Catalog Description

Also known as SOC 4
Advisory: Completion of SOC 1 with grade of "C" or better
Hours: 54 lecture
Description: A sociological approach to the analysis of the family as a social institution. Of particular interest are the changing structure of family, gender roles, dating, marriage, intimacy, relationships, and parenting. (C-ID SOCI 130) (CSU, UC)

Course Student Learning Outcomes

  • CSLO #1: Apply sociological theory to the understanding of the family as a social institution.
  • CSLO #2: Evaluate the impact of social stratification on the experience of family.
  • CSLO #3: Using the sociological imagination, evaluate definitions of family through history and culture.

Effective Term

Fall 2024

Course Type

Credit - Degree-applicable

Contact Hours

54

Outside of Class Hours

108

Total Student Learning Hours

162

Course Objectives

1. Identify and critique the structure and function of family (past and present) in American society;
2. Analyze and evaluate the socio-political impact of changing definitions of family in American culture;
3. Distinguish between traditional and contemporary gender roles and their impact on the institutions of marriage and family;
4. Apply sociological theory to the understanding of the family as a social institution; and
5. Compare global familial relationships with a cross-cultural awareness.

General Education Information

  • Approved College Associate Degree GE Applicability
    • AA/AS - Behavioral Sciences
  • CSU GE Applicability (Recommended-requires CSU approval)
    • CSUGE - D7 Interdisciplinary Soc/Behav
    • CSUGE - E1 Lifelong Learning and Self-Development
    • CSUGE-D0 Sociology/Criminology
  • Cal-GETC Applicability (Recommended - Requires External Approval)
    • IGETC Applicability (Recommended-requires CSU/UC approval)
      • IGETC - 4G Intrdis Social/Beha

    Articulation Information

    • CSU Transferable
    • UC Transferable

    Methods of Evaluation

    • Classroom Discussions
      • Example: Examine family structure in terms of boundaries, communication style, power, values, and intimacy.
    • Essay Examinations
      • Example: In an essay, describe the impact of social institutions on the family. Essay based on a rubric developed by the instructor and shared with students.
    • Objective Examinations
      • Example: Answer multiple choice questions on separation and divorce and choose which response best reflects criteria outlined in lecture and text. Graded based on correct application of criteria. Sample question: Your family of orientation is: a) the family you grew up in: your parent(s) and siblings, b) the family you create with your significant other, c) your close group of friends that you relate to.
    • Projects
      • Example: Work in groups to develop a slide presentation on a chosen topic (ex. Sexuality and Sexual Health). Projects will be assessed on accuracy of material, depth of content, clarity of information presented and relevance to current issues.

    Repeatable

    No

    Methods of Instruction

    • Lecture/Discussion
    • Distance Learning

    Lecture:

    1. Instructor will lecture on family structures and then put students into small groups to discuss the structure of their family of origin. Then the instructor will bring the class back into a large group for report out and further discussion.

    Distance Learning

    1. Following an online lecture, students will complete a Discussion Board on J. Nelson's family meeting.

    Typical Out of Class Assignments

    Reading Assignments

    1. Read the material on integrating work and family and post your experiences for the Blog Discussion with the class. 2. Read the material on family violence, locate local resources available to families to assist in mediating this and report findings to the class Blog for discussion.

    Writing, Problem Solving or Performance

    1. Based on a given case study of a real family experiencing a specific issue, find resources and strategies that families can utilize to assist them in creating a more positive balance in their lives. 2. Choose a topic area we are studying (The Role of Gender) and analyze a specific issue such as "What's the harm in Barbie? Bratz? G.I.Joe?"

    Other (Term projects, research papers, portfolios, etc.)

    1. Conduct an intergenerational interview of family members to assess the historical, cultural and familial changes in defining family.

    Required Materials

    • The Family: Diversity, Inequality, and Social Change
      • Author: Cohen, Philip
      • Publisher: Norton and Company
      • Publication Date: 2024
      • Text Edition: 4
      • Classic Textbook?:
      • OER Link:
      • OER:
    • Families and Their Social Worlds
      • Author: Karen Seccombe
      • Publisher: Pearson
      • Publication Date: 2020
      • Text Edition: 4
      • Classic Textbook?: No
      • OER Link:
      • OER:
    • Instructors: Request a Sample eBook or Print copy Instructor status will be verified. Marriages and Families: Intimacy, Diversity, and Strengths
      • Author: David Olson, John DeFrain and Linda Skogrand
      • Publisher: McGraw Hill
      • Publication Date: 2022
      • Text Edition: 10
      • Classic Textbook?: Yes
      • OER Link:
      • OER:

    Other materials and-or supplies required of students that contribute to the cost of the course.