FMSC - Family Science
FMSC420 African American Families (3 Credits)
Examination of the history, structure, cultural foundation, and diversity of African American family life is the focus of this class. Presentations and discussions enable students to identify, analyze, and assess: (1) the major theoretical perspectives used in the study of African American families; (2) the impact of social policy on African American families; and (3) specific areas of family life (e.g., marriage and divorce, parenting, child development, health disparities).
Recommended: FMSC330.
Credit Only Granted for: FMSC420 or FMSC498F.
Formerly: FMSC498F.
FMSC430 Gender Issues in Families (3 Credits)
The development of historical, cultural, developmental, and psychosocial aspects of masculinity and femininity within the context of contemporary families and the implications for interpersonal relations.
FMSC431 Family Crises, Emergencies and Interventions (3 Credits)
Examines the stressors in life that may lead families into a state of crisis or emergency and what can be done to help families when the need arises. Both internal stressors, such as substance abuse, finances, divorce, illness or parent-child conflict, and external stressors, such as community violence and natural disasters, are examined. Using theories and techniques for intervention and enhancement, the course examines factors involved in stressors turning into a family crisis and how factors such as emergency preparedness, social support and public policy can be a source of family resilience or protect families from negative outcomes.
Prerequisite: PSYC100.
FMSC432 Adult Development and Aging in Families (3 Credits)
Theory, research, history, and programming related to adult development and aging in the intergenerational context of family.
Prerequisite: PSYC100; and (SOCY100 or SOCY105). And FMSC332; or must have completed a comparable development course.
Restriction: Must be in a major within SPHL-Family Science department.
Credit Only Granted for: FMSC432 or FMST432.
Formerly: FMST432.
FMSC440 Death and Loss in Family Life (3 Credits)
Examination of how families experience grief and loss resulting from the death of a family member, including health and financial consequences. Overview of historical, social, psychological, cultural, medical, and legal dimensions of death in families from diverse backgrounds. Exploration of how the health care system and funeral home industry assist families in managing death and loss.
Recommended: Moderate level of computer literacy, especially Internet and ELMS. Reliable computer and Internet access.
Credit Only Granted for: FMSC440 or FMSC498B.
Formerly: FMSC498B.
FMSC445 Sexuality: Issues in Family Therapy and Service Delivery (3 Credits)
Typical, dysfunctional, and pathological sexual functioning, including effects on individuals, couples, and family systems. Sensitizes students to sexual issues, explores how perceptions of such issues affect work with people, and emphasizes implications for marriage and family therapy.
Prerequisite: A basic course in human sexuality; and permission of instructor. Jointly offered with FMSC645.
FMSC460 Violence in Families (3 Credits)
Theories of child, spouse, and elder abuse in the family setting. Emphasis on historical, psychological, sociological and legal trends relating to physical, emotional, and sexual abuse. Introduction to methods for prevention and remediation.
Prerequisite: SOCY100, SOCY105, or PSYC100.
Credit Only Granted for: FMSC460 or FMST460.
Formerly: FMST460.
FMSC477 Internship and Analysis in Family Science (3 Credits)
A supervised internship and a seminar requiring analysis. Opportunities to integrate theory and practice including 120 hours of contracted field experience. Summer or fall internship contracts due May 1; Spring contracts due December 1. See department for application procedures.
Prerequisite: FMSC383; and 9 credits in FMSC courses; and permission of SPHL-Family Science department.
Restriction: Must be in a major within SPHL-Family Science department.
Credit Only Granted for: FMSC477, FMST347, or FMST477.
Formerly: FMST477.
FMSC485 Introduction to Family Therapy (3 Credits)
The fundamental theoretical concepts and clinical procedures of marital and family therapy including premarital and divorce therapy issues.
Prerequisite: FMSC330; or 1 course from PSYC300-499 course range.
Credit Only Granted for: FMSC485 or FMST485.
Formerly: FMST485.
