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    Family, Youth and Community Sciences

    Family, Youth and Community Sciences

    Who to Contact

    Undergraduate Courses

    If you are interested in a class and do not see the syllabus below, please contact the FYCS Undergraduate Academic Advisor, Jamie Bailey.

    Course Offerings

    • FYC 2331 UF Quest 2 Section An Ounce of Prevention 3 Credits

      FYC 2331 UF Quest 2 Section An Ounce of Prevention 3 Credits

      We have become a “band-aid” society—when a social problem crops up like the opioid crisis, the obesity epidemic, or increases in human trafficking, we try to patch it up on the back end instead of heading off the problem from the start. Prevention science seeks to improve the health and well-being of individuals, families, and communities through empirical approaches to prevention and intervention. By looking at root causes of social problems early on, we can leverage prevention science to improve the health and well-being of individuals, families, and communities. This interdisciplinary Quest 2 course will provide you with foundational knowledge in prevention science.

      Prerequisite: Quest 1 course with a minimum grade of C.

      Attributes: Quest 2, General Education - Social Science

      Syllabus

      Fall 2025: Dr. Tennisha Riley, FYC2331-Riley

    • FYC 3001 Principles of Family, Youth and Community Sciences 3 Credits

      FYC 3001 Principles of Family, Youth and Community Sciences 3 Credits

      Introduces the study and practice of family, youth and community sciences. Presents analytic concepts used in the study of family, youth and community sciences. Emphasizes the vulnerabilities and needs of U.S. children, youth, families and communities, and describes human services that maximize human potential and minimize personal and societal costs. Introduces the roles and skills of the human service professional. (S)

      Grading Scheme: Letter Grade

      Prerequisite: PSY 2012 or SYG 2000.

      Attributes: General Education - Social Science

      Syllabus

      • Fall 2025: Dr. Kate Fletcher and Eryan Johnson, FYC3001-Fletcher
      • Spring 2025: Dr. Kate Fletcher, FYC3001 Spring 25
      • Spring 2024: Kate Fletcher and Josie Bryan, FYC3001_26543_Fletcher + Bryan_SP24 - No Course Calendar.pdf
    • FYC 3005 Introduction to Personal and Family Financial Planning 3 Credits

      FYC 3005 Introduction to Personal and Family Financial Planning 3 Credits

      Management of personal and family financial resources throughout the life span. A study of individual and family finances as related to planning, credit, saving, investment, insurance, taxes, housing costs, transportation costs, retirement, and estate planning.

      Grading Scheme: Letter Grade

      Prerequisite: sophomore standing or higher.

      Syllabus

      • Fall 2025: Dr. Selena Garrison, FYC3005-Garrison
      • Spring 2025: Dr. Martie Gillen and Dr. Selena Garrison, FYC3005 Syllabus Spring 2025
    • FYC 3101 Parenting and Family Development 3 Credits

      FYC 3101 Parenting and Family Development 3 Credits

      Introduces the challenges and changes associated with parenthood. Includes strategies, skills and resources for understanding parenting. Also addresses family types and parenting risks.

      Grading Scheme: Letter Grade

      Corequisite: FYC 3001

      Syllabus

      • Spring 2025: Dr. Victor Harris, FYCS3101
      • Spring 2024: Dr. Victor Harris, FYC3101
    • FYC 3112 Contemporary Family Problems and Interventions 3 Credits

      FYC 3112 Contemporary Family Problems and Interventions 3 Credits

      The major social and family problems contemporary families face, including poverty, violence and care of dependent elders. Emphasizes family strengths and resiliency as well as social programs that help families withstand and overcome difficulties. Discusses family constructs. 

      Grading Scheme: Letter Grade

      Prerequisite: FYC 3001, SYG 2430 or FYC 3101, and SYG 2000, all with minimum grades of C; FYC majors only.

      Corequisite: FYC 3001

      Syllabus

      • Fall 2025: Dr. Katerine Sims, FYC3112-Sims and Dr. Jeneé Duncan, FYC 3112 Duncan
      • Spring 2025: Dr. Jeneé Duncan, FYC3112 Duncan Syllabus Spring 2025   and Dr. Victor Harris, FYC3112 Harris Syllabus Spring 2025
      • Spring 2024: Dr. Victor Harris, FYC3112_Harris_Spring_2024.pdf
    • FYC 3115 Human Services 

      FYC 3115 Human Services 3 Credits

      In-depth look at human services that assist children and families, with focus on income support, child protection, adoption and family support programs offered through human services agencies. Emphasizes professional development of helping skills for working directly with children and families.

