMSC/FMST650. Limited to students admitted to the family therapy program. Credit will be granted for only one of the following: FMSC651 or FMST651. Formerly FMST651.
Diagnosis and treatment of psychopathology within the family context, with application of various family therapy models.

FMSC 652 Diagnosis and Treatment of Mental and Emotional Disorders in Family Systems (3 credits)
Prerequisite: FMSC/FMST651. Limited to students admitted to the family therapy program. Credit will be granted for only one of the following: FMSC652 or FMST652. Formerly FMST652.
Systematic assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of mental and emotional disorders in couples and families. Utilization and critique of the current Diagnostic Statistical Manual Disorders (DSM).

FMSC 653 Advanced Application of MFT Models and Techniques (3 credits)
Prerequisite: FMSC/FMST652. Limited to students admitted to the family therapy program. Credit will be granted for only one of the following: FMSC653 or FMST653. Formerly FMSC653.
Advanced application and integration of family therapy skills and theoretical models in the practice of marriage and family therapy. Emphasis on treatment plans from different therapeutic models demonstrated in case presentations and supervision of therapy.

FMSC 654 Clinical Marriage and Family Therapy Practice (3 credits)
Prerequisite: FMSC/FMST651. Limited to students admitted to the family therapy program. Credit will be granted for only one of the following: FMSC654 or FMST654. Formerly FMST654.
Application of theory and technique to the clinical practice of marriage and family therapy. Emphasis on case management and clinic administration. Includes completion of 12 successive months and 500 hours of supervised, direct client contact with couples, families, and individuals from an integrative family systems perspective.

FMSC 658 Supervised Clinical Practice of Marriage and Family Therapy (1-3 credits)
Prerequisite: FMSC/FMST650 and permission of instructor. Repeatable to 12 credits if content differs. Formerly FMST658.
The supervision of marriage and family therapy client contact. Various family systems models of supervision applied via extant methods, including live, videotaped, and audiotaped.

FMSC 660 Program Planning and Evaluation in Family Studies (3 credits)
Credit will be granted for only one of the following: FMSC660 or FMST660. Formerly FMST660.
Theory and methods of program planning and evaluation with special emphasis on family programs. Assessment of program goals and the social and psychological factors involved in program implementation. Methods for measuring the effectiveness of program delivery, as well as the impact of services on family functioning.

FMSC 668 Special Topics in Family Sciences (1-3 credits)

FMSC 689 Internship (3-6 credits)
Prerequisite: permission of department. Repeatable to 12 credits if content differs. Formerly FMST689.
Internship related to the student's chosen specialization.

FMSC 698 Advanced Topics in Family Science (1-3 credits)
Repeatable to 12 credits. Formerly FMST698.
Arranged group study on specific topic which may vary from term to term.

FMSC 699 Independent Study (1-6 credits)
Prerequisites: permission of instructor and department. Repeatable to 6 credits. Formerly FMST699.

FMSC 700 Application of Advanced Quantitative Methods in Family Research (3 credits)
Prerequisite: FMSC610 or equivalent; and EDMS646. Formerly: FMST698R (Spring 2007) and FMSC698R (Spring 2008).
Optimal use of various designs, statistical methods and procedures in behavioral research in families.

FMSC 710 Foundations in Maternal and Child Health (3 credits)
Prerequisite: permission of instructor. Credit will be granted for only one of the following: FMSC710 or FMST710. Formerly FMST710.
Overview of key health issues for various maternal and child health populations, especially those within the US. Review of maternal and child health databases and major programs and public policies aimed at improving the health of mothers, children, adolescents, and their families.

FMSC 720 Perinatal, Child and Adolescent Health (3 credits)
Prerequisite: permission of instructor.
Examination of major problems and issues associated with the health status of women of reproductive age, infants, toddlers, children and adolescents. Analysis of biological, environmental, psychosocial, and cultural determinants of health or the target populations. Overview of prevention and intervention programs for children and youth.

