General Family Studies
Family Studies @ Fraser
What is Family Studies?
Family Studies is an often misunderstood discipline. When most people hear “Family Studies” think of the old Home Economics program – cooking and sewing…but that is not really what family studies is all about. Family Studies is the modern discipline that has grown out of the old Home Economics area of study. It is an Applied Social Science (meaning we study the science of people) that draws from multiple other academic disciplines – most notably psychology, sociology, anthropology, economics, human development, law, politics, social justice, nutrition science, the health sciences, biology, chemists, consumer studies and business, and media studies – and filters them through the lens of the family. Since family studies is an Applied Social Science, we combine the theoretical, academic learning with practical, hands on, experiential learning. Family Studies courses help students build strong academic skills but, because everyone has a family, students relate to the material and make meaningful connections to what they have learned.
Courses Available @ Fraser
HIF 1O0 - Exploring Family Studies
This course explores, within the context of families, some of the fundamental
challenges people face: how to meet basic needs, how to relate to others, how to
manage resources, and how to become responsible members of society. Students will
explore adolescent development and will have opportunities to develop interpersonal,
decision-making, and practical skills related to daily life. They will learn about the
diverse ways in which families function in Canada and will use research skills as
they explore topics related to individual and family needs and resources.
Students in HIF 1O0 work in the department playschool 3 days a week for 12-14 weeks. Students will work one-on-one with a little friend, aged 2-5, as part of their learning about the family and personal responsibility. Students will also have opportunity to participate in food labs, a fashion sewing experience, and teach themself a new skill as part of their Personal Learning Blog Project.
HHD 3O0 - Dynamics of Healthy Relationships
This course focuses on helping students understand the individual and group factors
that contribute to healthy relationships. Students will examine the connections between their own self-concept and their interpersonal relationships. They will learn and practice strategies for developing and maintaining healthy relationships with friends, family, and community members, as well as with partners in intimate relationships. Students will use research and inquiry skills to investigate topics related to healthy relationships.
This is a playschool course, so students will be able to model and teach the dynamics of healthy relationships to little friends, age 2-5, that the students work with. There is also opportunity for outreach to foster positive and healthy relationships in the community.
HHS 4U0/4C0 - Families in Canada
This course enables students to draw on sociological, psychological, and anthropological theories and research to analyse the development of individuals, intimate relationships, and family and parent-child relationships. Students will focus on issues and challenges facing individuals and families in Canada’s diverse society. They will develop analytical tools that enable them to assess various factors affecting families and to consider policies and practices intended to support families in Canada. They will develop the investigative skills required to conduct and communicate the results of research on individuals, intimate relationships, and parent-child relationships.
This course introduces students to a variety of skills that will be useful for post-secondary studies, regardless of discipline.
The Family Studies Department
Location: room 233 (next to room 228)
Phone: 905-858-5910
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jfssfamilystudies