FCST100: Professional Orientation

Orientation to the philosophy of the profession. Field experiences in a variety of settings to provide exposure to the breadth of professional opportunities. 2 sh.

FCST140: Family in Society

Provides basic insights and concepts from the social sciences to study the history and structure of the family as a basic but changing institution in modern America. Meets the 1983 General Education Requirement (GER) - Social Science, Topic Course. 3 sh.

FCST141: Interpersonal Relations

Relevant and up-to-date information about meaningful human relationships throughout the life cycle. Meets the 1983 General Education Requirement (GER) - Electives, Personal/Professional Issues. 3 sh.

FCST200: Introduction to Family Studies

This course examines families from historical, socio-cultural and theoretical perspectives. It focuses on the changes in American families over time and the implications of those changes for contemporary and future families. It also examines issues that impact family development, structure and function. Those issues include but are not limited to race, ethnicity, class, ablelism, age, gender and sexual orientation. 3 sh.

FCST201: Older Adults and Their Families: An Introduction to Gerontology

In this course, students will examine issues related to aging in America from an individual and family perspective. Students will learn theory, will learn about services for older adults and their families, and will focus on how changes in later life affect older people and their families in their daily lives through case studies, guest speakers, interviews, reflection and class discussions. This course provides a comprehensive overview of the field of gerontology, using a variety of perspectives including biological, psychological, and social aspects of aging and how a person's values, attitudes, beliefs, race, ethnicity, and rituals affect their experience as they age. This course is open to students in all majors who have personal or professional interests in learning more about aging, career paths in gerontology, and services for older adults and their families. It will also provide a basis for more advanced course work. Fieldwork and/or field visits are required. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: PSYC 101.

FCST205: Women in Contemporary Society

Those historical developments and social forces which have shaped the status of women in America. Discussion of current concerns and role options available to today's women. Meets the 1983 General Education Requirement (GER) - Contemporary Issues. Meets the World Languages and Cultures Requirement - World Cultures. 3 sh.

FCST210: Introduction to Child Life

This course is designed to provide a comprehensive overview of the profession of Child Life. Students will be introduced to the unique role of the Child Life Specialist in working with infants, children, adolescents and their families in the hospital and other health care settings. 3 sh.

FCST214: Child Development I

This course takes a developmental approach to the study of young children from conception to age 10. For each developmental stage, physical, socio-emotional, cognitive, and language domains are discussed. Developmental theories are woven into each part of the course. Observational and research methodologies are emphasized. Out-of-class observations/interviews required. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: PSYC 101.

FCST215: Infant Development

The infant as a developing individual within the family. Theory and research in the area of human infancy. Physical, cognitive and emotional growth from pre-natal through the first two years of life. Field experiences required. 3 sh.

FCST216: Techniques for the Study of Child Personality

Skills and tools to help the teacher become more aware of the needs, motivations, competencies and values of young children. Opportunities to observe and record children's activities. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: FCST 214.

FCST231: The Family in the Economic System

The family as an economic unit in society. Economic behavior of various sub-cultures, age groups and family patterns. Meets the 1983 General Education Requirement (GER) - Social Science, Topic Course. 3 sh.

FCST241: Group Dynamics

This course presents an overview of the theory and practice of group dynamics, to prepare students to facilitate group processes to advance group- and individual-level objectives. This course examines developmental, ecological, and systems theories in terms of their implications for how individuals interact with and influence each other in group settings. This course reviews practical approaches and develops tools for working effectively with groups in a variety of family and/or child settings, both as a group member and as a group facilitator. Distinct approaches to group processes that are appropriate for specific developmental stages are emphasized (e.g., differences between group work with children, adolescents, and adults). 3 sh.

Prerequisites: FCST 141.

FCST248: Family Development over the Life Course

This introductory course provides an overview of family development over the life course in the United States and in other societies. Concepts and theories related to transitions within families over the life course will be explored. This course will also emphasize the role of culture and diversity in the development and functioning of families. Meets the University Writing Requirement for majors in FCCL, FCEC, FCEM, FCFS, FCGR. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: FCST 200.

