International Families in Cross-Cultural Perspective: A Family Strengths Approach

This article presents an overview and suggested guidelines to propose, develop, and teach a course on international families from a family strengths perspective. The course objectives, ground rules, content, readings, requirements, supplemental tools, assessment techniques, and students' evaluation and comments about the course are outlined. Family strengths and key concepts utilized in teaching such a course are examined. Family life among African-Americans, Asian-Americans, and Mexican-Americans is discussed. Also, historical, cultural, social, and political factors influencing mate selection, marriage, parenting, and family life cycle stages in the Hindu and Muslim family are examined. A list of selected audio-visual tools and a sample quiz are also included. (C) 2005 by The Haworth Press, Inc. All rights reserved.