FMSC486 Law, Public Health and the Cuban Family (4 Credits)
A short-term summer study abroad course that is a comparative law and public health course. Students travel to Havana, Cuba to compare family problems in a capitalist versus socialist society within the context of legal, public health, social, cultural and economic changes.
Recommended: FMSC487.
Jointly offered with: FMSC686.
Credit Only Granted for: FMSC486, FMSC686 or MIEH698B.
Additional Information: This is a study abroad course which will primarily occur in Cuba. Additionally, the course involves an online component prior to and following the trip.
FMSC487 Family Law (3 Credits)
Designed for students interested in studying the law, public health, and family science, this course provides students with a general overview of family law and the impact on healthy families. The course also includes the study of cutting-edge issues such as marriage equality, assisted reproduction and ethical issues that may arise.
FMSC498 Special Topics: Family Science (1-3 Credits)
Special course topics in family studies.
Prerequisite: Permission of SPHL-Family Science department.
Repeatable to: 6 credits if content differs.
Formerly: FMST498.
FMSC600 Family Theories (3 Credits)
An overview of the theoretical frameworks underlying research on the family. Survey of research findings.
Credit Only Granted for: FMSC600 or FMST600.
Formerly: FMST600.
FMSC601 Doctoral Seminar in the Process of Inquiry (1 Credit)
This small, team-taught pro-seminar is designed as an introduction to the integration of family science and public health paradigms. The focus is the full, complex "process of inquiry", with emphasis on the conceptualization phase of the process, as it leads to related design, planning, empirical, and analytic phases. Instead of emphasizing content, the pro-seminar will help students develop a broad "way of thinking" about scientific inquiry, which will guide their coursework, assessments, and independent scholarly work during their doctoral training.
Restriction: Must be a first-year student in the Family Science doctoral program or Maternal and Child Health doctoral program; or permission of instructor .
FMSC606 Ethnic Families and Health Disparities (3 Credits)
Historical, psychosocial, economic, and political factors influencing the structure and functioning of ethnic families. Overview of racial and ethnic health disparities over the life course and ways in which they are influenced by multi-level contextual factors.
Credit Only Granted for: FMSC606 or FMST606.
Formerly: FMST606.
FMSC610 Research Methods in Family Science (3 Credits)
Research methods in family science. The role of theory, design, use of qualitative and quantitative measurement techniques, data collection and data analysis. Development of research proposals.
Prerequisite: EDMS645; or students who have taken courses with comparable content may contact the department.
Credit Only Granted for: FMSC610 or FMST610.
Formerly: FMST610.
FMSC630 Family Therapy with Children and Adolescents (3 Credits)
Covers the theory and practice of individual and family therapy with children and adolescents for the treatment of specific psychological disorders and family system challenges. The course covers assessment and unique considerations for treatment management when working with minors as well as specific therapy models and techniques to work with children and adolescents such as structural family therapy, cognitive-behavioral family therapy, attachment-based therapy, and play therapy techniques. The course also includes psycho-educational family interventions and evidence-based practices for assessment and treatment of children and adolescents. The course emphasizes consideration of therapists' and clients' social location as well as socio-culturally attuned, inclusive, and affirming conceptualization, assessment and treatment to serve diverse populations.
Prerequisite: FMSC640.
Restriction: Must be in the Couple and Family Therapy Master's Program.
FMSC632 Testing and Assessment in Couple and Family Therapy (3 Credits)
Graduate course in family, couple, and individual testing and assessment. The course will cover typical procedures and instruments for assessing qualities of individual functioning and relationship functioning, in work with families and couples. Study of the assessment process will include test construction and use of standardized tests, assessments, and rating scales. The use of assessment in treatment plans and treatment outcome evaluation, ethical considerations, and the dissemination of information to clients and others are covered. Also, this course will include classic testing and assessment methods, to ensure familiarity with these measures among CFTs.
Restriction: Permission of the Family Science department.
Credit Only Granted for: FMSC698T or FMSC632.
Formerly: FMSC698T.