FCST270: Individual Management: Theories and Strategies

Opportunity to investigate management theories and apply them to personal life. Influences on, and blocks to, personal management, problem solving, planning, and expediting. Required of majors. Meets the 1983 General Education Requirement (GER) - Contemporary Issues. 3 sh.

FCST300: Field Trip Experiences in Family and Child Studies

An opportunity to study the policies, problems and contributions of community organizations and agencies which relate to families and children. 1 sh.

Prerequisites: Departmental approval.

FCST301: Volunteer in the Community

The role of the volunteer solving the socio-economic-civic- educational problems facing individuals and families; volunteer participation as an individual and in groups. Field work required. 2 - 4 sh.

Prerequisites: FCST 200.

FCST304: Research Methods for Studying Families and Children

An introductory research course designed to enable students to critically read, analyze and produce research in areas relevant to family and child studies. Various research approaches will be reviewed, and the role of research in society and its relationship to conditions of power and oppression will be explored. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: FCST 200; and FCST majors only.

FCST305: Death and Bereavement in the Family

This course offers a multidisciplinary approach to the study of dying and death within the context of the family. This course will examine human responses to the dying process across the life span as well as the social functions of grief and mourning. Perceptions of death in various social, cultural, and religious contexts will be explored as will substantive and controversial topics related to the end of life. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: FCST 200 or PSYC 101.

FCST308: Independent Study

Advanced areas in Family and Child Studies not offered in the regular curriculum. May be repeated for a maximum of 6.0 credits as long as the topic is different. 1 - 3 sh.

Prerequisites: Departmental permission.

FCST314: Child Development II: Adolescence

This course uses a developmental approach to study adolescents (11-18 years). Physical, cognitive and social development throughout this age period are studied. Family, peer, race, ethnicity, socio-cultural, and environmental influences on adolescents are examined. Out-of-class interviews and/or observations are required. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: FCST 214 and PSYC 101.

FCST315: Field Experiences in Family and Child Services

Planned supervised experience with selected agencies offering services for families and for children. Thirty-five hours of field work required. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: FCST 214 and PSYC 101.

FCST316: Service-Learning Experiences with Families and Children

This course engages students in a real-life service experience working on issues identified by the community organizations. By collaborating with community partners, students will gain an understanding of civic engagement, diverse families, advocacy, program development, and the importance of reflection throughout the service experience. Students are required to provide three hours of weekly service with a community-partner organization that works with families and/or children. The service project will be determined by the instructor, the Center for Community-Based Learning (CC-BL) and community partner organizations affiliated with the CC-BL at Montclair State University. Service requirement: Three hours of weekly service in a community-partner organization is required. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: PSYC101 and FCST214.

FCST317: Fieldwork Experience in Family and Child Studies: The Hospitalized Child

This course is geared toward guiding and supporting prospective Child Life interns in their initial exposure to children, families, and staff in a pediatric hospital setting. Class meetings will be structured in a format that encourages class discussion and students will be expected to share experiences with the instructor and fellow peers. Students will have a planned supervised experience for a minimum of 35 hours of field work in a pediatric setting approved by the instructor. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: FCST 210.

FCST320: Parenting Skills and Resources

Opportunities for the student to develop effective parenting skills and the knowledge about human development needed for the application of these skills. Impact of parenting resources on both parents and non-parents. Local, state and national resources examined. Assigned activities with children. Meets the 1983 General Education Requirement (GER) - Electives, Personal/Professional Issues. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: FCST 214 and PSYC 101.

FCST322: Play in Child Life Practice

This hands-on course is designed to introduce students to the role and application of play in child life pratice and other related fields, such as social work, therapeutic recreation, and education. Students learn about the child life field, and they examine the historical and cultural dimensions of play and explore major theories of play. Through lecture and experiential activities, students learn various play techniques used by child life specialists, such as role playing, expressive play, and storytelling. Students enhance their knowledge of the role of play in the treatment of children coping with hospitalization injury, and illness. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: FCST 214.

