Course: Sociology of Family (SOA*220*1) Course Description: In this course, we will be taking a new look at a familiar landscape as we examine intimate human relationships from a sociological perspective. This course is designed to provide an overview of family life in American society. We begin by asking, “What is a family?" To further lay the foundation, we cover the theoretical perspectives and data collection techniques that sociologists use to study family life. We will explore everyday experiences like falling in love, planning a wedding, the transition to parenthood, and maintaining intergenerational relationships. We will also investigate the problems that some families face, such as poverty, infertility, divorce, and domestic violence. Special attention will be paid to the struggle to balance housework, childcare, and careers. We will critically analyze contemporary debates about teen pregnancy, spanking, and the extension of marriage rights to same-sex couples. With each topic, we will be attentive to variations by race/ethnicity, gender, social class, and sexual preference. Hopefully, this course will prompt you to reflect on your own personal experiences, beliefs, and future goals. It will also provide you with multiple opportunities to develop your oral and written communication skills and to practice “doing" sociology with actual research projects. Description of assignments: Attendance/Participation/CLEs/Homework Assignments 15% Ethnic Diversity in Family Life Poster Session 15% Genogram and Family History Project (Poster and 6 page paper) 25% Observation Study of Family Interaction at the Zoo (8 page research paper) 20% Comprehensive Final Exam 25%