The goal of the program in Sexuality, Marriage, and Family Studies (SMF) is to promote interdisciplinary scholarship and research in fields such as gender, reproduction, and relationships. A solid, scientific understanding of sexuality and the social institutions linked to intimate relationships provides an excellent foundation for historical, theoretical, and ethical discussions.
The program in SMF addresses human interactions within relational and sexual contexts. It examines not only basic anatomical knowledge and sexual health, but also the formation and maintenance of relationships, parenting skills, and the impact of culture on sexual and family-related values, ideas, and attitudes.
Issues that are rarely discussed in secondary education are studied in-depth; some examples include the effects of pornography on societal attitudes, family conflict and its escalation to violence, and sexual dysfunctions.