University of Minnesota College of Education and Human Development Department of Family Social Science

Close Window Print

Courses List

	FSoS 5032, Family Systems Theories and Interventions
	3 credits Prerequisite: instructor consent
	Course Description :
	Systemic/cybernetic frameworks as they apply to diverse families. Thinking systematically about families across multiple ecological systems. How to identify crucial epistemological issues in theoretical/applied areas of family science. Theoretical frameworks. Experiential role-playing, guest presenters, videos, field work, research projects, reading clubs, class discussion.
	Course Objectives / Goals:
	Increase your knowledge about hte historical evolution and development of systems theory, including first and second order cybernetics Increase your ability to speak the language of systems theory and its concepts Conceptualize family processes by the application of key concepts of General System Theory, cybernetics and the "new epistemologies", including postmodern, poststructuralist, deconstructionalist, and deep ecology frameworks Understand the interface between family subsystems, family systems, extended family systems and ecosystems Understand the influences of the modern and postmodern movments in family therapy and in family sciences Recognize patterns of interaction, information processing, structure, intergenerational processes, belief systems within the family, and the ramifications thses patterns hold for overall family functioning. Understand how systems concepts are used to bring about change in the lives of family members and greater systems Expose you to the major theological/clinical approaches used by family therapists Apply the concpets learned in class to diverse families across multiple ecological contexts
	Workload:
	In class discussion of reading materials, 2 reaction papers, take home exam, class discussion of articles, paper or creative project
	Required Readings :
	Becvar, D.D., & Bevcar, R.J. (2003). Family therapy: A systemic integration. (5th Ed.). Needham Heights, MN: Allyn & Bacon. Capra, F. (1996). The web of life. New York: Anchor Books. Course reading packet Recommended Text: Nichols, M.P., & Schwartz, R.C. (2001). Family Therapy Concepts and Methods. (5th Ed.) Needham Heights, MA: Allyn & Bacon.