| March 3, 2010 CONTACT: Dr. Jenifer Kunz, 806-651-2597, jkunz@wtamu.edu COPY BY: Rana McDonald, 806-651-2129, rmcdonald@wtamu.edu WTAMU Professor Authors Book on Marriage and Family CANYON, Texas—Marriage and family are examined in a new book by Dr. Jenifer Kunz, professor of sociology and head of the Department of Psychology, Sociology and Social Work at West Texas A&M University. The textbook, THINK Marriages and Family, was published in January by Pearson Education, Inc. The 360-page book covers 16 chapters on topics ranging from choosing a partner, violence and abuse in marriage and families and successful patterns of commitment. “The book is an overview of American marriage and families today,” Kunz said. “It’s content the students can relate to and take home with them. That is when the learning begins, when they see how it can apply to everyday life.” Each chapter begins with a synopsis of a movie that relates to the chapter topic as well as everyday life. The movie Raising Helen introduces the chapter “Single-Parent Families, Remarriage and Step Families” and My Big Fat Greek Wedding is the opening for the chapter on “Choosing a Partner.” Text throughout the book is supported by graphics and photos that include Michelle Obama, Angelina Jolie and many other current news makers. Kunz joined the WTAMU faculty in 1993. Her areas of specialization include marriage and family, and she has made numerous presentations on the subjects both nationally and internationally. Her articles and publications also have appeared in many academic journals and books. Kunz has served as an international visiting professor at the University of Calgary in Alberta, Canada, and also as a consultant and facilitator for various government and independent agencies. She received her Ph.D. from Brigham Young University in 1994. —WTAMU— | 