Course Overview
The course offers a comprehensive exploration of the fundamental concepts and dynamics surrounding family and marriage. It delves into the sociological, psychological, and cultural aspects of these foundational social institutions.
Students will not only learn about family-related theories, but also gain insights into the diverse forms of families and marital relationships, their historical evolution, and the challenges they face in contemporary society. Moreover, students will learn about practical skills dealing with family and marriage issues through various class activities.
All students who successfully complete the course will receive a Certificate of Completion and have the opportunity to request a Syracuse University noncredit transcript.
Learning Objectives
- Learn about different family-related theories.
- Understand the historical and cultural evolution of family and marriage structures.
- Analyze the various types of families and the factors contributing to their diversity.
- Practice effective communication skills with family members.
- Apply critical thinking skills to analyze and discuss case studies.
Course Information
Course Prefix and Number: SCN 171
Format: On Campus (at Syracuse University)
Eligibility: Students must be of rising high school sophomore, junior or senior status – or a 2025 high school graduate.
Credit: Noncredit
Grading: Pass/Fail
Cost:
- Residential: $4,295
- Commuter: $3,318
Program rates are subject to change and will be approved by the board of trustees. Discounts and scholarships are also available.
Program Information
Summer College – On Campus: Experience what college is really like: take a college-level course, live in a residence hall, have meals with friends in a dining hall, and participate in activities and events on campus.
Course Dates and Details
| Program | Course Dates | Class Time (Eastern Time) | Credit/Noncredit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summer College – On Campus | 2-Week Session I: Sunday, July 6 – Friday, July 18, 2025 | MTWThF; 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. | Noncredit |
To see if this course is ‘open,’ refer to the full course catalog.
Course Requirements
Required Supplies
Please know that any supply purchases are not included in the overall tuition fee. Students will need to budget for additional course supplies, textbooks, supply kits, etc.
Textbook:
Below is the required textbook for Summer 2024. Textbook requirements are subject to change for Summer 2025.
- Marriages and Families Diversity and Change 8th Edition by Marry Ann Schewartz
Supplies:
- Students can bring a pen and notebook or a laptop for notetaking.
Typical Day
Tentative Schedule
9 – 9:15 a.m. An opening activity
9:15 – 10:45 a.m. Lecture
10:45 – 11 a.m. Break
11 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. Lecture
12:45 – 1 p.m. Review and Homework
Students will enjoy course-related movies, videos and discussions through the learning. Besides indoor activities, students will have chances to do outdoor play when the weather permits.
Faculty Bios
Ying Xu
Ying Xu, originally from Beijing, China, is a fifth-year Doctoral Candidate within the Department of Human Development and Family Science at Syracuse University.
Ying earned her Bachelor’s degree in English from the University of International Business and Economics in Beijing, China. Subsequently, she dedicated 11 years of her life to working with a prominent American non-governmental organization (NGO) in China. This organization provided nurturing, educational, rehabilitative, and various other intervention services to orphans, left-behind children, and immigrant children. Ying visited over 30 Children’s Welfare Institutions and villages in 23 provinces and regions across China, affording her the opportunity to understand the lives and needs of children and families. Her deep-seated passion for comprehending the intricacies of child development and family dynamics ultimately led her to Syracuse University, where she earned a Master of Arts in Human Development and Family Science. She also completed the Certificate of Advanced Study (CAS) in trauma-informed practice in the same year.
Ying’s research interests encompass the intergenerational transmission of parenting, mental health, and trauma, and the longitudinal impacts of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) on mental health across different life stages. Her academic pursuits are driven by a heartfelt desire to contribute to the well-being of children and families, and her ultimate life goal is to provide scientific support to them, with a particular focus on those facing underprivileged and challenging circumstances.
As the mother of a 15-year-old daughter, Ying finds immense joy in life’s simple pleasures, including listening to music, taking leisurely walks, and watching movies.