College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences 2015-2016 Catalog

160 SFTD 5410 - Quantitative Research I This course covers fundamental concepts and practices in quantitative research method by introducing measurement and statistics, questionnaire development, and experimental and quasi-experimental research designs for the study of human sciences. Exemplary studies from family therapy literature are included. Prerequisite: SFTD 5007 or equivalent. Offered summer term. SFTD 6110 – Systems Application in the Family Life Cycle of Aging This course will provide a focus on the major concepts of systems thinking as applied to the family life cycle of aging. The class will focus on foundational concepts of systemic theories associated with work of Gregory Bateson, Humberto Maturana, and Heinz von Foester. Students will have an opportunity to explore interactional theories informed by cybernetics, language, and natural systems metaphors in the framework of the aging process. This course will provide not only an opportunity to learn about systemic theories, but also a possibility to reflect on applications of such theoretical concepts while examining the process of aging and family interactions involving older adults. Offered winter term. SFTD 6120 – Relationships in Aging Multi-dimensional in nature, aging invites diverse health care professionals to work together to examine its various aspects. This course will offer students an opportunity to reflect on diverse relationships among older adults themselves, senior health care consumers and their health care providers, and among various health care professionals who are taking care of the aging population. The role modification in the American household, romantic relationships in later life, and the societal outlook on the process of aging are just a few topics addressed in this class. Students will also examine current needs and requirement of the working environment with older adults, including the subject of integrative primary care and a necessity of a multidisciplinary teamwork. Offered winter term. SFTD 6130 – Caregiving in the Family Caregiving constitutes a challenging experience for the whole family. This course will provide an opportunity to examine diverse characteristics of the caregivers, emotional and physical issues associated with caregiving, and existing resources implemented to support families and caretakers. In addition, students will have an opportunity to examine the notions of well-being and quality of life as applied to those providing and receiving care. While reflecting on the caregiving process, students will use concepts from such theoretical frameworks as constructivism, social constructionism, and general systems theory to investigate diverse perceptions and ideas about caregiving. Providing theoretical guidelines, this class will also give students a possibility to acquire attuned therapeutic skills to provide assistance to caregivers and their families. Offered summer term. SFTD 6140 – Grief and Loss in Aging Loss has multiple faces, especially when growing older. The experiences of loss are uniquely tinted by our cultural framework, spiritual beliefs, family traditions, and individual values. This course offers students an opportunity to examine different types of losses in later life, paying particular attention to the concepts of anticipatory and disenfranchised grief. Students explore how loss is perceived among older adults from diverse ethnical and cultural backgrounds, paying particular attention to the variety of mourning traditions. In addition, the concept of resilience is introduced inviting students to become curious about diverse stories of healing. Offered fall term.