252 Online is an undergraduate course offered by the Department of Family Studies through UK Distance Learning and the Kentucky Commonwealth Virtual University. It is an introductory social science course in family science. Students learn the major theoretical frameworks in family science, the historical trends in couple and family life, gender role theory and family life cycle theory. They study research on parenthood, the economics of family life, conflict and divorce, step-families and step parenting. In addition, students analyze contemporary family issues, and they take informed, written positions on those issues.
Students enroll and complete all aspects of the course using their computers.
Required reading includes two texts. The Web site includes quizzes and exercises for each book chapter designed to focus attention on important concepts. Several short audio lectures are available for each chapter as well. Two exams are administered online. Both are open book, and as with the quizzes, students receive immediate feedback on correct and incorrect answers.