Enhancing the lives of children and families through interrelated theory, research, and practice that address the diverse and complex nature of their futures.
The mission of the Family and Child Studies program is to foster an interdisciplinary scholarly environment that enables early childhood professionals, family service providers, and researchers in the field of family and child study to:
The Family and Child Studies program (undergraduate through doctoral-level) focuses on understanding the complex influences, relationships, and ecologies of development across the lifespan. The program prepares students to promote the optimal well-being of families and individuals, recognizing that characteristics and needs of families change across the lifespan and within multiple and diverse contexts. Families provide children’s first learning environments, which impact children’s education and learning throughout their lives. The preparation of professionals in education is grounded in the deep understanding of families and children. Thus, the Family and Child Studies program makes a central contribution to preparation of professionals in the College of Education. The program provides an option for professionals to become licensed to teach Pre-K to Grade 3 in New Mexico, as well as an option to become nationally-certified family life educators.
Courses
FCS 101.
Child Growth, Development, and Learning.
(3)
This basic course in the growth, development, and learning of young children, provides foundational knowledge of how young children grow, develop and learn.
FCS 102.
Carpe Noctem: Sleep, Health, and the Family.
(3)
Students will learn about issues in sleep research with a focus on the examination of sleep in the family context. The course will emphasize how family processes influence sleep across development and vice versa.
FCS 103.
Health, Safety, and Nutrition.
(2)
This course provides information related to standards and practices that promote children’s physical and mental well being, sound nutritional practices, and maintenance of safe learning environments.
{Fall}
FCS 105.
Introduction to Family and Child Studies.
(3)
An introduction to the profession of Family Studies including content areas, community agencies and career opportunities.
FCS 111.
Family and Community Collaboration.
(3)
This basic course examines the involvement of families from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds in early childhood programs. Ways to establish collaborative relationships with parents and others involved with children in early childhood settings are discussed.
FCS 115.
Guiding Young Children.
(3)
This course explores theories of child guidance and practical applications. It provides developmentally appropriate methods for guiding children, effective strategies and suggestions for facilitating positive social interactions.
FCS 117.
Curriculum Development through Play - Birth through Age 4.
(3)
The beginning curriculum course places play at the center of curriculum in developmentally appropriate early childhood programs. It addresses content that is relevant for children birth through age four in developmentally and culturally sensitive ways.
Corequisite: 117L.
FCS 117L.
Practicum: Birth through Age 4.
(2)
The beginning practicum course is a corequisite to Curriculum Development through Play - Birth through Age 4. The field-based component course provides experiences that address curriculum content relevant for children.
Prerequisite: 101.
Corequisite: 117.
FCS 202.
Introduction to Reading, Language and Literacy.
(3)
This is a basic course in children’s emergent literacy and reading development: Ways to foster phonemic awareness, literacy problem solving skills, fluency, vocabulary, comprehension, and language development are explored.
FCS 203.
Infant Growth and Development.
(3)
Basic needs and growth factors of the child with emphasis on the prenatal period, infancy and through the second year.
FCS 213.
Marriage and Family Relationships.
(3)
Overview of significant research and theories in premarital, marital and family relationships.
FCS 217.
Curriculum Development and Implementation - Age 3 through Grade 3.
(3)
The curriculum course focuses on developmentally appropriate curriculum content in early childhood programs, age 3 through third grade. Development and implementation of curriculum in all content areas, including literacy, numeracy, the arts, health and emotional wellness, science, motor and social skills is emphasized. Information on adapting content areas to meet the needs of children with special needs and the development of IEPs is included.
Corequisite: 217L.
FCS 217L.
Practicum: Age 3 to Grade 3.
(2)
The beginning practicum course is a corequisite with the course Curriculum Development and Implementation - Age 3 (Pre-K) through Grade 3. The field based component of this course will provide experiences that address developmentally appropriate curriculum content.
Prerequisite: 101.
Corequisite: 217.
FCS 220.
Assessment of Children and Evaluation of Programs.
