This course examines evolving family structures in contemporary American society. The functions that a family serves are reviewed. The stages of family life and development, a variety of communication patterns, and the causes of breakups are addressed. The focus of the course is on helping students develop an ability to assess the strengths of a family system, evaluate the decision-making processes used by a family, and discuss the resiliency of the family. The course reviews a range of intervention methods that can be used to improve family relationships.