Introduction to Marriage and Families
Prof. Tanya Koropeckyj-Cox
SYG 2430 (section 002E) – Summer A 2014
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday
11:00 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. (period 3) – Turlington L-11
Department of Sociology and Criminology & Law
Office: 3227 Turlington Hall
Phone: 294-7177
Email:tkcox@ufl.edu
Office hours: Tues & Thurs 12:30-1:45 pm; Wed 9:45-10:45 am, or by appointment.
Teaching Assistant: Tianhan Gui, 3307/3357 Turlington Hall
Email: tianhan.gui@ufl.edu
TA Office hours: Tues & Wed 12:30 – 2:00 pm
The most current version of the syllabus will be available on my web page:
http://www.clas.ufl.edu/users/tkcox
Follow the link to Courses, then select SYG2430 – Marriage and Families.
You may also access it through the “Syllabus” function in E-Learning.
This course will use the E-Learning web site (http://lss.at.ufl.edu) regularly to post
announcements, specific instructions for the take-home assignments, grades,
and other resources. The instructions and grades will not be distributed in class, so it is your
responsibility to check E-Learning to access these materials. Take-Home Assignments and the
syllabus quiz must be submitted electronically on E-Learning.
Students are responsible for checking the syllabus and E-Learning site
at least every 2-3 days. Please be sure to contact Dr. Koropeckyj-Cox or the TA, Tianhan,
early in the term if you have any questions about accessing or using E-Learning.
This course is designed to introduce students to some of the major issues related to families and
relationships, with a focus on sociological perspectives and policy implications. Families and primary
relationships are a fundamental part of our life experiences. This course is designed to introduce you
to the historical and contemporary contexts that have shaped the meanings and importance of
families in society. We emphasize the diversity of people and families in the United States and other
highly industrialized societies, while drawing insights from cross-cultural and historical comparisons.
This section of SYG 2430 fulfills General Education requirements (S, D), but does NOT fulfill the
Writing Requirement (Gordon Rule/WR). As a general education course, this course provides an
overview of social perspectives and processes and an introduction to Diversity. Specific course
objectives are listed below, followed by information about General Education (S,D).
Course Objectives:
 Review the history of family life as a context for understanding contemporary family issues
and debates.

Examine important contemporary aspects of relationships and families including the
prevalence of different family experiences, the range of social norms concerning families and
relationships, the diversity of contemporary families, and the arguments and evidence used to
support different interpretations and concerns about family life.

Define and apply major sociological approaches (at the macro-, meso-, and micro- levels) to
issues related to families and relationships, including approaches that focus on a) the forms
and functions of families in society; b) conflict and inequalities; c) ecological and
developmental perspectives; d) interaction, negotiation, and exchange; and e) gender.

Examine and evaluate how sociologists study families and relationships and how sociological
evidence contributes to policy debates and decisions.

Evaluate and discuss some of the critical implications of family change, especially as they
related to social policy and legal issues.

