The purpose of this course is to examine "the Family" from a sociological perspective. Since each of us grew up in a family of some type, it may be difficult to examine "the Family" without letting our personal feelings and experiences interfere with our understanding. However, sociological theory can help us to examine the Family as an institution in society. We’ll learn to see patterns of group behavior which affirm or are different from our individual experiences. We’ll also learn how race, class, ethnicity and gender affect our experiences of family.

We will always be using a "double vision" -- looking at ourselves and at our society at the same time. The text and class discussions are designed to help us to think about, to feel and to analyze the importance of the family as an institution in society. Outside of class, our research, reading and reflection will help us to accomplish our tasks. In class, our discussion will be the forum for sharing, listening and learning from one another.

REQUIREMENTS FOR THE COURSE:

CLASS ATTENDANCE AND PARTICIPATION: Your attendance in class is essential to the learning process. We will all benefit from the appropriate and judicious participation of all members. That’s what education is all about: Reflecting upon the readings openly and honestly in an atmosphere of respectful listening and sharing. (If you miss class more than three times, your grade will be lowered 10%. Promptness is also required. Each time you come to class late, it will be counted as one-half of an absence. It’s your responsibility to make sure you are marked present.)

Since this is a large class, I expect you to raise your hand and be recognized in order to participate. This will show respect for others in the room. Please monitor yourself so that you do not dominate the discussions. Everyone should have a chance to speak. I expect common courtesy and civility: Do not talk while I’m teaching or while another student is speaking. This would be inappropriate behavior. I appreciate a sense of humor, but you should know when to get serious. Offensive comments directed towards other students or the teacher are not appropriate. Inappropriate behavior will bring down your grade by two points for each infraction.

If you are going to miss a class or an exam because of an emergency, you must notify me 24 hours before that class. Call me at 832-3009 to leave a voice mail message. You must have a documented and valid excuse. Be prepared to take the make-up exam during the next class time which you attend. Make-up exams will be different from the exam the rest of the class took and will be graded harder. If you miss class, get the notes from someone!

READING: I expect that you will read the chapters on the due dates before class in order to participate intelligently. You must bring the book to class each day because we will be working directly from the book. The study guide questions will serve as the basis for our class discussions and should help you to prepare for the exams.

GRADES: There will be three exams. You will be tested on material covered in class, chapter readings and discussions. Most of the questions will be taken from study guide questions for each chapter. The questions on exams will require very specific and detailed answers. Your grade for the course will be largely determined by your exam scores-- 33% for each.

The Required Text is:

Marriages and Families, 7th Edition, by Mary Ann Lamanna and Agnes Riedmann. Wadsworth Publishing Company, Belmont California, 1999.