      Grading Scheme: Letter Grade

      Prerequisite: (SYG 2000 or PSY 2012 and FYC3001)  

      Syllabus

      • Fall 2025: Dr. Martie Gillen, FYC3115-Gillen
      • Spring 2025: Dr. Kate Fogarty, FYC3115 Syllabus Spring 2025
      • Spring 2024: Dr. Jeneé Duncan, FYC3115_21634_Duncan_Spring 2024.pdf
    • FYC 3201 Foundations of Youth Development 3 Credits

      FYC 3201 Foundations of Youth Development 3 Credits

      Introduces youth development principles utilizing an ecological framework, including major theories relevant to domains of development. Then, major physical, cognitive, social and emotional changes experienced by youth in middle childhood through adolescence are explored. Application of youth development principles in context of family, school and community are also emphasized.

      Grading Scheme: Letter Grade

      Corequisite: FYC 3001.

      Syllabus

      • Fall 2025: FYC3201-Fletcher
      • Spring 2025: FYC3201 Syllabus Spring 2025
      • Spring 2024: FYC3201_13180_FLETCHER + VINES_SP24.pdf
    • FYC 3401 Introduction to Social and Economic Perspectives on the Community 3 Credits

      FYC 3401 Introduction to Social and Economic Perspectives on the Community 3 Credits

      Introduces the study of community in American society. Addresses the theoretical underpinnings of the concept of community and explores changes that have affected urban and rural communities. (S)

      Grading Scheme: Letter Grade

      Corequisite: FYC 3001.

      Attributes: General Education - Social Science

      Syllabus

      • Fall 2025: Dr. Dale Pracht, FYC3401-Pracht
      • Spring 2025: Dr. Dale Pracht, FYC3401 Pracht Syllabus Spring 2025  and Dr. Jorge Ruiz-Menjivar,  FYC3401 Ruiz Menjivar Syllabus Spring 2025
      • Spring 2024: Dr. Jorge Ruiz-Menjivar, FYC3401_13181_07G2_RuizMenjivar_Spring 2024.pdf
    • FYC 3521 Community Food Systems 3 Credits

      FYC 3521 Community Food Systems 3 Credits

      Examines theory and practice in food and agriculture from a social science perspective within the context of sustainable community food systems.

      Grading Scheme: Letter Grade

      Prerequisite: junior standing or higher.

      Syllabus

      Summer 2025: Dr. Catherine Campbell, FYC3521 Campbell

    • FYC 4003 Personal and Family Financial Counseling 3 Credits

      FYC 4003 Personal and Family Financial Counseling 3 Credits

      Examines family economics and resource management issues and impact on the well-being of family across the major transitions of the family life-cycle. The complex process of financial decision-making and the role of the financial counselor are addressed.

      Grading Scheme: Letter Grade

      Prerequisite: FYC 3005.

      Syllabus

      • Spring 2025:  Dr. Jorge Ruiz-Menjivar, FYC4003 Syllabus Spring 2025
      • Spring 2024: Dr. Jorge Ruiz-Menjivar, FYC4003_13183_226A_RuizMenjivar_Spring 2024.pdf
    • FYC 4114 Ethical Issues in Family, Youth and Community Sciences 3 Credits

      FYC 4114 Ethical Issues in Family, Youth and Community Sciences 3 Credits

      Ethics and ethical decision-making by professionals working individuals and their families is addressed. Emphasizes ethical issues related to family relationships and family life.

      Grading Scheme: Letter Grade

      Prerequisite: junior standing or higher.

      Syllabus

      • Fall 2025: Dr. Kate Fletcher, FYC4114-Fletcher
      • Spring 2025: Dr. Kate Fletcher, FYC4114 Syllabus Spring 2025
      • Spring 2024: Dr. Kate Fletcher, FYC4114_30296_&_30745_Fletcher_Spring2024.pdf
    • FYC 4126 Urban and Rural America in Transition 3 Credits

      FYC 4126 Urban and Rural America in Transition 3 Credits

      Communities in America are being confronted with a number of significant changes. Such shifts are not felt in the same manner across various regions or communities in the U.S. Explore current and emerging issues that have differential consequences for urban and rural areas in this country.

      Grading Scheme: Letter Grade

      Prerequisite: SYG 2000, FYC 3001 and FYC 3401 with minimum grades of C; FYC majors only.

      Syllabus

      Fall 2024: Dr. Dale Pracht, FYC4126 Pracht

    • FYC 4202 Youth and Family Relations 3 Credits

      FYC 4202 Youth and Family Relations 3 Credits

      Youth within the family system. Reviews basic theory and research on youth development and how it is intertwined with family development, family processes and extended family systems. Students also work with youth and their families.

      Grading Scheme: Letter Grade

      Prerequisite: FYC 3001.