Develop an awareness of the diversity among contemporary families in the United States as
well as cross-cultural variations.
The course begins with a discussion of how we define "the family" and the diversity of families.
We will review historical background for understanding families and relationships as well as
important sociological frameworks for studying relationship and family issues. We will distinguish
between "public" and "private" aspects of families as they relate to the privacy of intimate
relationships and the public concerns about the roles of families in society.
General Education Objectives:
Social and Behavioral Sciences (S) Social and behavioral science courses provide instruction in the
history, key themes, principles, terminology, and underlying theory or methodologies used in the social
and behavioral sciences. Students will learn to identify, describe and explain social institutions, structures
or processes. These courses emphasize the effective application of accepted problem-solving techniques.
Students will apply formal and informal qualitative or quantitative analysis to examine the processes and
means by which individuals make personal and group decisions, as well as the evaluation of opinions,
outcomes or human behavior. Students are expected to assess and analyze ethical perspectives in
individual and societal decisions.
Diversity (D) Diversity courses provide instruction in the values, attitudes and norms that create cultural
differences within the United States. These courses encourage students to recognize how social roles and
status affect different groups in the United States. Students are expected to analyze and evaluate their
own cultural norms and values in relation to those of other cultures, and to distinguish opportunities and
constraints faced by other persons and groups.
Topics include:
 Diversity and Inequality: social class, race-ethnicity, gender, and sexuality
 Love, Sexuality, Partnership, and Marriage; Parents and children
 Conflicts and Crises: Economic strains, family violence, and divorce
 Changes and Transitions: Remarriage, step-families, and aging
Our discussions will analyze the different sides of contemporary debates about social change and
public policy, drawing on current media and press coverage and policy discussions.
Required Text:
1. Marriages and Families: Changes, Choices, and Constraints, 8th edition. (2015).
Nijole V. Benokraitis. Pearson.
NOTE - I do not recommend buying an earlier edition – the material has changed, and all
exams, reading assignments, and coursework will use the 8th edition.
You may purchase a new or used bound copy or a looseleaf (“a la carte”) version (same content, but
without the binding). You may also just purchase an on-line access code from the publisher which
provides access to the e-book as well as other online materials. Study materials, including practice
exam questions, are available on-line on the publisher's web pages using the access code (if you
bought a new, a la carte, or ebook). If you bought a used copy or rented, you may purchase access to
the on-line study materials (recommended, not required).
2. Occasional on-line readings – links are included in the schedule below. The Cherlin chapter
on Social Class and Families is posted under “Lessons” in E-Learning -- http://lss.at.ufl.edu.
Course Requirements
Readings: Readings are assigned for nearly every class. You are strongly encouraged to do the
readings before each class. Be sure to keep up with the reading -- the summer term is intensive,
and there is little time to make-up for missed reading later! You are also encouraged to read a major
newspaper (e.g., New York Times, Washington Post, available free on-line) and to peruse on-line
resources regularly. Please feel free to email clippings, links, and comments to the Instructor.
Attendance and In-Class Work: The course combines material from lecture, discussion, and assigned
readings as well as the internet. Class attendance is required -- much of the in-class presentation and
discussion will be different from the textbook and readings. Short, in-class assignments (~ 2-3 per
week) are given throughout the term to help focus thoughts and stimulate discussion. These are
collected that day in class and comprise the Class Attendance grade (16 points total; ~ 1 point each).
Make-up (or excused) assignments will be allowed in the case of excused absences as defined
by UF policy. You should inform the instructor via email if you will be absent, and bring in written
documentation of excused absences in advance, when possible (e.g., university activities), or within
one week of the absence.
Acceptable reasons for excused absences according to UF policy
(https://catalog.ufl.edu/ugrad/current/regulations/info/attendance.aspx) include illness, religious
holidays, university activities, and military obligation. Should you miss a class for any reason, you are
responsible for informing yourself of announcements and material that were covered in class.
You may miss up to two in-class assignments (unexcused) without penalty; further unexcused
missed assignments will be deducted from your grade.
In-class assignments may be given at the beginning or end of class, or at any time in between.
If you miss an assignment because you arrived late or left early, you may receive no more than half of
the credit for that day’s assignment.
If you do not miss any in-class assignments or miss only one (AND you do not have any halfcredit grades for in-class assignments – i.e., if late or incomplete), you will receive up to 2 points extra
credit at the end of the term.
Syllabus quiz: Students will be required to complete the online syllabus quiz during the first week of
class -- due at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, May 15 (worth 4 points).
Short Take-Home Assignments: There will be two (2) take-home assignments (~3-4 pages) during
the term. Instructions and due dates will be posted on E-Learning. These assignments are
worth 30 points each (60 points total).You must turn in completed assignments electronically on ELearning no later than class time (11:00 am) on the posted deadline and turn in a hard copy in
class – late work will be accepted only with the approval of the instructor if there are serious
circumstances. Completed assignments will be submitted to Turnitin.com, which reviews written
work for plagiarism and appropriate citation. You should come prepared to class on the due date
ready to discuss your assignment.
Exams: There will be two in-class exams, worth 60 points each. Make-up exams will be arranged
only with documentation of a serious reason (i.e., serious illness, medical problem, death in family).
Requests for a make-up exam must be arranged at least 24 hours PRIOR to the exam (except in