FMSC635 Integrative LGBTQIA+ Clinical Knowledge and Techniques for Family, Couple and Varie (3 Credits)
Explores the physiological, psychological, and socio-cultural variables associated with sexual expression, identity, orientation, and behavior for the LGBTQ+ population in relation to mental health and clinical contexts. Attention will focus on the clinical context of sex and gender most often presented in therapy with LGBTQ+ individuals, couples, families, and other varied relationship dynamics within the LGBTQ+ Community. The course explores clinician's comfort and level of knowledge, practice, and foundational understanding of sexuality and gender, own self-care systems, and how to navigate challenges and establish support. The course discusses the developmental and biological components of sexuality and gender, clinical diagnosis, and relational theoretical perspectives, desire, and pleasure modalities, relationships around family building, as well caring for the elderly.
FMSC640 Family Therapy: Theory and Techniques (3 Credits)
Overview of fundamental theoretical concepts and clinical procedures in marital and family therapy, with an emphasis on those therapies which operate from a family systems perspective.
Credit Only Granted for: FMSC640 or FMST640.
Formerly: FMST640.
FMSC641 Couples Therapy, Theory, and Techniques (3 Credits)
Overview of theoretical models of couple relationships and methods of facilitating growth and interaction within those relationships. Emphasis on couples with conflicting needs and expectations, and dysfunctional communication and conflict negotiation skills.
Prerequisite: FMSC640.
Credit Only Granted for: FMSC641 or FMSC641.
Formerly: FMST641.
FMSC642 Normal and Abnormal Individual and Family Development (3 Credits)
Normal development and psychopathology in the family system. Emphasis on parent-child relationships and application of the current Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) to family therapy.
Prerequisite: FMSC640.
Credit Only Granted for: FMSC642 or FMST642.
Formerly: FMST642.
FMSC645 Sexuality: Issues in Family Therapy and Service Delivery (3 Credits)
Typical, dysfunctional, and pathological sexual functioning: effects on individuals, couples, and family systems. Sensitizes students to sexual issues, explores how perceptions or such issues affect work with people, and emphasizes implications for marriage and family therapy.
Prerequisite: Must have completed a basic course in human sexuality.
Restriction: Permission of instructor. Jointly offered with FMSC445.
FMSC646 Sex Therapy: Theory, Skills, and Practice (3 Credits)
Introduction to the theory and practice of sex therapy, including information about human sexual function and dysfunction and appropriate intervention methods. Emphasis on the relationship and the dynamics of sexual functioning within that system.
Prerequisite: FMSC645; or permission of SPHL-Family Science department.
FMSC647 Theory and Techniques of Family Mediation (3 Credits)
An introduction to family mediation as an approach to helping families deal effectively with the issues associated with separation and divorce. Theory, practice, and techniques of negotiation, with an emphasis on custody, property division, and the constructive restructuring of family relationships.
Credit Only Granted for: FMSC647 or FMST647.
Formerly: FMST647.
FMSC650 Ethical, Legal, and Professional Principles in Couple and Family Therapy (3 Credits)
This course offers an introduction to the basic principles and practices in couple and family therapy. It covers major theoretical approaches to couple and family therapy, linking core concepts to practical aspects of assessment and treatment. Readings, didactic presentations by the instructor, and class discussions are designed to build students' knowledge of both generic therapy skills and specific techniques within each theoretical model. Emphasis is given to professional ethics, standards, and clinical skills/techniques necessary for the beginning family practitioner. Students become familiar with professional ethical codes as well as ethical decision-making models and how to apply them in clinical practice. In-class roleplays are used for practicing specific assessment and treatment methods, as well as for gaining experience in responding appropriately to a variety of common professional and ethical issues that arise in clinical practice.
Prerequisite: Permission of SPHL-Family Science department.
Restriction: Must be in Couple and Family Therapy (Master's) program.
