Course Descriptions

ECE 251 - Family and Culture

3 Credits

This course is designed to provide a cross cultural perspective focusing on very young children from birth to age 3. Students will engage in-depth research that seeks to uncover insight on topics ranging from guidance and discipline, feeding routines, toilet learning, development of self-esteem, inter-and intra-cultural communication, and group and individual identity. Embedded with in the course are examinations of the impact of class, race and gender on family systems and global communities.

New SUNY General Education: SUNY - Diversity: Equity, Inclusion, and Social Justice

MCC General Education: MCC-GLO - Global Understanding (MGLO), MCC-SSD - Social Science and Diversity (MSSD)

Course Learning Outcomes
1. Analyze the cultural diversity of independent and interdependent societies as it relates to class, gender and race.
2. Using a global lens, articulate the concepts of infant bonding, attachment and trust and their effect on class, gender and race.
3. Using a cultural lens, describe the early stages and methods which children identify their uniqueness and sameness in society and among their peer groups.
4. Using comparative global research, analyze diverse practices across global societies in regards to routines and socialization processes and their connection to structural inequality within and between countries.
5. Evaluate the differing perspectives of people in different countries on the importance of play on their early care and school age systems.
6. Describe cultural pluralism in the United States, paying close attention to its rich history on international tapestry in cultures and values by focusing on creating environments of equity, diversity, inclusion and unconditional positive regard for all children and their families.
7. Apply the National Association for the Education of Young Children’s Code of Ethics to reflect integrity and respect of young children through social justice pathways.

Use links below to see if this course is offered:
Fall Semester 2024
Intersession 2025
Spring Semester 2025