      Syllabus

      • Spring 2025: Dr. Tennisha Riley, FYC4200 Syllabus Spring 2025
      • Spring 2024: Dr. Tennisha Riley, FYC4202_TRiley_Youth and Family Relations_Spring2024.pdf 
    • FYC 4212 Contemporary Youth Problems and Solutions 3 Credits

      FYC 4212 Contemporary Youth Problems and Solutions 3 Credits

      Youth development and its ecology, emphasizing the challenges and issues facing adolescents/ youth, and the creation of communities that foster positive youth development and resiliency. Includes theoretical, methodological, empirical and practical issues regarding youth development issues and solutions. Also examines the ecology of youth development, focusing on the dynamics of interactions and reciprocal relationships between youth and various systems of the environment.

      Grading Scheme: Letter Grade

      Prerequisite: (FYC 3001 and FYC 3201 and SYG 2000 with minimum grades of C) and Family, Youth and Community Sciences major.

      Syllabus

      • Fall 2025: Dr. Michelle Abraczinskas, FYC4212-Abraczinskas
      • Spring 2024: Dr. Michelle Abraczinskas, FYC4212_13183_3503_Abraczinskas_Spring2024.pdf
    • FYC 4301 Engaging Communities for Decision Making and Action 3 Credits

      FYC 4301 Engaging Communities for Decision Making and Action 3 Credits

      Survey citizens and analyze data of scientific, technological, environmental, and societal issues at the community level. Implement and evaluate methodologically correct research that aids in the resolution of issues and improves decision-making skills as they relate to community issues.

      Grading Scheme: Letter Grade

      Syllabus

      Dr. Dale Pracht, FYC4301_Engaging Communities for Decision Making Action_22960_Pracht.pdf (CURRENT) 

    • FYC 4408 Organizational Leadership for Nonprofits 3 Credits

      FYC 4408 Organizational Leadership for Nonprofits 3 Credits

      Examines the challenges for nonprofit leaders, incorporating leadership theories as they apply to these organizations. Equips students with the leadership skills needed to lead nonprofit organizations.

      Grading Scheme: Letter Grade

      Prerequisite: junior standing or higher or instructor permission.

      Syllabus

      • Fall 2025: Dr. Kimberly Wiley, FYC4408 FYC4408 WIley
      • Spring 2025: Dr. Kimberly Wiley, FYC4408 FYC4408 Syllabus Spring 2025
      • Spring 2024: Dr. Kimberly Wiley, FYC4408 FYC4408_17403_Wiley_Spring2024.pdf
    • FYC 4409 Working with Nonprofit Organizations in Community Settings 3 Credits

      FYC 4409 Working with Nonprofit Organizations in Community Settings 3 Credits

      Overview of nonprofit organizations, their functions and purpose, how they are organized and operate, and the basic structure of an incorporated nonprofit.

      Grading Scheme: Letter Grade

      Prerequisite: junior or senior standing.

      Syllabus

      • Fall 2025: Dr. Kimberley Wiley, FYC4409 Wiley
      • Spring 2025: Dr. Kimberley Wiley, FYC4409 Syllabus Spring 2025
      • Spring 2024: Dr. Muthusami Kumaran,  FYC4409_20650_Kumaran_Spring2024.pdf
    • FYC 4410 Fund Raising for Community Nonprofit Organizations 3 Credits

      FYC 4410 Fund Raising for Community Nonprofit Organizations 3 Credits

      Contemporary fundraising practices in the nonprofit sector applied to community organizations.

      Grading Scheme: Letter Grade

      Prerequisite: FYC 4409

      Syllabus

      • Spring 2025: Dr. Muthusami Kumaran, FYC4410 Syllabus Spring 2025
      • Spring 2024: Dr. Muthusami Kumaran, FYC4410_24353_Kumaran_Spring2024.pdf
    • FYC 4426 Risk Management in Nonprofit Organizations 3 Credits

      FYC 4426 Risk Management in Nonprofit Organizations 3 Credits

      Foundation in the theory, principles and techniques associated with risk management. Topics include the nature and purpose of risk management; the general risk management exposures facing nonprofit organizations; and risk financing strategies for nonprofits.

      Grading Scheme: Letter Grade

      Prerequisite: FYC 4409.

      Syllabus

      Fall 2024: Dr. Dale Pracht, FYC4426 Pracht

    • FYC 4427 Non-Governmental Organizations 3 Credits

      FYC 4427 Non-Governmental Organizations 3 Credits

      Grading Scheme: Letter Grade

      Explores the nature, role, operations and impacts of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) across the globe. Provides a foundation in understanding NGOs within the geographical, social, political and economic realities under which they operate. Lectures, reading assignments, student presentations and a group project are designed for a better understanding of NGO operations.

      Prerequisite: junior or senior standing.

      Syllabus

      Summer 2025: Dr. Muthusami Kumaran, FYC4427

    • FYC 4428 Human Resource Management for Nonprofits 3 Credits

      FYC 4428 Human Resource Management for Nonprofits 3 Credits

      Presents the various HRM activities such as recruitment, testing, selection, performance management, labor relations, volunteer management, compensation and training, for more effective management. Experiential exercises are used to simulate personnel/HRM tasks and issues that managers face in nonprofit organizations, such as conflict and leadership.

