Course Syllabus

Sociology 112: Marriage and Family

Meeting Days: Thursdays

Meeting Time: 6:30 p.m.- 9:40 p.m

Spring Semester, 2017

 

Instructor:                  Tremaine Truitt

E-mail:                        Truitt_Tremaine@sac.edu

Office Hours:              By appointment

Office Location:          To be Determined

Office Phone:             N/A

Classroom:                 D 201

 

Course Description:

Marriage and the family unit are essential building blocks to all societal structures. This is a sociology course that explores the social and cultural construction, characteristics, and commonalities of marriage and family life, primarily pertaining to the United States. This class enhances the student’s Sociological Imagination as it pertains to marriage and family, and also analyzes some of the consequences its social construction and dysfunction produce. In doing so, the student’s critical thinking skills are exercised conceptualizing the social construction of marriage and family and what effects this construction has on herself and or society in general.

 

Student Learning Objectives:

Upon the completion of this course, students should possess a comprehensive understanding regarding the technical structure of Marriages and Family in the U.S. In addition, students should also possess an understanding of cultural and social factors that contribute to this social structure. Additional objectives set forth by the department include:

1. Describe and employ sociological concepts, theories, and research findings on the social institution of the family.
2. Recognize and assess the impact of other societal institutions (religion, economy, politics).
3. Describe and assess the importance of socio-cultural context of marriage and family life.

 

 

Required Text:

• Olson, David H., DeFrain, John. 2013. Marriages and Families: Intimacy, Diversity and Strengths. New York, New York: Mc-Graw Hill.
• Additional readings will be provided by instructor.

 

Assessments:

Exams: There will be three (3) multiple choice exams in this course which will cover both lecture and corresponding reading materials. Each exam will be worth 100 points for a total of 300 points possible. Make up exams will only be given to those students that receive clearance from the professor to take the exam before or after the actual exam date and or time.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Socio-Historical Analysis Research Paper: In this research paper, students will be expected, in no less than 5 pages, to choose a decade in American history (example, the 1950’s) and discuss both the family and marital construction of marriage appropriate to the time period. Comparing the decade of choice to current trends in marriage and family, students are also expected to give a theoretical analysis explaining what these current and past trends meant for society. How did these trends effect the respective members (wife, husband, children, etc.) of marriage and the family unit? What if any, are some of the social problems related to marriage and family in the decade you discuss? How do these social problems still prevail today, if at all? Additional information regarding this research exercise will be given to students at a later date in the semester.

 

Student Participation: Students will be graded up to 10 points based on their participation in the course. Participation includes involvement in group activities, class discussions and other activities. The professor assesses student participation the last week of class.

 

Extra Credit: The professor will give extra credit at his own discretion. There are no guarantees of extra credit at the beginning of the course. Possible extra credit opportunities will be announced to the entire class by the professor.

 

Attendance Policy:

The professor does not exercise a formal attendance policy. However, attendance is factored in to the student’s participation credit tallied at the conclusion of the course. Students that are absent are expected to receive updates concerning any materials or information covered during absence from fellow students.

 

Disability Access:

Disabled Student Programs & Services Statement
Your success in this course is important to me. Santa Ana College and I are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for all individuals with disabilities. If you have a disability that may have some impact on your ability to do well in this course, I encourage you to speak with me as soon as possible. Also, please contact Disabled Student Programs & Services so that we can all collaborate on your classroom accommodations in a timely manner. DSP&S is located in U-103, and their phone number is 714-564-6264. The DSP&S office requires documentation of your disability in order to receive reasonable accommodations. If you do not have documentation, they will work with you to acquire it. I look forward to supporting you to meet your learning goals.

 

 

Cell Phone Policy:

Students with cellular devices should have these devices powered off, silent, or on vibrate mode during lecture and class time. Please do not answer phone calls in the classroom. If calls need to be taken, please step out of the classroom and do so as to not disrupt the professor or other students.

 

Plagiarism & Academic Dishonesty:

All students are expected to adhere to the Santa Ana College’s standards of academic honesty. This includes plagiarism: the unlawful copying and failure to cite sources that you may have used during research and other classwork. Cheating and other forms of misconduct are covered in this statement. Failure to adhere to this policy may result in failed assignment or administrative reprimand.

 

 

 

 

 

Class Rubric

Exam #1                                100 pts

Exam #2                                100 pts

Exam #3                                100 pts

Socio-Historical Analysis  100 pts

Student Participation         10 pts

                                    Total: 410 pts

Course Schedule

 

Week 1	Perspectives on Intimate Relationships	Chapter 1
Week 2	Understanding Marriage and the Family	Chapter 3
Week 3	Communication and Intimacy	Chapter 4
Week 4	Conflict and Conflict Resolution	Chapter 5
Week 5	Sexual Intimacy	Chapter 6 Exam 1 on Thursday!
Week 6	Gender Roles and Power in the Family	Chapter 7
Week 7	Managing Economic Resources	Chapter 8
Week 8	Friendships, Intimacy, and Singlehood	Chapter 9
Week 9	Spring Break	NO CLASS!
Week 10	Dating, Mate Selection and Living Together	Chapter 10
Week 11	Building a Strong Foundation	Chapter 11 Exam 2 on Thursday!
Week 12	Parenthood: Choices and Challenges	Chapter 12
Week 13	Midlife and Older Couples	Chapter 13
Week 14	Stress, Abuse and Family Problems	Chapter 14
Week 15	Divorce, Single Parent Families and Step-families	Chapter 15
Week 16	FINALS WEEK!!!!!!!!	Final Exam TBA.!!!