This course enables students to draw on sociological, psychological, and anthropological theories and research to analyze 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.
Unit 1: An Approach to the Study of Individuals and Families
Students explore family definitions, structures, and roles within various historical and cultural origins. Theoretical frameworks for studying the family are examined from the disciplines of sociology, psychology, and anthropology. Students are introduced to social science research methods to investigate issues that affect individuals and families in a diverse society. Note: The independent study begins in this unit. Each student determines a topic and formulates a research question.
Unit 2: Individuals in a Diverse Society
An understanding of individual development is gained through the exploration of a variety of related theories. Historical and ethnocultural understandings of the origins of contemporary individual lifestyles, socialization patterns, and family roles are developed. Students undertake an analysis of current issues and trends relating to the young adult. They use social science research skills to enhance their learning.
Unit 3: Intimate Relationships and Marriage in a Diverse Society
Students analyze and evaluate theories about mate selection. The legal aspects of marriage are presented and examined. An overview of the historical, religious, and cultural perspectives of marriage is given. The students learn the skills, attitudes, and behaviors necessary to build satisfying and lasting relationships. Current issues, such as divorce, power/abuse, and alternatives to marriage are explored.
Unit 4: Parent Child Relationships in a Diverse Society
Students examine and explore the development of the parent-child relationship. Students use knowledge of family theories gained in Unit 1 to analyze information from both a psychological and sociological perspective. Issues, such as the role of parents and children in the family, socialization patterns, and parenting practices are examined within the contexts of various cultural perspectives and historical periods. Current issues such as divorce, reproductive technology, teen parenting, and child abuse are investigated in order to speculate on the significance of these trends for individual and family development. Upon completion of their independent study unit, students demonstrate effective use of current technology in the communication of their independent study.