FMSC651 Treatment of Emotional and Mental Disorders in the Family Context (3 Credits)
This course is designed to assist beginning therapists in developing their knowledge of the major theoretical approaches to family therapy and applying those approaches to their clinical work. In addition, the course addresses many procedural, professional, and ethical issues often faced by beginning therapists. Towards these ends, the primary foci of the course will be on developing competencies in (a) observing family process, (b) assessing and conceptualizing family strengths and problems from different theoretical models, and (c) developing treatment plans from these different theoretical models. Finally, attention will also be given to therapist self-care.
Prerequisite: FMSC650.
Restriction: Must be in Couple and Family Therapy (Master's) program.
FMSC652 Psychopathology and Diagnosis in Family Systems (3 Credits)
The purpose of this course is to assist intermediate family therapists in further developing their knowledge, clinical, and professional expertise by deepening their understanding of major child and adult psychopathology. Further, students will learn to apply this knowledge to their clinical work, particularly in addressing individual family members' psychopathology within the context of family relationships. Major foci of the course include assessment and diagnostic interviewing in family therapy, and intervention with forms of psychopathology such as depression, anxiety disorders, substance abuse, and major mental disorders with clients who present for couple and family therapy.
Prerequisite: FMSC651.
Restriction: Must be in Couple and Family Therapy (Master's) program.
FMSC653 Advanced Application of CFT Models and Techniques (3 Credits)
This course is an integration of advanced assessment, diagnosis, and treatment procedures with couples, families, individuals, and groups. Emphasis will be on the following areas: (1) the advanced study of classic and emerging CFT models; (2) special topic areas (e.g., trauma, religious differences, grief & loss, family rituals,) and/or collaborative CFT in varied settings (e.g., schools, medical facilities, in-home/family preservation work, foster care, alcohol & drug centers); (3) development of a personal theory/philosophy of family therapy along with a case management system for that model. Additionally, development of the self of therapist, contributions to CFT as a profession, and employment as well as independent practice information including resume development, licensing laws and regulations in Maryland and other states will be explored. Also, procedures for preparing for the National MFT licensing exam will be discussed. Advanced professional practice will be demonstrated in case presentations related to the specific areas emphasized in the course.
Prerequisite: FMSC652.
Restriction: Must be in Couple and Family Therapy (Master's) program.
FMSC654 Clinical Marriage and Family Therapy Practice (3 Credits)
Focuses on the integration of ethics, professional identity, and administrative aspects of clinic operations in a practice setting. This course covers all the administrative duties and responsibilities that students have as interns of the Center for Healthy Families from enrollment to graduation from the Couple and Family Therapy program.
Prerequisite: FMSC651.
Restriction: Must be in Couple and Family Therapy (Master's) program.
FMSC658 Supervised Clinical Practice in Couple and Family Therapy (1-3 Credits)
This course is designed to provide supervision of family, couple, and individual therapy client contact. This course is limited to, and required of, all students admitted to the Couples and Family Therapy (CFT) Program. Supervision utilizes various family systems models and differing methods are employed.
Prerequisite: FMSC650.
Restriction: Permission of instructor.
Repeatable to: 12 credits if content differs.
FMSC660 Program Planning and Evaluation in Family Science (3 Credits)
Theory and methods of program planning and evaluation with special emphasis on family programs. Assessment of program goals and the social and psychological factors involved in program implementation. Methods for measuring the effectiveness of program delivery, as well as the impact of services on family functioning.
Credit Only Granted for: FMSC660 or FMST660.
Formerly: FMST660.
FMSC668 Special Topics in Family Sciences (1-3 Credits)
FMSC686 Law, Public Health and the Cuban Family (4 Credits)
A comparison of family problems in the United States, a capitalist society, with Cuba, a socialist one, as evaluated within the context of legal, public health, social, cultural, and economic changes. The highlight of the course is time spent in Havana, Cuba where students may gain first-hand knowledge of these issues through visits to a hospital, fertility clinic, rural doctor's office, medical school, law offices, museums, and a slave rebellion site and while meeting with the U.S. Ambassador in Cuba, Cuban judges, lawyers, doctors, professors, and health care professionals and the Cuban people as their host families and beyond.
Jointly offered with: FMSC486.
Credit Only Granted for: FMSC486, FMSC686 or MIEH698B.
