Appropriate research designs and procedures for studying development in adulthood and old age. Review of theories and research in parent-child interaction from birth through adolescence and exploration of practical application in various settings. Examination of crucial issues related to the diagnosis and treatment of children with various developmental and adaptation problems. Introduction to literature and research in selected areas in family studies. Advanced course on process in adult relationship with focus on properties, types, diversity, development, and maintenance of close relationships between adults.
Emphasis is on conceptualizing human problems as they are related to the functioning of systems.
Underlying philosophy, theory, and practice of the intergenerational and neoanalytic approaches to marital and family therapy. Emphasis is on interrelationships between mind, body, environment, and social aspects of behavior in the context of the family system. The focus will be on the process of diagnosis and treatment in the family context. Issues of treatment related to specialized content areas of family therapy. Focus is on the major ethical, legal, and professional issues impinging upon the marital and family therapist.