Contra Costa College
Course Outline
Department & Number
Course Title
Prerequisite
Challenge Policy
Co-requisite
Challenge Policy
Advisory
Sociology 130
Introduction to Marriage and Family
None
*HOURS BY ARRANGEMENT:
Number of Weeks
Lecture Hours By Term
Lab Hours By Term
*Hours By Arrangement
Units
18
54
3
Hours per term.
ACTIVITIES: (Please provide a list of the activities students will perform in order to satisfy the HBA requirement):
COURSE/CATALOG DESCRIPTION
This course provides an introduction to the sociological analysis of the family, including historical and recent changes,
present nature and the socio-cultural and economic forces shaping these changes.
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
At the completion of the course the student will be able to:
1. Demonstrate an understanding of major sociological theories to the social institution of the family.
2. Identify and discuss the family from cross-cultural, historical, and political.
3. Identify the intersection among race, ethnicity, class, immigration status, age, class, gender, and
sexuality within the family.
4. Identify and examine gender, age and socialization within the family.
5. Identify and understand the various kinship and family arrangements.
6. Describe and explain the basic dimensions of social inequality and social change.
INTENDED STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES:
1. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the sociological concept of marriage.
2. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the sociological concept of family.
3. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the sociological concept of gender roles.
COURSE CONTENT (Lecture):
The family in historical perspective
Traditional family and changing family forms
Gender roles and socialization
Communication patterns
Singlehood, cohabitation and other non-marital options
Families and work
Family violence, crises and change
Parents and children
Raising children
Aging and family life
Future of the family
Dating and Mate Selection
Cross-cultural comparisons
Separation and divorce
COURSE CONTENT (Lab):
METHODS OF INSTRUCTION:
Lecture and Discussion (e.g., large groups and small groups)
Online elements including but not limited to the Course Management System (CMS)
Required Readings
Films
INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS:
NOTE: To be UC/CSU transferable, the text must be dated within the last 7 years OR a statement of justification for a text beyond the
last 7 years must be included.
Textbook Title:
Author:
Publisher:
Edition/Date:
Textbook Reading Level:
Justification Statement:
Marriage and Family: The Quest for Intimacy
Robert H. Lauer and Jeanette C. Lauer
McGraw Hill
8th/2012
College
(For textbook beyond 7 years)
Lab Manual Title (if applicable):
Author:
Publisher:
Edition/Date:
OUTSIDE OF CLASS WEEKLY ASSIGNMENTS:
Title 5, section 55002.5 establishes that a range of 48 -54hours of lecture, study, or lab work is required for one unit of credit.
For each hour of lecture, students should be required to spend an additional two hours of study outside of class to earn one
unit of credit.
 State mandates that sample assignments must be included on the Course Outline of Record.
Outside of Class Weekly Assignments
Hours per week
Weekly Reading Assignments (Include detailed assignment below, if applicable)
2
Students are assigned to read one to three chapters in the textbook for the class. The goal is to have the students read
the sections of the textbook covering the objective examinations and lectures.
Weekly Writing Assignments (Include detailed assignment below, if applicable)
2
Students are assigned to write one to three reactions papers in the form of essays based on an assigned chapter in the
book or an assigned film. The goal is to have the students utilize their critical thinking skills.
Weekly Math Problems (Include detailed assignment below, if applicable)
Lab or Software Application Assignments (Include detailed assignment below, if applicable)
Other Performance Assignments (Include detailed assignment below, if applicable)
2
Students are assigned to view one to three films addressing an aspect related to marriage and family. The goal is to
have the students be able to see and/or hear films that illuminate sociological concepts related to marriage and
family.
STUDENT EVALUATION: (Show percentage breakdown for evaluation instruments)
 Course must require use of critical thinking, college-level concepts & college-level learning skills.
 For degree credit, course requires essay writing unless that requirement would be inappropriate to the course objectives. If writing
is inappropriate, there must be a requirement of problem-solving or skills demonstration.
33
%
Essay (If essay is not included in assessment, explain below.)
67
%
%
%
Computation or Non-computational Problem Solving Skills
Skills Demonstration
Objective Examinations
Other (describe)
%
%
%
GRADING POLICY: (Choose LG, P/NP, or SC)
Pass / No Pass
X Letter Grade
90% - 100% = A
80% - 89% = B
70% - 79% = C
60% - 69% = D
Below 60% = F
70% and above = Pass
Below 70% = No Pass
Prepared by: J. Vern Cromartie
Date:
Revised form 01/14
Student Choice
90% - 100% = A
80% - 89% = B
70% - 79% = C
60% - 69% = D
Below 60% = F
or
70% and above = Pass
Below 70% = No Pass