      Grading Scheme: Letter Grade

      Prerequisite: junior or senior standing.

    • FYC 4503 Methods of Family Life Education 3 Credits

      FYC 4503 Methods of Family Life Education 3 Credits

      Educational techniques for family life educators and human science providers who help individuals and families address key issues of development and human relationships at each stage of the life cycle.

      Grading Scheme: Letter Grade

      Prerequisite: (FYC 3101 and FYC 3201) or SYG 2430.

      Syllabus

      Fall 2024: Dr. Victor Harris, FYC4503 FYC4503 Harris

    • FYC 4622 Planning and Evaluating Family, Youth and Community Science Programs 3 Credits

      FYC 4622 Planning and Evaluating Family, Youth and Community Science Programs 3 Credits

      Basic philosophy, theory and process of planning and evaluating family, youth and community programs.

      Grading Scheme: Letter Grade

      Syllabus

      • Fall 2025: Dr. David Diehl, FY4622 Diehl
      • Spring 2025: Dr. Keith Diem, FYC4622 Syllabus Spring 2025
      • Spring 2024: Dr. Keith Diem, FYC4622_2292_Diem_DraftSyllabus_Spring_2024.pdf
    • FYC 4660 Family Policy 3 Credits

      FYC 4660 Family Policy 3 Credits

      Understanding how professionals can influence family policy and the impact of government policies on families.

      Grading Scheme: Letter Grade

      Prerequisite: FYC 3101 or SYG 2430.

      Syllabus

      • Fall 2025: Dr. Jeneé Duncan, FYC4660 FYC4660 Duncan
      • Fall 2024: Dr. Jeneé Duncan, FYC4660 FYC4660 Duncan
    • FYC 4801 Applied Social Research Methods 4 Credits

      FYC 4801 Applied Social Research Methods 4 Credits

      Understand and apply the principles of social science research methods. Learn a variety of research methods and have hands-on experience with data collection and analysis.

      Grading Scheme: Letter Grade

      Prerequisite: FYC 3001 with minimum grade of C or STA 2023.

      Syllabus

      • Fall 2025: Dr. Tracy Johns, FYC4801-Johns
      • Spring 2025: Dr. Tracy Johns,  FYC4801 Syllabus Spring 2025
      • Spring 2024: Dr. Tracy Johns, FYC4801_13198_ 2406_Abraczinskas_Spring2024.pdf
    • FYC 4803 Advanced Social Research Methods 3 Credits

      FYC 4803 Advanced Social Research Methods 3 Credits

      Design, implement, and interpret social research as part of an advanced team. Collaboratively conduct original social research under faculty supervision and produce a manuscript suitable for submission to a scholarly outlet.

      Grading Scheme: Letter Grade

      Prerequisite: FYC 4801 and Instructor approval.

    • FYC 4931 Family, Youth, and Community Sciences Professional Development 3 Credits

      FYC 4931 Family, Youth, and Community Sciences Professional Development 3 Credits

      Grading Scheme: Letter Grade

      Provides a professional development experience for students in FYCS including: search for employment during their final semesters of undergraduate study and information regarding graduate education and research possibilities. Emphasis is placed on career placement, graduate education, practicum readiness, professional business etiquette and elements for a successful transition to the workforce.

      Prerequisite: FYC 3001 and (FYC 3101 or SYG 2430) and FYC 3201 and FYC 3401.

      Syllabus

      • Fall 2025: Crystal Tisby, FCS4931-Tisby
      • Spring 2024:Crystal Tisby, FYC4931_Tisby_Spring2024.pdf
    • FYC 4932 Special Topics in Family, Youth, and Community Science 1-3 Credits

      FYC 4932 Special Topics in Family, Youth, and Community Science 1-3 Credits

      Special topics in Family, Youth, and Community Science.

      Grading Scheme: Letter Grade

      Prerequisite: Sophomore standing.

    • FYC 4941 Practicum in Family, Youth and Community Sciences 3 Credits

      FYC 4941 Practicum in Family, Youth and Community Sciences 3 Credits

      Work experience in a human/community services agency and a professional seminar to discuss student progress, workplace experiences and issues, and critical topics in professional development.

      Grading Scheme: Letter Grade

      Prerequisite: FYC 3001 and (FYC 3101 or SYG 2430) and FYC 3201 and FYC 3401 and FYC 4622 and FYC 4801 and FYC 4931.

      Syllabus

      • Fall 2025: Dr. Emily Johnson, FYC4941  FYC4941-Johnson
      • Summer 2025: Dr. Emily Johnson, FYC4941 FYC4941
      • Spring 2025: Dr. Emily Johnson, FYC4941 FYC4941 Syllabu Spring 2025
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