SO 202 - Sociology of the Family

Credit Hours: 3

An analysis of various aspects of relationships and family life, including dating and mate selection, marriage, sexuality, gender, parenting and child-rearing, divorce, work, and abuse. We will look at the great diversity of families in America (including ethnic, social class, and cultural differences) and ways changes in American society have affected the family.

Course Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

define the family and marriage;
explain sociological theories in relation to the study of marriage and family;
identify how societal changes have affected families, changes in role expectations, relationships, etc.;
make the distinction between love and sexual expression;
identify the role of communication in the family and marriage;
describe what factors must be considered in deciding to be a parent;
define what family violence is and why it occurs;
explain the effects of separation and divorce on adults and children; and
explain how remarriage and stepfamilies differ from first marriages.

Prerequisites: One of the following: AN 102, PS 100, SO 100
F/S (C, N, S)