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Marriage and Family

Course NumberSOC 221W
Lab Hours0
Lecture Hours45
Course DescriptionPrerequisites: SOC 211 or SOC 231 with a “C” or better. Studies the family as an institution in society. Encompasses aspects of historical and cross societal evidence of this institution as well as contemporary American pairing and child rearing practices with a broad research approach. (45-0)

Outcomes and Objectives

Apply the sociological perspective to the study of the social institution of marriage and the family (kinship).
  1. Demonstrate an understanding of the utility of social science methods (such as survey, experiment and ethnography) for understanding marriage and the family.
  2. Apply the basic sociological theories to the study of marriage and the family (for example, functional, conflict, symbolic interaction and exchange theory).
  3. Identify the changes which have taken place in this institution over time, especially since the industrial revolution, including higher divorce rates, lower birth rates and the growth of single-parent families, blended families, step-parenting and "serial monogamy."
  4. Compare the institution of marriage and the family in our society with other societies both past and present (including such family forms as polygamy, monogamy, extended and nuclear).
  5. Demonstrate an understanding of the social forces that affect the family in today's society.
  6. Demonstrate an understanding of sexuality and the role of reproduction within the social context.
  7. Demonstrate an understanding of the changes that are likely to occur in one's primary groups over the life course including the transition from single to married life, becoming a parent and adjusting to advancing age.

Apply the insights gained from the sociological study of marriage and the family to her or his personal life.
  1. Demonstrate a understanding of the impact of social forces on individuals' decisions such as mate selection, love and emotional fulfillment and reproduction.
  2. Demonstrate an understanding of the effects of societal changes on individual families.
  3. Demonstrate an appreciation for the obstacles and problems one is likely to encounter in seeking family stability and emotional fulfillment in primary groups in contemporary society.
  4. Demonstrate an understanding of the challenges of parenting in our society.

Use writing tasks to promote learning.
  1. Practice critical writing skills within the subject.
  2. Demonstrate knowledge of subject matter.

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