Course Description
This high school course examines the dynamics of family and relationships, providing students with a deeper understanding of the roles, structures, and challenges within family units. Students will explore topics such as communication, human development, family roles, and conflict resolution, as well as broader social and cultural factors that influence family life.
Through a combination of lectures, discussions, case studies, and group projects, students will learn about effective communication, responsible decision-making, and healthy relationships. The course also covers key life skills, including financial literacy, career planning, and household management. By the end of the course, students will have a greater appreciation of family systems and will be better equipped to manage relationships and personal responsibilities. This course is ideal for students interested in psychology, sociology, or family studies, offering practical knowledge for building strong family connections and preparing for future life stages.
Course Details
Family Science
Tenth Grade Eleventh Grade Twelfth Grade
Course Objectives
- Understand the dynamics and structures of different family units.
- Explore communication techniques and their impact on relationships.
- Study human development and its influence on family roles and responsibilities.
- Learn effective conflict resolution strategies.
- Gain practical life skills, including financial literacy and career planning.
- Examine the impact of social and cultural factors on family life.
Course Outline
Unit 1: Introduction to Family Science
- Overview of Family Science
- Defining “family” and exploring its various forms.
- Understanding the importance of family in society.
- Family Structures and Dynamics
- Different types of family units (nuclear, extended, blended, etc.).
- Roles and responsibilities within a family.
Unit 2: Communication and Relationships
- Effective Communication in Families
- Understanding verbal and non-verbal communication.
- Techniques for active listening and expressing feelings.
- Building Healthy Relationships
- Exploring the elements of strong family relationships.
- The importance of trust, respect, and empathy.
- Conflict Resolution and Problem-Solving
- Identifying sources of conflict in families.
- Strategies for resolving conflicts constructively.
Unit 3: Human Development and Family Life
- Human Development and Growth
- Overview of stages of human development (infancy to adulthood).
- How development impacts family roles and responsibilities.
- Parenting and Family Roles
- Understanding different parenting styles and their effects.
- Exploring gender roles and their evolution in modern families.
- Family Life Cycles
- The different phases of family life (marriage, parenting, empty-nesting, etc.).
- Coping with changes and transitions in the family.
Unit 4: Financial Literacy and Career Planning
- Introduction to Financial Literacy
- Basics of budgeting, saving, and financial planning.
- Understanding credit, debt, and responsible money management.
- Career Planning and Work-Life Balance
- Exploring career options and setting career goals.
- Strategies for balancing work and family responsibilities.
Unit 5: Social and Cultural Influences on Family
- Social and Cultural Factors
- Examining the impact of social norms on family life.
- Understanding the influence of culture, religion, and tradition.
- Families in a Changing Society
- How technology and modern lifestyles affect families.
- Addressing contemporary issues like social media and work from home.
Unit 6: Course Reflection
- Course Review and Reflection
- Comprehensive review of key concepts and skills.
- Reflecting on personal growth and understanding of family science.
Teaching Methods and Assessment
- Teaching methods include lectures, class discussions, case studies, group projects, and hands-on activities.
- Assessment methods consist of quizzes, written assignments, presentations, and final projects.
Expected Outcomes
By the end of this course, students will have a comprehensive understanding of family dynamics and key relationship skills. They will be able to communicate effectively, resolve conflicts, and make informed decisions about personal and family life. The course aims to provide practical knowledge and life skills that will help students navigate future relationships and family roles.
Coming soon.
Coming soon.
Mrs. Jennifer Shurtz
Jen received her Bachelor of Science in Home Economics Education from Brigham Young University and loves researching and instructing on how to strengthen families. She has taught missionaries at the Missionary Training Center and high school students in seminary classes. Jen and her husband Russ have been blessed with six wonderful children. She loves teaching, traveling, and being outdoors, and incorporated all three by spending a couple of years homeschooling her family while road-tripping through the U.S. visiting national parks and historic sites. Her two youngest children are thrilled to be American Heritage Patriots!