Hill College
112 Lamar Drive
Hillsboro, Texas 76645
COURSE SYLLABUS
Course Prefix and Number
SOCI 2301
Course Title
Section: Semester:
Marriage and Family
Instructor:
Contact:
Phone:
E-mail:
ACGM Description:
SOCI 2301 Marriage and Family
Sociological and theoretical analysis of the structures and functions of the family, the varied
cultural patterns of the American family, and the relationships that exist among the individuals
within the family, as well as the relationships that exist between the family and other institutions
in society.
Catalog Description
Using a sociological approach, the course covers the marriage and family institution. Topics
include: male/female relations from dating through marriage, marriage life-cycle and adjustments,
problems leading to marital breakdown and divorce, the relationship of the marriage and family
institution to the larger society.
Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: 0 Semester Hours: 3
Co-requisites: none
Pre-requisites: none
Introduction and Purpose:
In this course, we will examine the ways in which society shapes family life and the family, in
turn, shapes society. What is a family? What do families look like today? How is this different
from the past? How do race, class, and gender differences play out in family life? How do
changes in economic times affect the family? How does your family background influence the
kind of life you are likely to lead? What is singlehood? How is sexuality important and relevant to
daily life and social life? What factors influence dating and marriage? What are the causes and
consequences of divorce? What are the advantages/disadvantages of parenthood versus
childlessness? How do power dynamics and family violence shape the family? How does the
family system affect schools, churches, politics and the legal system? These and many other
questions will be addressed in this course.
Instructional Materials:
Textbook:
Benokraitis, N. V. Marriages and Families: Changes, Choices and Constraints (8th Ed.) Pearson.
Supplies & Materials:
Standard writing materials; computing technology with internet access and document-writing
software (as per instructor); educational software (as per instructor)
Objectives/Student Learning Outcomes:
Upon successful completion of this course, students will:
1. Demonstrate understanding of the family and marriage as social institutions through
theoretical perspectives.
2. Examine the diversity and complexity of contemporary families.
3. Explore changing cultural attitudes about marriage and alternatives to marriage.
4. Critically evaluate such issues as sexuality, partner choice, resolving marital issues,
having and raising children, and combining work with family.
5. Demonstrate understanding of the relationship between theories and research methods
used in the scientific study of marriage and family.
6. Describe some of the historical changes and current trends regarding the structural nature
of the American family including the role of gender in relationships.
7. Identify causes and consequences of relevant problems within contemporary families.
The students' success in completing these objectives will be measured using a set of
examinations and assignments described, in detail under the section of this syllabus headed
“Methods of Evaluation.”
An Annual Assessment Plan will be implemented each year to review course.
Description of Institutional Core Objectives (ICO’s)
Given the rapid evolution of necessary knowledge and skills and the need to take into account
global, national, state, and local cultures, the core curriculum must ensure that students will
develop the essential knowledge and skills they need to be successful in college, in a career, in
their communities, and in life. Therefore, with the assistance of the Undergraduate Education
Advisory Committee, the Coordinating Board approved a 42-semester credit hour core
curriculum for all undergraduate students in Texas, including a statement of purpose, six core
objectives, and common component areas.
Statement of Purpose
Through the Texas Core Curriculum, students will gain a foundation of knowledge of human
cultures and the physical and natural world, develop principles of personal and social
responsibility for living in a diverse world, and advance intellectual and practical skills that are
essential for all learning. Hill College faculty periodically evaluates the objectives included in the
Foundational Component Area of Social and Behavioral Sciences.
Course
SLO
Core Objective
College SLO
Critical
Thinking Skills
CT1: Generate and
communicate ideas
by combining,
changing or
reapplying existing
information
1,2,3,4,
5,6,7
Communication
Skills
Use Any
CS1: Develop,
interpret, and
express ideas
through written
communication
1,2,3,4,
5,6,7
Communication
Skills
Use Any
Communication
Skills
Use Any
Empirical and
Quantitative
Skills
CS2: Develop,
interpret, and
express ideas
through oral
communication
CS3: Develop,
interpret, and
express ideas
through visual
communication
EQS2: Manipulate
and analyze
observable facts and
arrive at an informed
conclusion
Social
Responsibility
Use Any
SR1: Demonstrate
intercultural
competence
Social
Responsibility
Use Any
SR2: Identify civic
responsibility
Social
Responsibility
Use Any
SR3: Engage in
regional, national
and global
communities
General Learning Activities
Students will develop a clearly defined
problem statement on a marriage and
family topic from the text , generate
multiple solutions, demonstrate
implementation of the best solution(s),
and evaluate the quality of solution(s) and
revise as needed.
Students will apply marriage and family
concepts and theories as they relate to
everyday life through the media, books,
movies, current events, etc. by writing a
research paper or other written
assignment that demonstrates knowledge
of major perspectives/concepts in the
study of marriage and family (three major
theoretical perspectives, sociological
perspective, etc).
