Critical review and discussion of classic and research literature in the areas of housing, interior design, resource management, family economics, household equipment, and consumer studies. Repeatable one time. Relationship of housing, environment, and consumer. Theory, policy, practice in the qualitative and quantitative aspects of housing with particular emphasis on demographics, social factors, norms, and constraints in meeting needs and production. Emphasis is on analysis of consumer problems using the scientific method and standard measurement techniques.
Students also gain experiences in writing technical reports and responses to consumers.
3 semester credits in statistics required. Systems of conflict resolution will be explored. The student abstracts articles in the field and is expected to develop proficiency in the interpretation and presentation of the results of research. An investigation of the chemical and structural properties of natural and man-made fibers used to produce textiles. The advantages and disadvantages of man-made fibers, produced from different polymer systems, will be evaluated.