COMM 3370 - Family Communication

Goals: To introduce students to a wide variety of theories that attempt to describe, explain, and analyze the different kinds of issues and interpersonal dynamics in the field of family communication. To become familiar with the ways that research is conducted in family communication and to gain an understanding of the results of that research.

Content: Theories of family communication. Interpretative, quantitative, and critical approaches to doing research in the field of family communication. Spousal, sibling, and parent/child communication patterns. Cultural differences in family functioning and family communication. Conflict management in families. Changes in family dynamics over the lifespan of a family. Single parent families, stepfamilies, blended families, and gay and lesbian families. Communication patterns in families with adopted children and biracial children. Families dealing with crisis.

Taught: Alternate years.

Prerequisite: None.

Credits: 4 credits