Dr. James Malia
Clinical Assistant Professor
I come to Child and Family Studies by way of Sociology and an extensive background in the non-profit world. Hence, my interest in families is in terms of the social and economic forces that shape family life and the efforts of agencies to aid individuals and families in need. I am interested in how people make decisions, their understanding of the decision-making milieu, their willingness to accept and deal with the consequences of their decisions, and their ability to resolve conflicts that inevitably arise as individual members of families and other groups attempt to maximize their personal interests.
The classes I teach emphasize some of the important practical living skills for families. CFS 345, Family Resource Management is about decision-making. The class provides information and skills that will help students make better family resource management decisions in support of their desired lifestyles. CFS 360, Family Stress, accepts stress as a given in our lives but then focuses on the skills and understanding of family dynamics that can help individuals and families manage stress in ways that promote healthful living. I also supervise the Community Practicum Program, CFS 480, a practicum experience with community-based agencies serving the needs of area families. The purpose of the practicum is to provide a practical learning experience that will enhance the intern’s professional and personal development.
An outside interest I have that is related to my work in the department is the volunteer mediations I do with the Community Mediation Center. As a mediator, I help divorcing couples resolve issues related to their divorce, and I help divorced couples resolve visitation and child support issues.
Malia, Julia A. and James E. Malia 2000 “Effective Strategies and a Framework for Development of Community-Based Educational Programs for Empowering Families.” Family Science Review, 13(3-4): 149-164.
Malia, Julia A. and James E. Malia 2000 “Divorce Mediation: An Exemplary Program in East Tennessee.” Family Science Review, 13(3-4): 204-208.
Malia, James E 1998 “We Want to Build; They Want to Destroy: The Dilemma of Volunteering in Laos.” Southeast Review of Asian Studies, XX: 89-100.
Putnam, Sandra L., James E. Malia, and Suzanne F. Streagle 1997 “The Real World: Teenage High School Leavers Speak Out About Alcohol, Other Drugs, and Life Problems.” Pages 65-93 in Robert F. Kronick (ed.), At Risk Youth: Theory, Practice, and Reform. New York: Garland Press.
Contact Information
1215 W. Cumberland Ave
411 Jessie Harris Building
Knoxville, TN
37996-1912
Phone: 865-974-8280
Email: jmalia1@utk.edu
Contact CEHHS
335 Claxton Complex
1122 Volunteer Boulevard
Knoxville, Tennessee 37996
Phone: 865-974-2201
Fax: 865-974-8718