Family Studies

Family Systems approach to the study of normative changes and non-normative events and their impact on marriage and family relationships; attention to variations in the socio-economic contexts of family transitions, and to methods for reducing the negative effects of such transitions. Topics include social processes, conflict and communication, relationship roles and dynamics, culture and socioeconomic issues, impact of stress, and special needs in families, including adoptive, foster, migrant, low income, military, and blended families as well as those members with chronic illness and/or disabilities.

This course provides an overview of human development in the physical, cognitive, social, emotional, and spiritual domains from conception to death in old age. Emphases include the ecological context of human development; biological and environmental influences on development; developmental anomalies and their impact on the individual and family; and implications of the knowledge of human development for Christian ministry, counseling, and family life education.

This course is a theological and biopsychological-spiritual investigation into human sexuality. Issues discussed include, but are not limited to, characteristics of healthy and unhealthy sexual relationships, interpersonal dynamics of sexual intimacy, gender, marriage, and sexual orientation. Students learn the art of theological reflection and worldview analysis as they explore sexuality historically and address human sexuality from value-respectful positions. Additional attention is given to investigating attitudes, behaviors, and decision making as an expression of understanding.

This course focuses on individual and family use of resources, including time, energy, material possessions, and environment. The roles of the church and Christian community are discussed, and students engage strategies for assessing and maximizing the influence of these resources.

Students identify and discuss how parents teach, guide, and influence children and adolescents, as well as the changing nature, dynamics, and needs of the parent-child relationship across the lifespan. Topics include significant childcare, work, media, and community issues, as well as communication techniques, values clarification, learning principles, disciplinary techniques, family dynamics, diverse family forms and functions, and a theological perspective on parenting children.

This course examines historical and current trends in contemporary American society as they relate to community and family life. Significant attention is given to social and public policy as it intersects with issues of diversity and the impact these have on individual and family life. This course examines legal issues, policies, and laws influencing the well-being of families. It provides an understanding of policy processes, and distinguishes between lobbying, policy evaluation, analysis, education, and advocacy. Students identify current law, public policy and initiatives, and the influence these have on services to community and family.

Ethics & Professional Practice

This course provides an understanding of the character and quality of human social conduct, and the ability to critically examine ethical questions and issues as they relate to professional practice. It investigates areas of convergence and divergence between Human Services and spiritual approaches to the human condition. Various models of integration are explored, and ethical principles from contemporary codes of ethics (e.g., American Counseling Association code, NCFR’s Family Life Educator code) are applied. Topics addressed include ethical and legal considerations, the role of personal beliefs and values in professional practice, and professional development as a leader in the field of Human Services.

Ethics & Professional Issues in Counseling

This course consists of a survey of professional ethics and laws relative to the practice of marriage and family therapy/professional counseling and a study of Tennessee licensing laws in order to enable the student to understand the criminal and civil laws impacting counselors. This course focuses on the personhood of the counselor with emphasis on the cultivation and sustenance of emotional maturity, moral sensitivity, and moral decision-making skills integral to independent professional life and practice.

This course provides an understanding of the general philosophy and broad principles of family life education in conjunction with the ability to plan, implement, and evaluate such educational programs in a variety of settings (government, non-profit, faith based, etc.). An understanding and application of employing various strategies, educational principles, and techniques and technologies to meet the needs of diverse audiences are addressed. Special emphasis is given to the implementation of evidence-based programs.

This course presents the interviewing and counseling process and trains students in the use of foundational micro skills (attending, observation, checking out, questions, encouraging, paraphrase, summarization, reflection, focusing, influencing, and confrontation). Students are taught basic concepts, observe experienced practitioners, and practice skills in role-play and peer counseling. Upon completion, students should be able to listen, conduct a well-formed interview, and focus their interventions in a Human Services environment.

This course examines the application, interpretation, and analysis of statistics. Introduces basic concepts, including descriptive statistics, elementary probability, estimation, and hypothesis testing in both nonparametric, parametric and normal models. It also covers analytical topics including data summary and visualization, study design, elementary probability, categorical data, comparative experiments, statistical inferences, and model diagnostics.

This course introduces the field of psychology—the scientific study of human behavior and experience. Students are acquainted with the major concepts and terminology of the discipline, providing a broader understanding of self and others. The course includes brief studies of the history and systems of psychology, human neuro-anatomy, sensation, perception, learning and thinking, human development, personality, social interaction, health psychology, and abnormal psychology. There is also an emphasis on applied psychology so that students are prepared for advanced courses in social science and other professional studies.

This course provides an overview of research in the social sciences. Attention is given to both purpose and design of research, including problem definition, literature review, sampling and data collection methods, interpretation, and communication of results. Students are expected to develop a rationale for social research, read and understand contemporary research, and write while effectively using current American Psychological Association (APA) Publication Manual style guidelines.

This course introduces students to concepts and practices of healthy personal and social interactions. It emphasizes a Christian worldview when considering topics such as communication skills, problem solving, personality styles, relationship stages, relationship enhancement and enrichment, societal expectations, and the impact of family dynamics, interpersonal violence, and unhealthy coping strategies on relationships. Additional areas receiving special attention include conflict management styles, cultural diversity, special needs in families, stress, and relationship management.

This internship is designed to provide students opportunities to use and apply the theoretical knowledge, concepts, and skills acquired in their training. Students serve 125 clock hours of supervised field experience, which includes a minimum number of direct service hours based on their future goals. Students serve with and are mentored by full-time faculty and professional practitioners in the field at a site approved by the instructor.

Organizational Behavior
Leadership Theory & Practice
Conflict and Communication
Survey of Persons with Disabilities
Technical and Professional Writing
Race & Religion in American History
Literature and Theology of Race
Introduction to Linguistics
Introduction to the Nonprofit Sector
Negotiation and Conflict Resolution
Sport & Exercise Psychology
Techniques for Inclusion of Diverse Learners
Characteristics & Needs of the Mildly and Moderately Disabled
Managing Challenging Behaviors & Special Education Law
Additional FAMS/PSYC/COUN course not included in major