SOC 210: Sociology of the Family

Course Description

This course will focus on marriage, family, and alternative life styles at the end of the twenty-first century. (3 credits)

Prerequisites

ENG 101: English Composition 1
SOC 101: Sociology

Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)

Students who successfully complete this course will be able to understand:

Different types of intimacy
Historical and contemporary perspectives on the family
Various family issues such as domestic violence, child abuse and divorce
How social, political, and economic forces affect diverse family systems and alternative lifestyles
Choice and change in modern human relationships
Diverse styles of marriage and families
Family, the economy and social problems of the family

Course Activities and Grading

Assignments	Weight
Discussions (Weeks 1-8)	25%
Quizzes (Weeks 1-8)	25%
Written Assignments (Weeks 4 & 7)	25%
Final Project (Week 8)	25%
Total	100%

Required Textbooks

Available through Charter Oak State College's online bookstore

Seccombe, Karen. Exploring Marriages and Families. 3rd ed. Vitalsource Rentals, 2018. [e-Book version]

Course Schedule

Week	Readings and Exercises	Assignments
1	Topics: Why Study Families and Other Close Relationships? & Social Status: Sex, Gender, Race, Ethnicity, and Social Class Readings: Chapters 1 & 2	Send email to instructor confirming you read and understand syllabus Read assigned chapters Participate in the Discussions -Post one paragraph to introduce yourself to the class Post responses to at least 3 other students Complete Quizzes for Chapters 1 & 2 Begin work on the Final Project - Due at the end of the course. *See CourseDocuments* section in course for details**
2	Topics: Building Relationships & Love and Loving Relationships Readings: Chapters 3 & 4	Read assigned chapters Participate in the Discussions - Post your initial response to topic Post responses to at least 3 other students Complete Quizzes for Chapters 3 & 4 Continue working on Final Project
3	Topics: Sexual Identity, Behavior, and Relationships & Communication, Conflict, and Power in Our Relationships Readings: Chapters 5 & 6	Read assigned chapters Participate in the Discussions - Post your initial response to topic Post responses to at least 3 other students Complete Quizzes for Chapters 5 & 6 Continue working on Final Project
4	Topics: Marriage & Thinking about Parenthood Readings: Chapters 7 & 8 Writing Assignment - *Reminders*: Refer to the Grading Rubric before starting this assignment. Deductions will be made on papers with multiple grammatical and/or spelling errors. Please proofread your assignments. This assignment should be linked to the texts and course materials.	Read assigned chapters Participate in the Discussions - Post your initial response to topic Post responses to at least 3 other students Complete Quiz for Chapters 7 & 8 Submit Writing Assignment
5	Topics: Raising Children & Families and the Work They Do Readings: Chapters 9 & 10	Read assigned chapters Participate in the Discussions - Post your initial response to topic Post responses to at least 3 other students Complete Quizzes for Chapters 9 & 10 Continue working on Final Project
6	Topic: Family Stress and Crisis: Violence among Intimates & The Process of Divorce Readings: Chapters 11 & 12	Read assigned chapters Participate in the Discussions - Post your initial response to topic Post responses to at least 3 other students Complete Quizzes for Chapters 11 & 12 Continue working on the Final Project
7	Topics: Family Life, Partnering and Remarriage after Divorce & Families in Middle and Later Life Readings: Chapters 13 & 14 Writing Assignment - *Reminders*: Refer to the Grading Rubric before starting this assignment. Deductions will be made on papers with multiple grammatical and/or spelling errors. Please proofread your assignments. This assignment should be linked to the texts and course materials.	Read assigned chapters Participate in the Discussions - Post your initial response to topic Post responses to at least 3 other students Complete Quizzes for Chapters 13 & 14 Submit Writing Assignment
8	Topic: Looking Ahead: Helping Families Flourish Readings: Chapter 15	Read assigned chapter Participate in the Discussions - Post your initial response to topic Post responses to at least 3 other students Complete Quizzes for Chapter 15 Submit Final Project

COSC Accessibility Statement

Charter Oak State College encourages students with disabilities, including non-visible disabilities such as chronic diseases, learning disabilities, head injury, attention deficit/hyperactive disorder, or psychiatric disabilities, to discuss appropriate accommodations with the Office of Accessibility Services at OAS@charteroak.edu.

COSC Policies, Course Policies, Academic Support Services and Resources

Students are responsible for knowing all Charter Oak State College (COSC) institutional policies, course-specific policies, procedures, and available academic support services and resources. Please see COSC Policies for COSC institutional policies, and see also specific policies related to this course. See COSC Resources for information regarding available academic support services and resources.