Additional Information: This is a summer short-term faculty-lead study abroad course which will primarily occur in Cuba. Additionally, the course involves an online component prior to and following the trip.
FMSC689 Research Internship (1-3 Credits)
Research experience resulting in a scholarly article suitable for publication in a peer-reviewed journal.
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor; and permission of SPHL-Family Science department.
Repeatable to: 3 credits if content differs.
Formerly: FMST689.
FMSC698 Advanced Topics in Family Science (1-3 Credits)
Arranged group study on specific topic which may vary from term to term.
Repeatable to: 12 credits.
Formerly: FMST698.
FMSC699 Independent Study (1-6 Credits)
Prerequisite: Permission of SPHL-Family Science department.
Restriction: Permission of instructor.
Repeatable to: 6 credits.
Formerly: FMST699.
FMSC710 Maternal and Child Health from a Life Course Perspective (3 Credits)
Survey of current science in maternal and child health informed by a life course perspective. The surveyed topics include inutero exposure to toxins, feeding and growth, and effects of chronic stress, maternal and child health.
Credit Only Granted for: FMSC710 or FMST710.
Formerly: FMST710.
FMSC720 Study Design in Maternal Child Health Epidemiology (3 Credits)
A detailed survey of key epidemiologic study designs provided through readings, lectures, and exercises. Lectures begin by considering the evolution of epidemiologic thought and parallel developments in design of epidemiologic studies. Topics covered include assessment of causality in observational studies, investigation of acute outbreaks, survey design, cohort and case-control study designs, clinical randomized trials, and discussion of issues pertaining to measurement error in the assessment of exposures and outcomes in epdemiologic studies.
Prerequisite: EPIB610.
Restriction: Permission of the Family Sciences department.
FMSC730 Key Topics in Maternal and Child Health (3 Credits)
Review of key issues on the frontier of maternal and child health research and practice within broad public health and socio-cultural context. Examines current maternal and child health issues such as ethics, child and family health, health and socioeconomic disparities, child nutrition and obesity, military family health, and global health.
Restriction: Permission of instructor.
FMSC740 Reproductive and Perinatal Epidemiology (3 Credits)
Focuses on current research, controversial issues, and methodological challenges in the epidemiology of reproductive and perinatal health. Reproductive health topics will include fertility and fecundity, quality family planning services, hormone replacement therapy, and reproductive health cancers. Perinatal health topics will include fetal growth, adverse pregnancy and birth outcomes, fetal/infant/maternal morbidity and mortality, and birth defects. Lectures will focus on the biology, measurement, and application of study designs and analytic strategies for examining these topics. Course readings and discussions will critically review the broader context of reproductive and perinatal health within families and communities.
Prerequisite: Must have completed a graduate course in epidemiology with a B- or higher.
Credit Only Granted for: FMSC612 or FMSC740.
Formerly: FMSC612.
FMSC745 Diversity and Social Justice In Couple and Family Therapy (3 Credits)
The purpose of this course is to improve students' cultural competence by sensitizing them to sources of bias in family service delivery, particularly those associated with race, culture/ ethnicity, social class, gender, sexual orientation, immigration, spirituality, and ability. Students will be introduced to major critiques of service delivery, couple and family therapy, and research from each of these perspectives, as well as recommendations for addressing these issues in practice.
Credit Only Granted for: FMSC745 or FMST745.
Formerly: FMST745.
FMSC750 Family and Health Policy (3 Credits)
Development and analysis of public policies affecting the health and well-being of children, youth, and families, with an emphasis on low income and ethnic minority populations. Examination of social, economic, and political dynamics that influence family and health policies and the delivery of health care. Introduction to health advocacy within the US public health system.
Credit Only Granted for: FMSC750 or FMST750.
Formerly: FMST750.
FMSC758 Supervision of Marriage and Family Therapy Supervision (1-3 Credits)
Designed to provide supervision of marriage and family therapy supervision. Limited to students who have completed a Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) Program or its equivalent, have completed an approved MFT supervision course, and are supervisors-in-training. Supervised supervision will incorporate various family systems, models and methods.