FCST328: Peer Counseling

This course provides the student with actual peer counseling experience. This experience takes the forms of one-to-one and group counseling. The student will experience the counseling process both as a counselor and as a client.. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: Departmental approval.

FCST329: Theories and Techniques of Group Processes

Given that we function in groups of all sizes, with diverse populations and with various purposes throughout life, this course provides an understanding of the underlying dynamics of groups and provides the opportunity to relate the theories of group development to the actual group process. Students will explore theories and techniques useful in the positive development of entelchy groups.. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: Departmental approval.

FCST330: Dynamics of One-To-One Communication

This course is designed to examine the dynamics of one-to-one communication through readings and experientially. The course will further develop personal goals for optimizing personal communication and assist in establishing strategies for the attainment of these goals. Meets the 1983 General Education Requirement (GER) - Electives, Personal/Professional Issues.. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: Departmental approval.

FCST331: Money Management

The role and meaning of money in individual and family living; understanding income as a means of acquiring a style of life; the effective control of income, spending, savings, credit, and managing resources for future needs. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: FCST 200.

FCST332: Action Approaches to Personal Awareness

Designed to increase personal awareness and to assist in developing skills needed to maximize individual growth in human interaction. Through the use of psychodrama and other action-oriented techniques, students will have the opportunity to experience, critically evaluate and develop strategies for working beyond communication barriers to more effective interaction for their personal benefit and the benefit of others.. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: Departmental approval.

FCST333: Group Dynamics

This course is a seminar laboratory experience designed to facilitate human relationships. Focus is on individual behavior in groups. Participation in actual group process provides opportunity for development of insight into the effects of one's behavior on others. Meets the 1983 General Education Requirement (GER) - Electives, Personal/Professional Issues.. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: Departmental approval.

FCST342: Family Sociology

Familiarizes students with data relating to the family as an institution, its development, dynamics and place in society. The impact of rapid social change on the American family. Not open to freshmen. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: FCST 200.

FCST344: Challenge of Aging

The change over the adult life span as it affects family interaction and resources in various sub-cultures. Implications for social policy and institutions relative to an increasing aging population. Field participation with agencies and elders; minimum 6 hours contact - more encouraged. Meets the 1983 General Education Requirement (GER) - Contemporary Issues. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: PSYC 101.

FCST345: Gender in a Changing World

Gender issues that exist in our society and cross-culturally. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: FCST 200.

FCST348: Individual and Family Development Over the Life Span

This introductory course provides an overview of family development over the life course in the United States and in other societies. Concepts and theories related to transitions within families over the life course will be explored. This course will also emphasize the role of culture and diversity in the development and functioning of families. Meets the University Writing Requirement for majors in FCCL, FCEC, FCEM, FCFS, FCGR. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: FCST 200.

FCST360: Families in Later Life

Combining the fields of family science and gerontology, this course will introduce students to family relationships, roles, and responsibilities in the second half of life. Later life families and the sociological and demographic implications of these families will be discussed. Culturally and ethnically diverse populations will be considered as well as issues of social justice. Multiple substantive topics related to aging families will be examined (i.e., caregiving, grandparenting, marriage and sibling relationships later life, housing, retirement, widowhood, aging parent-adult child relations, etc.). Finally, students will consider gerontological theory and its influence on the study of aging and aging family relationships. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: FCST 200 or PSYC 101.

FCST370: Individual and Family Problem-Solving

Dealing with daily living through increased competence in decision-making and problem-solving in a variety of life styles. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: FCST 200.

FCST400: Senior Seminar

A capstone course which explores the integrative nature of the study of families and children and investigates the roles, conflicts and decision-making perspectives for beginning professionals. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: Family and Child Studies major and departmental approval.