Assessment
Rubric,
exam or
embedded
assessment
Rubric,
exam or
embedded
assessment
1,2,3,4,
5,6,7
Students will apply principles of marriage
and family as they relate to everyday life
through oral interviews, assignments,
online discussions, or oral presentations
over a sociological concept.
Rubric,
exam or
embedded
assessment
1,2,3,4,
5,6,7
Students will identify concepts related to
marriage and family by examining charts,
tables and graphs. Students will present
their ideas utilizing visual communication
methods.
Rubric,
exam or
embedded
assessment
4,5,7
1,2,3,6
4,6,7
2,3,6,7
Students will be able to apply basic
research methods in marriage and family,
including research design, data analysis,
and interpretation, as well as identify the
independent/dependent variables in a
research study.
Student will identify concepts in marriage
and family and demonstrate the ability to
draw abstractions from anecdotes and
individual-level experiences through
assignments that show understanding of
the diversity and complexity of marriage
and family, and its many components,
today and historically.
Students will apply concepts and theories
in marriage and family as they relate to
everyday life through journal articles,
internet sources, community
contributions, and/or interviews.
Students will examine cross-cultural
behavior related to marriage and family
and the influence of international forces
on national and local events while
applying marriage and family concepts
and theoretical perspectives through
assignments, projects or exams.
Rubric,
exam or
embedded
assessment
Rubric,
exam or
embedded
assessment
Rubric,
exam or
embedded
assessment
Rubric,
exam or
embedded
assessment
The students' success in completing these objectives will be measured using a set of
examinations and assignments described in detail under the section of this syllabus headed
“Method of Evaluation”.
Annual Assessment Plan will be implemented each year to review course.
Method of Instruction:
This course will be taught face-to-face and/or by various distance learning delivery methods.
Audio-visual materials and computer-based technology will be used when appropriate.
Students will be shown how to use a calculator where appropriate.
Methods of Evaluation:
The students' success in completing the core objectives within the Foundational Component Area
of Social and Behavioral Sciences will be measured using rubric, exam, or embedded
assessment activity.
Grades in this course will be based on the following evaluative criteria:
Exams make up approximately 50% of the student’s grade. The remaining 50% is a combination
of discussion, quizzes, written items, and other regular assignments or activities.
Letter grades for the course will be based on the following percentages:
90-100%
80-89%
70-79%
60-69%
Below 60%
A
B
C
D
F
Course Outline:
Course Policies
Regular attendance at all class meetings is expected. Disruptions in class will not be tolerated.
Topic Outline
Topics covered may include any or all of the following:
I.
II.
III.
IV.
V.
VI.
Part I: Marriage and the Family in Perspective
A. Chapter 1: The Changing Family
B. Chapter 2: Studying the Family
C. Chapter 3: The Family in Historical Perspective
D. Chapter 4: Racial and Ethnic Families: Strengths and Stresses
Part II: The Individual and the Developing Relationship
A. Chapter 5: Socialization and Gender Roles
B. Chapter 6: Love and Loving Relationships
C. Chapter 7: Sexuality and Sexual Expression Throughout Life
Part III: Individual and Marital Commitments
A. Chapter 8: Choosing Others: Dating and Mate Selection
B. Chapter 9: Singlehood, Cohabitation, Civil Unions, and Other Options
C. Chapter 10: Marriage and Communication in Intimate Relationships
Part IV: Parents and Children
A. Chapter 11: To Be or Not to Be A Parent: More Choices, More Constraints
B. Chapter 12: Raising Children: Promises and Pitfalls
Part V: Conflicts and Crises
A. Chapter 13: The Economy and Family Life
B. Chapter 14: Domestic Violence and Other Family Health Issues
C. Chapter 15: Separation, Divorce, Remarriage, and Stepfamilies
Part VI: Changes and Transitions
A. Chapter 16: Families in Later Life
Disabilities/ADA
Reports of discrimination based on disability may be directed to the ADA/Section 504
coordinator. The College District designates the following person to coordinate its efforts to
comply with Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended, which
incorporates and expands the requirements of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as
amended:
Name:
Dr. Heather Kissack
Position:
Executive Director of Human Resources
Address:
112 Lamar Drive, Hillsboro, TX 76645
Telephone: (254) 659-7731
Students with qualified and documented disabilities may request accommodations which will
enable them to participate in and benefit from educational programs and activities. Students
should contact the Academic Advising and Student Success Center for more details at:
254 659 7650 for Hillsboro, 817 760 5650 for Cleburne, or 817 295-7392 for Burleson.
EEO Statement
Hill College is committed to the principle of equal opportunity in education and employment. The
college does not discriminate against individuals on the basis of age, race, color, religion, sex,
national origin, disability, genetic information, or veteran status in the administration of its
educational programs, activities, or employment policies.
Instructor’s Class Content:
Please see the following pages for specific instructor course information.