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Students from the School of Journalism and Mass Communication's International Storytelling course smile for a group photo atop Aphrodite's Rock in Cyprus.

International Family Science - Minor

The minor that requires travel! The International Family Science minor provides a comprehensive understanding of family structures across cultures and how they affect individuals and society. The knowledge gained from the foundational courses in the minor is then explored in an international setting in Florence, Italy.

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Program Information

Program Description

Full Description

The International Family Science minor provides students the opportunity to learn about the field of family science as it currently exists in the United States. The knowledge gained from the foundational courses in the minor is then explored in an international setting in Florence, Italy.

In Italy, students have the opportunity to critically assess the differences in how family science is viewed and implemented internationally compared to the United States. During their time in Florence, students will gain deeper cultural competence through experiential learning activities designed to foster critical thinking, mastery of content and self-reflection.

Admissions

Admission Requirements

Admission to a minor is open to students declared in a bachelor’s degree, the A.A.B. or A.A.S. degree or the A.T.S. degree (not Individualized Program major). Students declared only in the A.A. or A.S. degree or the A.T.S. degree in Individualized Program may not declare a minor. Students may not pursue a minor and a major in the same discipline.

To declare this minor, students must have attempted a minimum 12 credit hours at Kent State and earned a minimum 2.500 overall Kent State GPA. Students who have not attempted 12 credit hours at Kent State will be evaluated for admission based on their high school GPA for new students or transfer GPA for transfer students. Transfer students who have not attempted 12 credit hours of college-level coursework at Kent State and/or other institutions will be evaluated based on both their high school GPA and college GPA.

Learning Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

  1. Describe the field of family science compared to other social sciences. 
  2. Discuss the influences on the modern family from historical and cultural contexts.
  3. Identify and analyze family policies in the United States and international settings.
  4. Design research-informed educational programming for families that is preventative in nature for domestic and international settings.
  5. Compare and contrast social service organizations from domestic and international settings.
  6. Articulate cultural and socioeconomic differences and the significance of these differences in human development.
Coursework

Program Requirements

Minor Requirements
HDF 24011INTERPERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS AND FAMILIES (DIVD) 3
HDF 34031CULTURAL DIVERSITY: IMPLICATIONS FOR THE HELPING PROFESSIONS 3
HDF 44089FAMILIES IN FLORENCE, ITALY: LOVE, PARENTING AND POLICY (ELR) 13
HDF 45089LIFESPAN DEVELOPMENT PRACTICES AND OUTCOMES: THE ITALIAN EXPERIENCE (ELR) 13
Minor Electives, choose from the following:6
COMM 35852
INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION (DIVG)
COMM 45766
COMMUNICATION IN A GLOBAL SOCIETY
HDF 24014
BRIDGING CROSS-NATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS FOR INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES
HDF 41095
SPECIAL TOPICS IN HUMAN DEVELOPMENT AND FAMILY SCIENCE
HDF 42089
HUMAN DEVELOPMENT AND FAMILY SCIENCE INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE (ELR)
HDF 44021
FAMILY INTERVENTION ACROSS THE LIFESPAN
HDF 44023
BUILDING FAMILY STRENGTHS
HDF 44028
PARENT-CHILD RELATIONSHIPS
HDF 44029
FAMILY POLICY
HDF 44033
COMMUNITY OUTREACH IN NONPROFIT MANAGEMENT (ELR)
PH 44003
ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH ISSUES IN LOW- AND MIDDLE-INCOME COUNTRIES
PSYC 31532
SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY
PSYC 40445
COGNITIVE PSYCHOLOGY
RPTM 26060
INTRODUCTION TO GLOBAL TOURISM (DIVG)
RPTM 46000
TOURISM DEVELOPMENT AND RECREATIONAL TRAVEL
SOC 32560
SOCIOLOGY OF FAMILIES (DIVD)
SOC 42559
CULTURE AND SOCIETY
SOC 42575
FAMILIES IN A GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE (DIVG)
SOC 43200
SOCIAL STRUCTURE AND INDIVIDUAL LIVES
Minimum Total Credit Hours:18
1

Courses are offered in Florence, Italy, only. Students may substitute other courses offered in Florence, with approval

Graduation Requirements

Minimum Minor GPA Minimum Overall GPA
2.500 2.500
  • Minimum 6 credit hours in the minor must be upper-division coursework (30000 and 40000 level).
  • Minimum 6 credit hours in the minor must be outside of the course requirements for any major or other minor the student is pursuing.
  • Minimum 50 percent of the total credit hours for the minor must be taken at Kent State (in residence).
Program Delivery
  • Delivery:
    • In person
  • Location:
    • Kent Campus*
    • Stark Campus*

* International travel to Florence, Italy, required.