Course

20809204 Sociology of Relationships and Families
Course Information
Description
Examines sociological trends in relationships and family life, including the history and institutions of marriage and the family, choosing a partner, cohabitation, divorce, sexuality, fertility, and parenting. Topics cover effective communication with friends, family, coworkers, and partners; the impact of work and gender roles on relationships; and navigating challenges like stress and conflict. Students gain skills to form and maintain healthy relationships and a satisfying family life.
Total Credits
3
Course Competencies (Course Outcomes)
  1. Examine sociological research and trends in relationships and the institutions of marriage and the family
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral, visual, and/or written presentation
    Criteria
    Identify and summarize key findings from sociological studies on relationships, marriage, and family
    Describe significant social, cultural, and historical trends in marriage and family structures
    Explain how these trends have influenced current perceptions of relationships and family life

  2. Analyze research in courtship, union formation, and dissolution, including love and dating, partner selection, cohabitation, and divorce
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral, visual, and/or written presentation
    Criteria
    Examine sociological research and trends in love and dating, partner selection and relationship formation
    Examine sociological research and trends relationship dissolution

  3. Examine societal trends in sexuality, fertility, and parenting
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral, visual, and/or written presentation
    Criteria
    Summarize major societal trends in sexuality, fertility rates, and parenting practices
    Describe how cultural, social, and economic factors influence decisions about sexuality, fertility, and family planning
    Explain the impact of these trends on family dynamics and individual life choices

  4. Analyze work and relationships, understanding the balance between professional and personal roles
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral, visual, and/or written presentation
    Criteria
    Identify the impact of work on relationships and family life
    Examine sociological perspectives on work-life balance, including stressors and benefits
    Evaluate strategies for balancing professional responsibilities with personal and family roles

  5. Examine research on gender roles in relationships and families, analyzing how these roles affect communication, decision-making, and relationship satisfaction
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral, visual, and/or written presentation
    Criteria
    Describe sociological findings on traditional and changing gender roles in relationships
    Analyze how gender roles influence communication patterns and decision-making in relationships
    Assess the impact of gender roles on relationship satisfaction and dynamics

  6. Analyze effective communication strategies across different types of relationships, such as friendships, family and work connections, and romantic partnerships
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral, visual, and/or written presentation
    Criteria
    Identify key communication strategies and skills relevant to different relationship types
    Explain how sociological insights inform communication practices in friendships, family, work, and romantic partnerships
    Demonstrate effective communication techniques in varied relational contexts

  7. Assess common stressors and sources of conflict in relationships, identifying ways to address and manage them constructively
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral, visual, and/or written presentation
    Criteria
    Identify common relationship stressors and conflict sources, using sociological research to support findings
    Analyze constructive strategies for managing and resolving relational conflicts
    Evaluate the effectiveness of conflict management approaches in maintaining healthy relationships

  8. Examine sociological research on sexuality, intimacy, and sexual health, as well as trends and choices related to fertility
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral, visual, and/or written presentation
    Criteria
    Summarize research findings on sexuality, intimacy, and sexual health in various relationship contexts
    Analyze social and cultural influences on fertility decisions and trends

  9. Analyze sociological perspectives on parenting practices and child development, evaluating how different parenting styles and family dynamics influence children's socialization and well-being
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral, visual, and/or written presentation
    Criteria
    Identify various parenting styles and their sociological impacts on child development
    Analyze how family dynamics shape children’s socialization, behavior, and well-being
    Evaluate the effects of different parenting practices on children's development within diverse family structures

  10. Reflect on personal and societal views of family life, relationship roles, and cultural norms, demonstrating awareness of diverse family forms and relationship structures
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral, visual, and/or written presentation
    Criteria
    Describe how societal norms influence personal and collective views of family roles and structures
    Reflect on the diversity of family forms, acknowledging variations in cultural and social practices
    Demonstrate awareness of one's own perspectives on family life and how they align with or differ from societal expectations

  11. Develop personal strategies for building and sustaining healthy relationships using sociological insights and the relational and communication skills gained in the course
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral, visual, and/or written presentation
    Criteria
    Identify sociological concepts and skills that contribute to healthy relationship-building
    Create a set of strategies for sustaining relationships across different life contexts
    Reflect on how these strategies can be applied to enhance relationship satisfaction and personal growth