SOC-132: Marriage and the Family

School
Liberal Arts
Division
Social Sciences
Department
Sociology
Academic Level
Undergraduate
Course Subject
Sociology
Course Number
132
Course Title
Marriage and the Family
Credit Hours
3.00
Instructor Contact Hours Per Semester
47.00 (for 15-week classes)
Student Contact Hours Per Semester
47.00 (for 15-week classes)
Grading Method
A-E
Pre-requisites
SOC-131
Catalog Course Description

This course aims to provide an overview of the historical and contemporary contexts that shape our understanding of marriages and families. Topics of discussion include definitions of marriage and family, diverse family structures, gender roles, partner selection, relationship formation, parenting, the intersection of family and work, family violence, divorce, and remarriage. Additionally, the course incorporates valuable insights from cross-cultural and historical comparisons.

Goals, Topics, and Objectives

Core Course Topics
  1. The social construction of ideas about marriage and family. (Learning Objectives 1, 6)
  2. The connections between family and other social institutions. (Learning Objective 2)
  3. The role of class in marriage and family. (Learning Objectives 3, 6)
  4. The role of class in marriage and family. (Learning Objectives 3, 6)
  5. Contemporary problems related to marriage and family. (Learning Objectives 3, 6)
  6. Theoretical perspectives on marriage and family. (Learning Objective 4)
  7. Contemporary marriage and family issues. (Learning Objective 5)
Core Course Learning Objectives (Separated)
  1. Provide examples of how aspects of family life are socially constructed, varying between cultures, across times, and between individuals.
  2. Explain how family life is influenced by other major social institutions, such as the economy, government, or religion.
  3. Describe ways in which sociological factors, such as class, religion, or race influence personal decisions in dating and marriage.
  4. Describe how sociological theories examine and explain features of family life.
  5. Describe contemporary controversies related to marriage and family.
  6. Analyze how one’s own views and values concerning marriage and family are linked to one’s background (i.e., gender, race/ethnicity, religion, etc.).*

Assessment and Requirements

Assessment of Academic Achievement

Each instructor will identify and implement appropriate methods to assess the achievement of the learning objectives for the course.

Outcomes

General Education Categories
  • Social Sciences
MTA Categories
  • Category 4: Social Sciences
Satisfies Wellness Requirement
No
Satisfies Honors Requirements
No

Credit for Prior College-Level Learning

Options for Credit for Prior College-Level Learning
Other
Other Details

Determined by department

Effective Term
Fall 2025