An overview of critical issues in modern parenting in the United States and the world. The objective is to use an interdisciplinary perspective to apply research and theory in family development to practical decision-making, taking into account modern and historical trends such as gender roles, socioeconomic status, and single parenting and the impact of divorce on children. Discussion examines the role of race and ethnicity in parenting, LGBT parenting, and multigenerational and military families.

An analysis of the economic principles underlying the behavior of individual consumers and business firms. The goal is to apply select microeconomic theories to real-world situations. Emphasis is on market theory. Topics include the implications of government intervention, technological innovation, the advantages and disadvantages of different market structures, and income distribution and poverty.