Department of Family Studies and Community Development

College of Liberal Arts Building 2210
Phone: 410-704-5851
Fax: 410-704-3612
Email: fmst@towson.edu

Programs of the Department 

The Department of Family Studies and Community Development offers one major, Family and Human Services, and a minor in Family Studies.

The Family and Human Services major provides students with academic and field experiences related to the study of family development across the lifespan, with an emphasis on human services. A Family and Human Services major can choose the track in Introduction to Child Life. Academic preparation includes the study of family dynamics, theories of family development and functioning, as well as the interaction between families and the broader community. The curriculum emphasizes civic engagement through service learning and internships in the community. This affords students with opportunities to integrate course work with real-life professional experiences. These experiences are designed to provide students with opportunities to utilize and integrate course work in real-life professional settings.

Graduate Programs

The department offers a B.S./M.S. five-year program in Family and Human Services-Introduction to Child Life track (B.S.) and Child Life, Administration and Family Collaboration (M.S.); an M.S. in Child Life, Administration and Family Collaboration; a B.A. (or B.S.)/M.A. five-year program in Family Science and Leadership in Jewish Education and Communal Service; an M.A. in Leadership in Jewish Education and Communal Service; and Post-Baccalaureate Certificates in Family-Professional Collaboration, Jewish Education and Jewish Communal Service. See the Graduate Catalog for additional details.

Accelerated Bachelor's/Master's Programs:

Courses

FMST 101 INTRODUCTION TO FAMILY STUDIES (3)

An interdisciplinary look at family studies. Students who have successfully completed the honors version of this course (FMST 102) will not receive additional credit for this course. Core: Social & Behavioral Studies.

FMST 102 HONORS INTRODUCTION TO FAMILY STUDIES (3)

An interdisciplinary look at family studies. Emphasis on discussion and analyses of current issues. Honors College Course. Students who have successfully completed the non-honors version of this course will not receive additional credit for this course. Core: Social & Behavioral Sciences.

FMST 140 MEDICAL TERMINOLOGY FOR HUMAN SERVICE WORKERS (1)

Introduction to medical terminology designed to increase familiarity with medical terms associated with bodily systems, disease processes, and clinical procedures commonly used in the health care setting.

FMST 201 FAMILY RESOURCES (3)

Individual and family decision-making related to the development and allocation of resources such as time, money, material assets, energy, space and support networks. Includes the exploration and application of managing resources for families at risk. Core: Metropolitan Perspectives.

FMST 210 FAMILIES IN GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE (3)

Exploration of causes and consequences of variations in family patterns and functioning among diverse and dynamic societies around the world. Use of social, historical, theoretical, comparative, and lifespan perspectives. Core: Global Perspectives.

FMST 240 INTRODUCTION TO CHILD LIFE (3)

An overview of the field of Child Life. The role of the Child LIfe Specialist, requirements necessary to become a Certified Child Life Specialist, and the challenges of the field.

FMST 250 INTRODUCTION TO THE NONPROFIT SECTOR (3)

Define and describes the nonprofit sector; including history, theory, mission, vision, communication, strategic planning and ethics. Specific practical tools and case studies will enhance student understanding and comprehension of issues related to the sector and its future. Prerequisites: FMST 101 or FMST 102; ENGL 102.

FMST 285 STATISTICS FOR FAMILY SCIENCE AND HUMAN SERVICE (3)

Introductory online statistics course that includes the role of statistics in hypothesis testing, frequency distributions, levels of measurement, measures of central tendency and variability, normal curves, sampling distributions, correlations, chi-square, one-way analysis of variance. Prerequisite: MATH 109 or higher (except MATH 204) with a "C" or better.

FMST 287 TECHNOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS IN HUMAN SERVICES (3)

Exploration of the impact of information systems and technology on individuals, families, and human service delivery through service learning. Prerequisites: FMST 101 or FMST 102; ENGL 102 or ENGL 190, or equivalent.

FMST 297 PREPARING HUMAN SERVICE WORKERS: PRE-INTERNSHIP (3)

Preparation for students for professional internships in community agencies. Discussion of ethical and professional competencies, intervention with diverse populations, reports in administrative settings, and development of learning plans including goal setting. Utilization of technological components. Prerequisites: junior/senior major standing and 15 units in FMST.

FMST 301 FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS (3)

Family dynamics along the continuum of family development and across generations. Focuses on family communication, conflict management, and education. Prerequisites: FMST 101 or FMST 102; PSYC 101 or SOCI 101.