FMSC 730 Maternal and Family Health in Adulthood and Aging (3 credits)
Prerequisite: permission of instructor.
Overview of major public health problems during the adult and elderly years, including cigarette smoking, obesity, physical inactivity, substance abuse, risky sexual behavior, cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, osteoporosis, and HIV/AIDS. Examination of life course research, prevention, and intervention programs, and public information campaigns.

FMSC 745 Gender and Ethnicity in Family Therapy and Service Delivery (3 credits)
Credit will be granted for only one of the following: FMSC745 or FMST745. Formerly FMST745.
Major critiques of sources of racial, cultural, and gender bias in marital and family therapy and family service delivery. Addresses these issues in program development and clinical practice.

FMSC 750 Family and Health Policy (3 credits)
Credit will be granted for only one of the following: FMSC750 or FMST750. Formerly FMST750.
Development and analysis of public policies affecting the health and well being of children, youth, and families, with an emphasis on low income and ethnic minority populations. Examiniation of social, economic, and political dynamics that influence family and health policies and the delivery of health care. Introduction to health advocacy within the US public health system.

FMSC 758 Supervision of Marriage and Family Therapy Supervision (1-3 credits)
Prerequisite: FMST 690 or permission of department. Repeatable to 12 credits if content differs. Formerly FMST758.
Designed to provide supervision of marriage and family therapy supervision. Limited to students who have completed a Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) Program or its equivalent, have completed an approved MFT supervision course, and are supervisors-in-training. Supervised supervision will incorporate various family systems, models and methods.

FMSC 760 Legal Issues & Families (3 credits)
Credit will be granted for only one of the following: FMSC760 or FMST760. Formerly FMST760.
Analysis of marriage and family issues from a lega perspective. Review of legal decisions affecting families, including proceative rights, marriage, termination of marriage, parental and child rights, adoption, child custody, and child/family medical treatment. Relationship between family law and family policy.

FMSC 780 Qualitative Methods in Family and Health Research (3 credits)
Credit will be granted for only one of the following: FMSC780 or FMST780. Formerly FMST780.
Theoretical perspectives and methodological tools to conduct research with individuals and families across the life span. Review of research designs, participant fieldwork, observation and interview projects, data collection, computer-assisted data analysis, and development of grounded theory.

FMSC 789 Non-Thesis Research (1-3 credits)
Repeatable to 6 credits if content differs. Formerly FMST789.
Non-thesis option research papers.

FMSC 790 Marriage and Family Therapy Supervision (3 credits)
Prerequisite: permission of department. Credit will be granted for only one of the following: FMSC790, FMST690, or FMST790. Formerly FMST790.
Theory and research in supervision of marriage and family therapy. Emphasis on major models, articulation of personal model, and demonstration of perceptual, conceptual, and executive skills in marriage and family therapy supervision. Designed to meet the didactic course component of the designation of Approved Supervisor of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy.

FMSC 799 Master's Thesis Research (1-6 credits)
Formerly FMST799.

FMSC 810 Theory in Family Systems and Family Health (3 credits)
Prerequisite: permission of instructor. Credit will be granted for only one of the following: FMSC810, FMST698P, or FMST810. Formerly FMST810.
Theory and research on family interaction and family coping with normative health and mental health transitins and non-normative crises across the family life cycle. Micro-analysis of family process in communication, decision-making, problem-solving, and compliance to health regimens. Examination of dysfunctional patterns and effective coping strategies.

FMSC 850 Maternal & Child Health Epidemiology (3 credits)
Prerequisite: permission of instructor. Credit will be granted for only one of the following: FMSC850, FMST698P, or FMST850. Formerly FMST850.
Determinants and trends in Maternal and Child Health, including analysis of the role of economic inequalities, race and ethnicity, community contexts, and psychosocial factors across the life course. Overview of methods and data systems used to monitor Maternal and Child Health. Development of a complete population health study.

FMSC 898 Pre-Candidacy Research (1-8 credits)
Formerly FMST898.

FMSC 899 Doctoral Dissertation Research (1-8 credits)
Formerly FMST899.