(3)
This basic course familiarizes students with a variety of culturally appropriate assessment methods and instruments, and the development and use of formative and summative program evaluation to ensure quality.
FCS 230.
Professionalism.
(2)
This course provides a broad-based orientation to the field of early care and education. Early childhood history, philosophy, ethics and advocacy are introduced.
FCS 302.
Emergent Literacy: Birth through Pre-K.
(3)
This advanced course prepares early childhood professionals to teach reading and writing in Birth to Pre-K classrooms. This course covers a broad spectrum of topics relevant to the teaching of reading.
Prerequisite: 311 and 321 and 401.
FCS 304.
Growth and Development in Middle Childhood.
(3)
Principles of growth and development for 6 to 11-year-olds in language, cognitive, physical, motor, social and emotional areas. Influences on development included.
FCS 305.
Research and Evaluation in Family and Child Studies.
(3)
A course focusing on research and evaluation in early childhood settings.
Restriction: junior standing.
{Spring}
FCS 310.
Friends and Intimate Relationships.
(3)
Survey of the research concerning friends and intimate relationships. Focus on the dynamic characteristics of friendship and other intimate relationships.
FCS 311.
Family, Language and Culture.
(3)
This advanced course prepares prospective teachers for working effectively as partners with diverse family and community members to facilitate the development and learning of children birth through age 8, including children with special needs.
Prerequisite: 111.
Restriction: admitted to B.S. Family and Child Studies.
{Fall}
FCS 312.
Parent-Child Interactions.
(3)
Dynamic interactions of parents and children throughout the life cycle in diverse family configurations.
FCS 313.
Family Theories.
(3)
Family theories, conceptual frameworks and research relevant to current family lifestyles including single parents, remarried, same sex, cohabitants.
Prerequisite: 213.
FCS 315.
Adolescent Development in the Family.
(3)
Developmental interaction and communication patterns of adolescents within a family setting.
FCS 316.
Early Childhood Pedagogy and Curriculum.
(3)
Course focuses on developmentally appropriate practices and content, learning environments, and curriculum implementation for children in Pre-K through 3rd grade. It emphasizes integration of content areas including reading/writing, math, science, and technology.
Restriction: admitted to B.S. Family and Child Studies, and junior or senior standing.
FCS 321.
Young Children and Diverse Abilities.
(3)
Advanced course building upon student understanding of connections among learning, teaching, assessment and program evaluation strategies. Specific focus on educational policies, programs, practices, services appropriate for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, early primary children exhibiting delays and disabilities.
Prerequisite: 220.
FCS 341.
Ecological Aspects of Housing.
(3)
Variations in housing structures and the impact of housing on family functioning.
FCS 343.
Family Management Theories.
(3)
Comparison of current theories of family management.
Restriction: admitted to B.S. Family and Child Studies.
FCS 344.
Consumer Decisions.
(3)
Role of the family member as a consumer and exploration of the resources available for purchase decisions.
FCS 391 / 591.
Problems.
(1-6 to a maximum of 6 Δ; 1-3 to a maximum of 12 Δ)
Restriction: permission of instructor.
FCS 395.
Field Experience.
(1-6 to a maximum of 6 Δ)
Combines 120 hours of practical experience in agency or institutional setting with class seminar. Students apply and integrate knowledge and skills for working with or on behalf of individuals and/or families.
Restriction: permission of instructor.
FCS 401.
Research in Child Growth, Development and Learning.
(3)
This advanced course in child growth, development, and learning builds upon the foundational material covered in the basic course in child growth, development, and learning. An integration of major theories of child development is provided.
Prerequisite: 101.
Restriction: admitted to B.S. Family and Child Studies.
{Fall}
FCS 402.
Teaching and Learning Reading and Writing.
(3)
This advanced course is designed to prepare early childhood professionals to understand and to teach. This course focuses on reading as a complex, interactive, constructive process.
Prerequisite: 202.
Restriction: admitted to B.S. Family and Child Studies.
