SOC 200 - Sociology of the Family

5 Credits

Provides an analysis of the historical and modern realities of families, including patterns in the family life cycle, diversity, changes in family structure, socialization of children and divorce. Presented through lecture, class discussion and small-group interaction.

Fees

Quarters Typically Offered

Designed to Serve Social science (i.e., anthropology, sociology & psychology) students; nursing students; any student interested in understanding families.
Active Date 2014-11-07

Grading System Decimal Grade
Class Limit 38
Contact Hours: Lecture 55 Lab 0 Worksite 0 Clinical 0 Other 0
Total Contact Hours 55
Degree Distributions:
AA

Social Science Area II

Course Outline
I. Definition & variations in family: Across time and place II. Stages in the family life cycle III. Patterns in courtship and dating - propinquity and homogeneity IV. Marriage - variations over time in age at first marriage; variations by social class, race/ethnicity, time and region; marital satisfaction and stability V. Child bearing and rearing - factors contributing to variation in number and timing of children; childhood socialization VI. Marriage and family structure in older years - empty nest VII. Marital dissolution VIII. Variations in family structure by race/ ethnicity/ social class and time

Student Learning Outcomes
Acquire conceptual tools to discuss issues relating to the structure and functions of the family by understanding family theories and sociological perspective.

Describe and understand the stages in the family life cycle in relation to real life observations.

Identify social, cultural, structural, and historical factors contributing to changes in family patterns.

Analyze data relating to variations in family patterns, such as dual and single parent families, heterosexual and homosexual family patterns

Discuss and understand issues of child bearing and rearing and their changes over time.

Describe and isolate the major factors affecting marital stability, satisfaction and dissolution.