The Family of Tomorrow: Navigating Diversity, Inclusion and Gender Identity

Course focus and approach:
In the rapidly changing landscape of family dynamics and parenthood, this course
delves deep into the intricate web of modern family structures, gender equality, and the
evolving roles of parents. In a world where families come in all shapes and sizes, this
course provides a comprehensive exploration of diverse family models, emphasizing
equality, inclusivity, and the role of gender in parenting.

Course description:
Students will embark on a journey to understand the multifaceted concept of family,
including same-sex and LGBTQI+, single-parent, multiparental, and traditional
families. We'll unravel the complexities of surrogacy, reproductive technologies, and
the legal frameworks surrounding parenthood, with a focus on international issues and
comparative perspectives.

Our focus on gender equality within the family will encourage critical thinking about
roles and responsibilities, challenging traditional norms. The course fosters empathy,
inclusivity, and advocacy for equal parenting and family support, with an eye toward
international challenges and solutions.

Through a blend of lectures, interactive discussions, case studies, and research projects,
students from diverse academic backgrounds will gain interdisciplinary insights,
honing their cultural competency, critical thinking, and communication skills. They'll
be equipped to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of contemporary parenthood and
make a positive impact in fostering equality and inclusivity within families of today and
tomorrow, both at home and on the global stage. Additionally, an overview on the
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the goals of the United Nations' 2030
Agenda will be provided, to remark the importance of sustainable practice for the
future.

This course will enable students from various backgrounds to gain a well-rounded
understanding of “the Family of Tomorrow” and prepare them to engage with the
evolving dynamics of families in the 21st century, with a keen understanding of
international issues in this context.

Learning objectives:
1. Understanding Diversity → To familiarize students with the wide array of family
structures and dynamics in the modern world.
2. Interdisciplinary Knowledge → To encourage students to approach the subject from
multiple academic angles, fostering a holistic understanding.
3. Inclusivity and Empathy → To cultivate empathy and inclusivity towards individuals
and families from diverse backgrounds.
4. Analytical Thinking → To develop critical thinking skills for evaluating the social,
psychological, legal, and ethical aspects of family diversity.
5. Communication Skills → To improve students' ability to communicate effectively and
engage in discussions about sensitive topics.
6. Personal engagement → To empower students to advocate for inclusive policies and
practices and to promote self-awareness and challenge personal biases and
preconceptions.