FCST401: Advanced Research Methods in Family and Child Studies

Planned at a more advanced level than the Introduction to Research course, this course will give students the opportunity to plan and execute individual research projects. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: FCST 304 and departmental approval.

FCST408: Workshop in Family and Child Studies

Opportunity to study selected current problems in the field of Family and Child Studies. This course may be repeated for a maximum of 15 credits, providing the course topic is different for each repetition. 1 - 3 sh.

Prerequisites: FCST 200.

FCST409: Internship

Opportunity to work as an intern in a professional setting in a community organization, agency, or a service organization. Application available in the Family and Child Studies Department. 8 - 12 sh.

Prerequisites: Family and Child Studies major and departmental approval.

FCST410: Teaching Daily Living Skills to Special Needs Populations

Analysis of daily personal management problems and their application to special needs populations. Opportunity to explore community resources, examine and develop materials and teaching strategies appropriate for teaching daily living skills to special needs populations. Field experience included. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: FCST 200.

FCST411: Sibling Relationships

In this course, students study sibling relationships and how they shape human development. They use family systems theory, sibling development principles and other frameworks to examine human behavior. They consider sibling behavior within the context of society, and give attention to the role of social location in the lives of families and children. Areas of sibling behavior explored include rivalry, support, birth order, selection of interests, personality and identity development, and abuse. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: FCST 200.

FCST414: Organization and Management of Child Care Centers

Basic principles of supervision and administration applied to developing a sound program in a modern pre-school program. The learning process applied to the professional development of staff. Organization and administration of individual classrooms and the total school program; the relationship of the school to community services and agencies. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: FCST 214.

FCST415: Child in the Community

The attitudes, mores and values of family and neighborhood life as determinants of the child's adaptation to school; growing up in families of deviant patterns; specialists and agencies in the community. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: FCST 214.

FCST418: Working with Diverse Families and Children

Approaches to working with diverse families and children in human service, community, and educational settings will be examined. A particular focus will be on skill development for facilitating and leading family conferences in a variety of professional settings. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: FCST 200.

FCST419: Special Studies in Family and Child Services

Exploring special concerns in the area of family life and child development. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: FCST 200.

FCST440: Diversity in Families

This course examines diversity in families with respect to designations such as race, ethnicity, religion, social class and sexual orientation. Students will study diverse family formation, family roles, values and traditions, as well as the ways in which diverse families have impacted and been impacted by the United States culture and policy. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: FCST 200.

FCST445: Poverty and Families

Examines the impact of economic structures, social conditions, gender, race and ethnicity as they affect the family system. This course will further examine the various social problems that place families at risk including family structures and community conditions such as poverty, access to resources, and geographic locations. Community contact is a requirement of the course. Meets the 1983 General Education Requirement (GER) - Contemporary Issues. Meets the Human and Intercultural Relations Requirement (HIRR). Meets the World Languages and Cultures Requirement - World Cultures. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: FCST 200.

FCST448: Family Counseling

Techniques and theories of collecting data and counseling families with such problems as money management, nutrition concerns, parent-child relationships and value conflicts. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: FCST 141.

FCST470: Family Management

Opportunity to analyze situations in which individuals and families use resources to maintain daily life and solve problems. Roles, goals, decision making, use of human and nonhuman resources and factors influencing household management. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: FCST 200.

PSYC101: Introduction to Psychology

This course is an introduction to the study of human behavior and surveys major topics within the diverse discipline of psychology. Topics covered will come from each of four core areas offered by the psychology department: Social/Applied (e.g., Social, Industrial-Organizational, Health), Biological Basis of Behavior (e.g., Physiology, Perception, Motivation/Emotion, Comparative Animal Behavior), Cognition (e.g., Learning and Memory, Conditioning and Learning, Cognition, Language) and Personality (e.g., Personality, Abnormal, Development). Meets Gen Ed 2002 - Social Science for non-psychology majors only. Meets the 1983 General Education Requirement (GER) - Social Science, Survey Course for non-psychology majors only. 3 sh.