Systematic preparation for upper division education, research/field internships, and career possibilities in Family Social Science.

Basic counseling skills. Counselor needs/motivations, non-verbal communication, basic/advanced empathy, identifying strengths, maintaining focus, challenging discrepancies, use of self. Emphasizes building from client strengths, learning through role-playing.

This course is designed as an introduction to the field of Family Therapy. Students who successfully complete the course should be well versed in the basics of both the foundational and contemporary theories of the discipline. Further, students will be exposed to a number of clinical vignettes and case scenarios that demonstrate the application of the theories in pre-recorded family therapy sessions. Through class assignments and discussions, students will be able to make a more informed decision as to whether or not family therapy is a field that holds potential for them in their own professional pursuits. Other mental health disciplines attend to family variables but having a background in family systems theory and family therapy theories will provide a solid knowledge base for someone embarking on a career in family clinical work. Systems theory guides the majority of what will be discussed in class.

Psychology/sociology of drug use/abuse. Life-span, epidemiological, familial, cultural data regarding use. Fundamentals of licit/illicit drug use behavior. Variables of gender, ethnicity, social class, sexuality, sexual orientation, disability.

Human ecology/development as frameworks for examining sexuality in close relationships. Diversity of sexual beliefs, attitudes, behaviors within differing social contexts. Using scientific knowledge to promote sexual health among individuals, couples, families through various life stages. prereq: At least jr or instr consent