{Fall, Spring}
FCS 403.
Growth and Development of the Preschool Child.
(3)
Developmental principles and recent research on language, cognitive, physical-motor and social-emotional development of the preschool child.
Corequisite: 407L.
Restriction: junior or senior standing.
FCS 405.
Advanced Caregiving for Infants and Toddlers.
(3)
This advanced course prepares early childhood professionals to teach reading and writing in K-3 classrooms. A broad spectrum of topics relevant to the teaching of reading are covered.
Restriction: admitted to B.S. Family and Child Studies, and junior or senior standing.
FCS 406.
Teaching and Learning Math and Science.
(4)
This course focuses on the standards, principles, and practices in teaching mathematics and science to young children in preschool through grade 3. An emphasis is placed on developing a content-rich integrated math and science curriculum.
Restriction: admitted to B.S. Family and Child Studies, and junior or senior standing.
FCS 407L.
Preschool Child Laboratory.
(1)
Laboratory experience in child care center; must be taken concurrently with 403. Includes participation or observation/participation. Hours arranged.
Pre- or corequisite: 403.
FCS 408.
Teaching and Learning in Social Studies, Fine Arts and Movement.
(3)
This course emphasizes an integrated approach to teaching the “what and why” of social studies, fine arts and movement; assessing student learning; planning units, lessons, and activities; developing effective instructional strategies.
Restriction: admitted to B.S. Family and Child Studies, and junior or senior standing.
FCS *411.
Marriage and Family Life Education.
(3)
Philosophies and processes of family life education programs (FLE).
FCS 412.
Fathering.
(3)
This course will examine fathers’ role in child development across cultural groups. Conceptualization of fathering and the relationship between cultural beliefs and fathering behaviors will be explored.
FCS 416.
Adult Development in the Family.
(3)
Examination of the biological, psychological and sociocultural aspects of adult development and aging and their dynamic interactions within the context of diverse family structures and lifestyles. Implications for prevention and intervention strategies discussed.
FCS 417L.
Teaching and Learning Practicum.
(2)
This advanced practicum provides opportunities for students to develop, implement, and evaluate developmentally appropriate and integrated learning experiences for children in K-3rd grade. This 2 credit-hour practicum requires 60 supervised contact hours.
Pre- or corequisite: 402.
Restriction: admitted to B.S. Family and Child Studies.
{Fall, Spring}
FCS 440.
Student Teaching Seminar.
(3)
Weekly seminar where students engage in critical reflection and discussion of their own practice, and make connections between theory and practice. Students focus on developing competencies, self-assessment, and develop a professional portfolio.
Prerequisite: 103 and 115 and 117 and 117L and 202 and 217 and 217L and 230 and 311 and 321 and 401 and 406 and 408 and 417L.
Restriction: admitted to B.S. Family and Child Studies, and senior standing.
FCS 440L.
Student Teaching Laboratory.
(9)
Student teaching experience in early childhood including placement and assigned tasks in an early childhood classroom with a mentor teacher, and a weekly seminar where students review and reflect on their own teaching practices.
Prerequisite: 305 and 401 and 402 and 417L.
Restriction: admitted to B.S. Family and Child Studies.
{Fall, Spring}
FCS 443.
Application of Family Management Theories.
(3)
Discussion of working with family members to identify and help meet family demands with an emphasis on family resource use. Includes 40 hours in a field setting.
Prerequisite: 343.
FCS 481.
Public Policy and Advocacy in Family and Child Studies.
(3)
Synthesis of issues in Family Studies with emphasis on the formulation and impact of public policies.
Restriction: admitted to B.S. Family and Child Studies, and junior or senior standing.
FCS *484.
The Sociocultural Context of Families.
(3)
Survey of family dynamics of ethnic minority families in the U.S. Topics include gender roles, mate selection, conjugal power, intermarriage, child development, parenting, the elderly, kinship patterns and reciprocal impact of social environments and family systems.
Restriction: junior or senior standing.
