Course

10-809-128 Marriage & Family
Course Information
Description
This course explores the diverse sociological aspects of marriage and family life in contemporary American society. Topics include courtship, love, mate selection, sexuality, and marriage, as well as the family life cycle, balancing work and family, and parenting. Emphasis is placed on understanding how attitudes, emotions, and behaviors are shaped by philosophy, gender, communication, and personal beliefs. Students will develop knowledge and skills relevant to the roles of spouse and parent and learn to apply key concepts to daily life.
Total Credits
3
Course Competencies (Course Outcomes)
  1. Explore courtship practices
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral, Written or Graphic Assessment
    Criteria
    compare dating rituals
    analyze issues of sexuality in contemporary dating
    explore the tenets of attraction
    explore mate selection

  2. Explore the concept of love
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral, Written or Graphic Assessment
    Criteria
    examine the importance of love
    examine the types of love
    explore the role of intimacy in relationships

  3. Examine gender issues in relationships
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral, Written or Graphic Assessment
    Criteria
    distinguish between the concepts of sex and gender
    investigate gender role socialization
    compare traditional and contemporary gender roles
    explore the influence of gender in relationships

  4. Explore marriage and family as an institution
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral, Written or Graphic Assessment
    Criteria
    examine the changing norms of marriage
    examine the concepts of marriage
    examine the concepts of family
    compare current family models

  5. Examine changes in family structure
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral, Written or Graphic Assessment
    Criteria
    investigate family structure
    analyze the impact of changes on family members
    identify the challenges of remarriage and step families
    examine the challenges for single parent families
    examine child bearing and marriage
    analyze cohabitation

  6. Identify the stages of the family life cycle
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral, Written or Graphic Assessment
    Criteria
    explore the stages of marriage
    analyze the changes of structure in the family life cycle
    explore the changing developmental tasks in the family life cycle
    explore family planning decisions

  7. Examine marital satisfaction
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral, Written or Graphic Assessment
    Criteria
    identify the patterns associated with marital success
    identify the patterns associated with marital failure
    explore the communication patterns and skills associated with a successful marriage
    explore conflict management strategies

  8. Examine sexuality in relationships
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral, Written or Graphic Assessment
    Criteria
    examine sexuality in relationships
    examine sexual satisfaction
    examine the sources of sexual learning
    explore sexual problems and dysfunctions

  9. Explore communication patterns in relationships
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral, Written or Graphic Assessment
    Criteria
    explore communication patterns
    examine open, honest, tactful communication
    examine gender differences within communication patterns
    examine styles of miscommunication
    examine conflict resolution

  10. Explore parenting
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral, Written or Graphic Assessment
    Criteria
    examine parenting styles and strategies
    explore basic rules/philosophies of parenting
    examine the process of child rearing
    explore the parents' needs
    explore socialization of children

  11. Examine the challenges for contemporary families
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral, Written or Graphic Assessment
    Criteria
    examine the challenges of balancing work and family life
    examine violence and abuse in families
    examine substance abuse in families
    explore the distribution of power in families
    analyze sources of stress in families
    explore stress management