Family and Child Studies Undergraduate Courses

FCS 195 Special Topics (1-5)
Special topics in the discipline, designed primarily for freshmen. Students may enroll in 195 Special Topics multiple times, as long as the topics differ.

Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor.

FCS 251 Introduction to FCS (1)
This course is designed for Family and Child Studies majors or students who are seriously considering becoming an FCS major. Because all FCS majors have a specialization in Child Development, students examine the careers and opportunities for professionals working in the Child Development field. A substantial portion of the course focuses on the field experience opportunities and requirements for FCS majors.

FCS 295 Special Topics (1-5)
Special Topics in the discipline, designed primarily for sophomores. Students may enroll in 295 Special Topics multiple times, as long as the topics differ.

Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor.

FCS 306 Contemporary Families (3)
This course focuses on present-day American families, comparing them to families throughout history and exploring implications for the future. Special attention is given to the racial and ethnic diversity of contemporary families and strengths and challenges these families confront. The impact families have on society along with the impact public policies have on families are examined throughout the course.

FCS 309 Marriages and Families: Diversity and Change (3)
Covering basic concepts and research in the areas of marriages, families, and intimate relationships, students address the challenges and opportunities individuals have in these areas as they move through the lifespan. Topics include family structures and functions, sex/gender roles, courtship and dating, cohabitation, unions and marriages, parenting, divorce, remarriage, and stepfamilies, with an emphasis on the diversity of today's relationships today and how they have changed from the past.

FCS 320 Infants & Toddlers (3)
This course explores the issues involved in providing infants and toddlers with environments that are nurturing and developmentally appropriate. Special attention will be given to the principles involved in providing high quality programs and the characteristics of effective child-care professionals.

Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor.

FCS 321 Introductory Nutrition (3)
This course identifies the nutrients essential for good health and examines their role in the growth and development of the individual. Emphasis is placed on nutrient functions, food sources, recommended intake levels, and the physiological effects of inadequate or excessive amounts on health. Special attention is paid to the role of diet in selected diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease and cancer.

FCS 324 Child Nutrition and Safety (3)
This course focuses on the nutrition, health, and safety needs of children from birth to age eight and the role of child development centers and schools in satisfying those needs. Students learn to plan menus based on nutrition standards established for children's programs, to provide and maintain a safe environment for children in their care, and to teach and promote good eating, health, and safety practices among young children.

Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor.

FCS 333 Child, Family, and Community (3)
This course uses an ecological approach to understanding the interactions of the child in the family and the community. Special emphasis is given to the ways that the family, community, and society can work together to provide the best environment for the development of children.

FCS 334 Parent-Child Interactions (3)
This course explores the influence of parents on children and children on parents. Special attention is given to how their roles and relationships change. Important issues confronting parents and children today are addressed and students learn a variety of positive discipline techniques.

Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor.

FCS 350 Field Experience I (3)
In this course FCS majors work as interns in programs serving young children and/or families. Students work on-site under the supervision of professionals in the field. Students work ten or more hours each week during the semester and meet with the course instructor in a weekly seminar.

Prerequisite: Prearrangement and permission of the instructor required.

FCS 361 Creative Activities for Children (3)
A study of the natural creative processes found in all children. Through hands-on experience, students learn to plan and conduct activities that are creative, safe and age-appropriate for young children from preschool and early elementary age through 5th grade.

Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor.
Course Fee: $60

FCS 370 Preschool/Kindergarten Methods and Environments (3)
This course examines the principles involved in planning and implementing programs for children ages 3-5 years old. Developmentally appropriate guidance techniques are emphasized, along with sensitivity to individual needs and cultural diversity.

Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor.

FCS 383 Practices and Programs for Early Childhood Care and Education (3)
This course examines the organization and administrative practices in child care programs. Topics include planning, program development, leadership and supervision, enrollment, public relations, staff management, financial management, facilities, regulations, and parent relations. Students visit a variety of child development programs to see first-hand the practices and methods used.

Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor.

FCS 395 Special Topics (1-5)
Special topics in the discipline, designed primarily for juniors. Students may enroll in 395 Special Topics multiple times, as long as the topics differ.

Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor.

FCS 450 Field Experience II (4)
In this senior-level course FCS majors work as interns in program serving young children and/or their families. Students work on-site for at least two days each week and are supervised by professionals in the field. Students must work a minimum of 160 hours and meet with the course instructor in a weekly seminar.

Prerequisite: Prearrangement and permission of the instructor required.

FCS 495 Special Topics (1-5)
Special topics in the discipline, designed primarily for seniors who are majors or minors. Students may enroll in 495 Special Topics multiple times, as long as the topics differ.

Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor.

FCS 499 Independent Study (1-4)
Supervised study or project in an area of the student's special interest.

Prerequisite: Senior standing and permission of the department chair.