This course covers the fundamental issues and special topics in parent child relationships, including parenting views and practice across socio-cultural groups, discussion of similarities and differences in parenting around the globe, how parenting changes over the life course of the child, and how parenting shapes children’s development. The course also touches on differences between mothering and fathering.
As a part of the Dean’s Service Scholars (DSS) program, students will volunteer at an NGO and reflect on their community learning experience. We are partnering with Shanghai NGO Sunflower, which provides afterschool programs for migrant children, and will provide opportunities for students to visit the NGO site for observations, communicate with NGO staff, and/or work directly with children and parents. Students are expected to form groups of two and work together on a reserach project, in which they will write a paper based on interview with parents at Sunflower.
Upon Completion of this Course, students will be able to:
● Understand current research and theories on parenting and its impact on children across cultures and nations, with an emphasis on parenting throughout the lifespan
● Compare cultural and national differences in parenting and its impact on children of different ages
● Analyze the bi-directional nature of the parent-child relationship and the mutual effects each has on individual development and mental health throughout the lifespan
● Apply research findings to practice and policy
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