FCS 493 / 593.
Topics.
(1-3, no limit Δ; 1-3, no limit Δ)
FCS 497.
Reading and Research in Honors I.
(2)
Advanced studies and research under the supervision of a faculty mentor.
Restriction: permission of instructor.
FCS 498.
Reading and Research in Honors II.
(2)
Advanced studies and research under the supervision of a faculty mentor.
Prerequisite: 497.
Restriction: permission of instructor.
FCS 499.
Honors Thesis.
(2)
Prerequisite: 498.
Restriction: permission of instructor.
FCS 501.
Parent Education.
(3)
Focus on philosophy of parent education, including content, processes, procedures, techniques and resources. Implications of child development principles from infancy through adolescence for parenting will be examined.
FCS 502.
Developmental Issues in Families: Early Childhood.
(3)
Addresses developmental issues in families with children from birth through age 8, including all aspects of development in children, with developmental implications for family members, based on contemporary research.
Prerequisite: a course in human development, early childhood or developmental psychology.
FCS 503.
Seminar in Human Growth and Development.
(3)
Theories and research relevant to human growth and development across the life span, including implications for education, child rearing and counseling.
FCS 504.
Developmental Issues in Families: Middle Childhood and Adolescence.
(3)
Physical, affective, social and language/cognitive development in middle childhood and adolescence. Ecological and relational influences will be emphasized, including school, gender, social class, family and peer relationships.
{Offered in rotation with two other developmental courses}
FCS 508.
Developmental Issues in Families: Adulthood and Aging.
(3)
Current issues concerning the biological, psychological and sociocultural aspects of adult development and aging within the contexts of diverse family structures and lifestyles will be examined through the study of the relevant research literature.
{Offered in rotation with 502 and 504}
FCS 512.
Interventions with Children and Families.
(3)
Focus on similarities and differences in working with families, depending upon differences in client, practitioner, problem and setting characteristics.
Restriction: permission of instructor.
FCS 513.
Current Issues in Family and Child Studies.
(3, no limit Δ)
Topics vary from term to term, but are all critically important for Family Studies. They include but are not limited to: Death and Dying and Family Violence.
FCS 514.
Fatherhood.
(3)
A critical examination of issues related to fatherhood including the multiple dimensions of paternal involvement, influences on involvement and consequences of involvement. The course examines multiple perspectives and frameworks for understanding fatherhood.
FCS 515.
Young Children Moving Into Literacy.
(3)
This course explores the processes of young children s emergent literacy. It focuses on selection of materials and design of activities appropriate for use in the home, school and other settings.
Prerequisite: EDUC 331L and EDUC 333L.
{Summer}
FCS 516.
Advanced Study of Early Childhood Curriculum.
(3)
This course focuses on investigating early childhood curricula for children birth to 3rd grade. Students conduct studies to gain deeper understandings of current curricula, theoretical foundations, related trends and issues, and impact on children's learning.
FCS 517.
Family Interaction Theories.
(3)
Review of salient theories and dynamics involved in understanding interaction patterns within contemporary families. The ability to analyze relationships is emphasized.
Restriction: permission of instructor.
FCS 543.
Managing Family Resources.
(3)
A survey of the research in the field of family management to include family resources, decision making and work allocation.
Prerequisite: a course in family management theories or permission of instructor.
FCS 546.
Family Systems Theories.
(3)
This course examines the development of family systems theories from the physical and biological sciences and explores current use within a broader ecosystemic perspective. Implications for research, education and clinical practice are illustrated and discussed.
FCS 547.
Global Perspectives in Early Childhood Education.
(3)
This course focuses on how, and why, Early Childhood Education programs and policies vary in different countries and regions. It examines research that analyzes, comparatively, the history and current dimensions of such programs and policies.
FCS 570.
Research Methods in Family and Child Studies.
(3)
Research design and methods used in research with families. Includes individual projects.
FCS 576.
Teaching and Learning Through Play.