Prerequisite: Permission of SPHL-Family Science department.
Repeatable to: 12 credits if content differs.
Formerly: FMST758.
FMSC760 Legal Issues & Families (3 Credits)
Analysis of marriage and family issues from a legal perspective. Review of legal decisions affecting families, including procreative rights, marriage, termination of marriage, parental and child rights, adoption, child custody, and child/family medical treatment. Relationship between family law and family policy.
Credit Only Granted for: FMSC760 or FMST760.
Formerly: FMST760.
FMSC780 Qualitative Methods in Family and Health Research (3 Credits)
Theoretical perspectives and methodological tools to conduct research with individuals and families across the life span. Review of research designs, participant fieldwork, observation and interview projects, data collection, computer-assisted data analysis, and development of grounded theory.
Restriction: Permission of the Family Sciences department.
Credit Only Granted for: FMSC780 or FMST780.
Formerly: FMST780.
FMSC789 Non-Thesis Research (1-3 Credits)
Non-thesis option research papers.
Repeatable to: 6 credits if content differs.
Formerly: FMST789.
FMSC790 Marriage and Family Therapy Supervision (3 Credits)
Theory and research in supervision of marriage and family therapy. Emphasis on major models, articulation of personal model, and demonstration of perceptual, conceptual, and executive skills in marriage and family therapy supervision. Designed to meet the didactic course component of the designation of Approved Supervisor of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy.
Prerequisite: Permission of SPHL-Family Science department.
Credit Only Granted for: FMSC790, FMST690, or FMST790.
Formerly: FMST790.
FMSC799 Master's Thesis Research (1-6 Credits)
Formerly: FMST799.
FMSC810 Theory in Family Systems and Family Health (3 Credits)
Theory and research on family interaction and family coping with normative health and mental health transitions and non-normative crises across the family life cycle. Micro-analysis of family process in communication, decision-making, problem-solving, and compliance to health regimens. Examination of dysfunctional patterns and effective coping strategies.
Restriction: Permission of instructor.
Credit Only Granted for: FMSC810, FMST698P, or FMST810.
Formerly: FMST810.
FMSC820 Advanced Quantitative Methods in Family and Health Research (3 Credits)
This seminar is designed to help students understand, evaluate, and develop research conceptualization and design relevant to family science and family health. By the end of the course, students will be able to critique and develop theoretically grounded quantitative research in their respective area of study. Throughout the course, students will be exposed to a broad range of advanced methods that are core to the field of family science. The course will train students on how to conceptualize and develop rigorous empirical research studies relevant to family science and family health.
Recommended: Basic knowledge regarding social science research methods, study design, univariate and bivariate statistics, and family theory.
FMSC850 Maternal & Child Health Epidemiology (3 Credits)
Determinants and trends in Maternal and Child Health, including analysis of the role of economic inequalities, race and ethnicity, community contexts, and psychosocial factors across the life course. Overview of methods and data systems used to monitor Maternal and Child Health. Development of a complete population health study.
Restriction: Permission of instructor.
Credit Only Granted for: FMSC850, FMST698P, or FMST850.
Formerly: FMST850.
FMSC879 Preparing Future Faculty and Professionals Seminar (1 Credit)
Development of skills necessary to obtain and succeed in academic and non-academic positions in family science and public health. Topics include: career mapping, networking, teaching/teaching portfolios, independent research, publishing, grant writing, program and policy evaluation, consulting, job search, interviewing and negotiation, mentoring, diversity, work-family balance, and ethical issues in the workplace. Periodic visits to universities and government/nonprofit employers.
Restriction: Must be in one of the following programs (Family Science (Doctoral); Maternal and Child Health (Doctoral)).
Repeatable to: 4 credits.
FMSC898 Pre-Candidacy Research (1-8 Credits)
Formerly: FMST898.
FMSC899 Doctoral Dissertation Research (1-8 Credits)
Formerly: FMST899.