FMST 302 FAMILY THEORIES (3)

An overview and application of theoretical frameworks underlying research on families. Theories include Family Systems, Family Development, Symbolic Interaction, Social Exchange, Ecological, Conflict, and Feminist. Prerequisites: FMST 101 or FMST 102; PSYC 101 or SOCI 101.

FMST 303 CONTEMPORARY TRENDS IN FAMILY POLICY (3)

The impact of macro social issues on family and policy responses in social and historical context. Prerequisites: FMST 101 or FMST 102; SOCI 101.

FMST 305 PARENT-CHILD RELATIONSHIPS ACROSS THE LIFESPAN (3)

Parent-Child relationships from pregnancy and childbirth through the death of elderly parents using systems and life course perspectives. Cultural and contextual factors shaping the parent-child relationship. Prerequisite: FMST 101 or FMST 102.

FMST 307 FAMILY HEALTH ISSUES (3)

An examination of family health issues, with focus on social determinants of health, health disparities, and family functioning, all in the context of health behavior and family theories. Prerequisite: FMST 101.

FMST 310 LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL, AND TRANSGENDER FAMILIES (3)

Introduction to research-informed guidelines for working with lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender families in professional settings. Will explore LGBT families and relationships. Ways to help LGBT families and youth thrive will be emphasized. Promotes in-depth understanding of the systemic context of LGBT families and lends itself to application of knowledge in diverse professional contexts. Prerequisite: FMST 101, FMST 102, PSYC 101, or SOCI 101. Core: Diversity & Difference.

FMST 311 AFRICAN AMERICAN FAMILIES (3)

Exploring issues relevant to understanding African American families in the United States. Consideration of historical, sociological, cultural, political, and economic contexts. Key issues and themes of examining the experiences of African-American family life. Core: Diversity & Difference.

FMST 315 AMERICAN FAMILIES ON TELEVISION: REPRESENTATION AND REALITY (3)

An examination of the American family in popular situation comedies from the 1950s to the 1990s, with focus on issues of race, class, gender, and sexuality. Attention to cultural and social context in which comedies were made, and contrast between representation and actual historical events. Prerequisite: FMST 101, SOCI 101, PSYC 101 or ANTH 207 with a C or better. Core: United States as a Nation.

FMST 325 ETHICS IN HUMAN SERVICES (3)

Examination of ethical dilemmas related to human services, involving individuals and families across the lifespan. Broad assessment of consumer and professional issues related to moral judgment and ethical sensitivity. Prerequisite: FMST 101 or FMST 102 or PSYC 101 or SOCI 101. Core: Ethical Issues & Perspectives.

FMST 340 THE HOSPITALIZED CHILD AND FAMILY (3)

Psychosocial and developmental needs of infants, children, adolescents, and families in a health care context, with a focus on the roles and interventions of the child life specialist. Prerequisites: FMST 101 or FMST 102, PSYC 101, SOCI 101, PSYC 203, and FMST 240.

FMST 345 INTRODUCTION TO ART THERAPY (3)

An overview of the art therapy field, presenting its history, major practitioners, and theoretical bases. Prerequisites: FMST 101 or FMST 102 and PSYC 101 and PSYC 203. Lab/Class fee will be assessed.

FMST 350 FUNDAMENTALS OF LEADERSHIP IN THE NON-PROFIT SECTOR (3)

Overview of non-profit organizations, roles and responsibilities of leaders in the non-profit sector, issues concerning nonprofits. Junior/Senior standing required. Prerequisites: PSYC 101, SOCI 101, FMST 201, and FMST 250.

FMST 355 FUNDRAISING, FRIENDRAISING AND VOLUNTEER MANAGEMENT (3)

How nonprofit organizations generate and manage financial and human resources, including the theoretical, behavioral and pragmatic foundations of philanthropy, fund development, and volunteerism. Prerequisites: FMST 350 & MKTG 341.

FMST 360 DIVERSITY, CULTURE, AND TEAM DYNAMICS (3)

Strategies for effective participation on a team with colleagues, friends and relatives for use in a globalized society or a local context. Examination of the components that influence group dynamics in teams and how members' culture and diversity shape them. Examination of people's differences, how they can agree on goals, and how they can work together effectively despite their differences. Engagement in team exercises to learn to overcome obstacles to teamwork. Prerequisite: FMST 101 or FMST 102 or PSYC 101 or SOCI 101. Core: Diversity & Difference.

FMST 370 SPECIAL TOPICS IN FAMILY STUDIES (3)

In-depth study of a selected topic in Family Studies. May be repeated for a maximum of nine units. Prerequisite: FMST 101 or FMST 102.