(3)
This course explores the philosophical and theoretical foundations of play and its impact on children's development and learning. Students explore current research, issues, and trends related to play in early childhood programs.
{Fall}
FCS 581.
Seminar in Legal, Ethical and Policy Issues in Family and Child Studies.
(3)
Examination and analysis of contemporary issues relating to families from legal, ethical and policy perspectives. Development of a code of ethics for family professionals.
Restriction: admitted to Ph.D. Family and Child Studies.
FCS 584.
Multicultural Issues: Working with Families.
(3)
Provides information specific to various subcultures in the U.S.A., including cultural self-awareness, and the development of multicultural competence for successful interaction. Emphasis is on research findings on multicultural issues working with children, adults and families.
FCS 591 / 391.
Problems.
(1-3 to a maximum of 12 Δ; 1-6 to a maximum of 6 Δ)
May be repeated to a maximum of 6 credit hours for Master’s Plan I and a maximum of 12 credit hours for Master’s Plan II.
FCS 593 / 493.
Topics.
(1-3, no limit Δ; 1-3, no limit Δ)
Various current topics in family studies are offered on a trial basis before they are established as permanent courses. Additional information may be obtained from the program.
FCS 595.
Advanced Field Experiences.
(3)
Course completed in a setting where student will work with families and/or individuals. Students must participate in 160 hours.
Restriction: permission of instructor.
FCS 596.
Graduate Research Seminar.
(3)
Designed for non-thesis M.A. Family and Child Studies students to complete a scholarly research project. In this project, students are expected to demonstrate skills and knowledge in research methods, statistics, and academic writing.
Prerequisite: 570 and EDPY 511.
Restriction: admitted to M.A. Family and Child Studies.
FCS 598.
Directed Readings in Family and Child Studies.
(3-6 to a maximum of 6 Δ)
Independent readings to be arranged with individual faculty.
FCS 599.
Master's Thesis.
(1-6, no limit Δ)
See Graduate Programs for total credit requirements.
Offered on a CR/NC basis only.
FCS 610.
Applied Developmental Science in Families.
(3)
This advanced doctoral seminar explores the application of Developmental Science to the understanding of human development in families.
FCS 614.
Globalization and International Families.
(3)
This course discusses empirical findings and conceptual, descriptive, and cultural frameworks for understanding diverse forms and functions of the family in a global context.
FCS 615.
Human Development in Cultural Contexts.
(3)
This course explores theories and methodological commitments of developmental cultural psychology. It analyzes issues, trends, and controversies in relation to current and future empirical work.
FCS 620.
Sleep and Family Processes.
(3)
Students will learn about issues in sleep research with a focus on the examination of sleep in the family context. The course will emphasize how family processes influence sleep across development and vice versa.
FCS 622.
Seminar in Advanced Study of Early Childhood Education.
(3)
This advanced studies course focuses on multiple dimensions associated with educating children birth to 3rd grade. Discussions topics include current literature, investigations of practice, tensions between policy and practice, advocacy, initiatives, and exemplary programs.
FCS 625.
Seminar in Self Regulation.
(3)
Advanced doctoral seminar explores the field of self-regulation from an ecological, developmental, and applied approach. Related constructs will be explored as well as diverse theories and applications.
FCS 670.
Advanced Seminar in Theory and Research in Family and Child Studies I.
(3)
The first half of a two-semester course examining the nature of theories, theoretical approaches to the study of families and the application of various theories of human development.
Restriction: admitted to Ph.D. Family and Child Studies.
FCS 671.
Advanced Seminar in Theory and Research in Family and Child Studies II.
(3)
The second half of a two-semester course examining the application of certain theories to research on families and the implications of family theories for education, prevention and social policies.
Prerequisite: 670.
Restriction: admitted to Ph.D. Family and Child Studies.
FCS 699.
Doctoral Dissertation.
(3-12, no limit Δ)
Students may not receive credit in dissertation until the semester in which the doctoral comps are passed.
Offered on a CR/NC basis only.
