Marriage and the Family | Master Course Outlines | Academics

SOCI160 Marriage and the Family

3 credits

2250

None

This course examines the institution of marriage and the family through history and across cultures with emphasis on the contemporary family. Topics, such as the changing family, love, mate selection, marital communication, divorce, gender roles, and domestic violence are studied.

Course Learning Goals
1. describe and give examples of major sociological theories and tools of the study of the family;
2. analyze the sociological literature on the family;
3. demonstrate historical and cross-cultural perspective on the family;
4. identify the varied perspectives of minorities on family issues and their contributions to the American family system;
5. analyze the sources and possible solutions to family-related social problems in the United States; and
6. identify the factors contributing to healthy marriage and family living.
Planned Sequence of Topics and/or Learning Activities
1. The Sociological Study of the Family
2. Women and Men: Love, Marriage, Sex, Housework, Divorce, and Marriage
3. Parents and Children: Childbearing, Childrearing, and Family Roles
4. Historical Changes in the Family: The Love Revolution, The Rise of Feminism, The Future of the Family
5. Public Issues of the Family System: Sexism, The Feminization of Poverty, Child Care, and Ageism
6. The Family in Other Cultures
Additional topics and chapters may be chosen according to current events and the specialization of the instructor.
Assessment Methods for Course Learning Goals
Reference, Resource, or Learning Materials to be used by Student:
Text and articles selected by individual instructors of each course section. Details are provided to the students by each instructor and included on the instructor's course syllabus distributed to students.