FMST 380 FAMILY LAW (3)

Legal and public policy framework for the analysis and application of family law issues facing families across the lifespan in American society. Prerequisite: FMST 101 or FMST 102 or PSYC 101 or SOCI 101.

FMST 387 COMMUNITY SERVICES FOR FAMILIES (3)

Application of conceptual knowledge within community support and service programs, including needs assessment, program planning, and direct or indirect service to communities. Requires 30-35 hours of service learning outside of class time. Prerequisites: FMST 101; FMST 250; PSYC 101; SOCI 101.

FMST 397 INTERNSHIP IN FAMILY AND HUMAN SERVICES (3)

Supervised experience in family studies (120 field hours). May not be repeated for additional credit. Prerequisites: completion of FMST 297 and 18 additional units of FMST coursework; major standing.

FMST 415 SERVICES TO CHILDREN AND YOUTH (3)

Overview of supports and services necessary to foster healthy development in children, youth, and families. Focuses on the role of family and community influences in socializing children. Prerequisites: senior standing and one of the following courses: ECED 201, PSYC 403, PSYC 404, PSYC 451, SCED 301, SCED 305.

FMST 430 CASE MANAGEMENT FOR FAMILY AND HUMAN SERVICES (3)

Introduction to fundamental aspects of case management including roles, processes, responsibilities, and employment challenges of professional case managers working with individuals and families throughout the life cycle in a variety of settings. Prerequisites: junior or senior standing; major/minor standing.

FMST 460 INTRODUCTION TO FAMILY THERAPY (3)

Overview of the theory and process of family therapy. Focuses on family systems approaches to case conceptualization and intervention, including Bowen family systems, strategic, structural, experiential, cognitive-behavioral, solution-focused, and narrative models. Prerequisites: FMST 301 and FMST 302.

FMST 465 JEWISH FAMILIES UNDER NAZI RULE AND BEYOND (3)

An examination of the impact of the Holocaust on Jewish families and communities in Eastern Europe during WWII through the 20th century. An analysis of the effects of crises and genocide on families and communities; family members as victims, witnesses, survivors, and rescuers. An approach using written narratives, letters, literature, films, oral testimonies, guest speakers, and other historical sources. Prerequisite: FMST 101 or FMST 102 or PSYC 101 or SOCI 101. Core: Diversity & Difference.

FMST 485 RESEARCH METHODS IN FAMILY STUDIES (3)

Analyzing and writing about research in family studies. Requires grade of C or better to fulfill Core or requirement. Prerequisites: FMST 101 or FMST 102, FMST 302, ENGL 102 or ENGL 190 or equivalent, and (FMST 285 or PSYC 212 or PSYC 213 or MATH 231 or MATH 237 or ECON 205 or SOCI 212). Core: Advanced Writing Seminar.

FMST 490 FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION METHODOLOGY (3)

Professional integration of theory and practice related to service learning, human service work, family studies, and family life education. This course should be taken in the student's final semester of the program. Prerequisites: FMST 485 and 18 additional units of FMST coursework; senior standing.

FMST 491 INDEPENDENT STUDY IN FAMILY STUDIES (1-6)

Students explore an in-depth topic specific to the area of concentration under the direction of graduate program faculty member. Course may be repeated for 6 units. Prerequisite: Approval of department chair.

FMST 495 ADVANCED RESEARCH METHODS IN FAMILY SCIENCE (3)

Capstone course. Apply and analyze research as it relates to the family and expand on previous research courses. Emphasis on development of a comprehensive research proposal and final conference style presentation. Prerequisite: FMST 485 with a grade of C or better.

FMST 497 ADVANCED INTERNSHIP IN FAMILY STUDIES AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT (4)

Advanced human service internship experience [240 field hours]. Course is Web-enhanced. Prerequisites: consent of department; senior standing; a minimum grade equivalent of C (2.0) in all FMST courses, and approval of internship coordinator required prior to enrollment.

Faculty

Professors: Hana Bor (Graduate Program Director), Karen Eskow (Graduate Program Director), Sharon Jones-Eversley, Diane Kegan, Linda Oravecz (Chairperson)

Associate Professors: Karen Doneker Mancini, Amanda Ginter (Graduate Program Director), Katie Hrapczynski, Darnell Morris-Compton, Maureen Todd, Bethany Willis

Assistant Professors: Pooja Brar, Haedong Kim, Shawn Kim

Lecturers: Gillian Gregory, Courtney Martin, Julie McGovern

Clinical Associate Professor: Lisa Martinelli Beasley (Graduate Program Director)

Clinical Assistant Professor: Emily Margolis

Associate University Librarian for Administrative Services: Lisa Beasley