SOCI 2010 - Marriage and Family

3 sem hrs cr

This course considers the customs and patterns of courtship and the problems of the modern family. Emphasis is placed on the problems of the family in an era of rapid social change; social, cultural, and personal factors relating to mate selection and family life; and family organization, disorganization, and reorganization. Prerequisite: Exemption from or completion of ENGL 0810  and READ 0810  

In rare and unusual circumstances, a course prerequisite can be overridden with the permission of the Department Lead for the discipline. 

This course may include proctored exams which must be completed on campus or at an instructor approved proctoring center which may require additional costs to the student. Please consult your instructor for additional details.

  Formerly/Same As (Formerly SOC 2200)

Transfer (UT) or Non-Transfer Course (UN): UT

Throughout the course, students will have the opportunity to…

• identify the multiple definitions of the changing family including culture and theoretical frameworks.
• investigate the dynamics of intimate relationships including communication, communication problems, and intimacy.
• study the importance of gender roles, managing economic resources, friendships, dating, mate selection, love, and the status of being single.
• analyze the stages of married life including marital success, parenting, midlife, and older couples.
• define the challenges and obstacles to maintaining love and marriage including divorce, jealousy, control issues, and family violence.

Student Learning Outcomes

After completing the course, students will be able to…

• identify various definitions of the family including racial and ethnic variations in families, gender roles, family roles, and demographic characteristics. 
• compare the major theoretical approaches to studying families and illustrate how each theory contributes to a better understanding of the family. 
• use the different love types (friendship, romantic love, infatuation, marriage) to identify how they are related to the longevity of relationships. 
• analyze the functions that families have traditionally performed and the changes in dating, intimacy, cohabitation, marriage, divorce, and parenting. 
• define the major obstacles to love, including the consequences of communication difficulties, divorce, jealousy, and family violence.