emergency).
Course Requirement
In-class assignments
Syllabus quiz
Short Take-home assignments (2)
Exam 1
Exam 2
TOTAL
Points
16 points
4 points
60 points (30 each)
60 points
60 points
200 points
Extra credit options:
- If you do not miss any in-class assignments, (and you have no half-credit grades), you
will receive up to 2 points extra credit. If you miss only one assignment, you will
receive up to 1 point extra credit.
- A potential extra credit opportunity will be announced near the end of the semester
related to completion of the on-line course evaluations – this is a collective incentive,
with possible extra credit points for everyone based on the percentage of the class
completing the on-line evaluation. More details will be posted later on E-Learning.
All course work, including exams, must be your original and individual work. Any cheating or
plagiarism will result in a failing grade and disciplinary action.
** The schedule of exams will not change. Please plan accordingly. The schedule for readings may
change – the syllabus and any updates or changes will be posted on-line at
http://www.clas.ufl.edu/users/tkcox/marrfam_syllabus_summ2014.html
Students are responsible for checking the on-line syllabus and Sakai regularly for any updates and
current information.
The grades in this course include both plus and minus grades. For more information on the grading
system and the potential implications of minus grades, go to:
http://www.registrar.ufl.edu/catalog/policies/regulationgrades.html
See also: www.isis.ufl.edu/minusgrades.html
Grading Structure for SYG 2430:
Grade
Percent
Points
Passing grades:
Grade
Percent
Points
Non-passing grades (no GE credit)
A
91-100
182-200 pts
D+
66-69.9
132-139.9 pts
A-
89-90.9
178-181.9 pts
D
60-65.9
120-131.9 pts
B+
86-88.9
172-177.9 pts
D-
57-59.9
114-119.9 pts
B
81-85.9
162-171.9 pts
E
below 57
< 114 pts
B-
79-80.9
158-161.9 pts
C+
76-78.9
152-157.9 pts
C
70-75.9
140-151.9 pts
Course Policies
Academic Honesty
All students registered at the University of Florida have agreed to comply with the following
statement: "I understand that the University of Florida expects its students to be honest in all their
academic work. I agree to adhere to this commitment to academic honesty and understand that my
failure to comply with this commitment may result in disciplinary action up to and including expulsion
from the University."
In addition, on all work submitted for credit the following pledge is either required or
implied: "On my honor I have neither given nor received unauthorized aid in doing this assignment."
All course work, including written assignments and exams, must be your original and individual
work. Any cheating or plagiarism, including copying of on-line materials without clear attribution, will
result in a failing grade and disciplinary action. You are responsible for keeping a back-up copy of
your paper. All written assignments must be submitted electronically on E-Learning (and are checked
using Turnitin).
Accommodations for Students with Disabilities
Students requesting classroom accommodation must first register with the Dean of Students
Office. The Dean of Students Office will provide documentation to the student who must
then provide this documentation to the Instructor when requesting accommodation. Contact
the Disability Resources Center (http://www.dso.ufl.edu/drc/) for information about available
resources for students with disabilities.
Counseling and Mental Health Resources
Students facing difficulties completing the course or who are in need of counseling or urgent help
should call the on-campus Counseling and Wellness Center (352-3921575; http://www.counseling.ufl.edu/cwc/).
Additional policies and helpful hints to help you navigate through the course:
 Don’t miss class, and be prompt. If you need to come in late or leave early, please inform the
Instructor and do not disrupt the rest of the class.
 If you need to miss any part or all of a class session, be sure to get the notes from another
student. You are responsible for getting any missed notes, discussion content, and
announcements (usually given at the beginning or end of class).
 Don’t put off the readings – you should come prepared for each class, and keep up with the
readings for each class.
 Do ask questions! You will have opportunities to ask questions, and the Instructor and TA each
have designated office hours when they are available in their offices. Please feel free to drop
in with questions, to discuss class work or assignments, or to discuss issues more generally.
 Do get to know the Instructor and TA, and get to know your classmates.
 Don’t wait till the end of the term to get notes you missed, clarify questions about grades,
discuss an excused absence, or ask questions about course material.
 Any questions about grades must be addressed in writing to the Instructor using your UF
email account, and must be resolved prior to the last day of class (except for the last exam).
 Do keep up with current events in the newspaper, TV news, etc., and look for connections to
course material.
 Please be considerate in class. Don’t wear earbuds in class. Silence your cell phone, and don’t
read the paper (or do puzzles) in class. You may use a laptop computer in class to take notes –
but not for puzzles, IM, texting, email, facebook, surfing the web, etc.
 You are encouraged to engage in active learning both in and outside class – this includes
writing notes (by hand) and preparing outlines. Research has found that highlighting text
whole you read (without taking notes) or typing notes into a computer or tablet is generally
less effective for learning than writing and outlining by hand.
 “Don’t just come to class – be present.”
 Do keep an open mind and listen to different viewpoints.
*** This course does not fulfill Writing Requirements. ***
Schedule and Assigned Readings
Week TOPIC
Week 1
May 11
READING
Studying Relationships and Families
Introduce course, syllabus, requirements
May 12
Defining "Family" & Assessing Family Changes
ch. 1
Angier, The Changing American
Family, New York Times, 11-252013 – first section)
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/11
/26/health/families.html
May 13
Conceptual frameworks
ch. 2 (pp. 29-40)
May 14
Methods, Data, and Ethics
ch. 2 (pp. 40-51)
May 15
Colonial era to Industrialization
ch. 3 (pp. 52-68)
Week 2
Diversity and Change
May 18
"Modern" Families and Beyond
ch. 3 (pp. 68-75)
Angier, NYTimes, 11-23-2013 –
Baby Boom…; To Atlanta…;
Wanting Marriage…
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/11
/26/health/families.html
May 19
Social Class and Economic Constraints
Cherlin chapter on E-Learning
May 20
Racial and Ethnic Diversity
ch. 4
May 21
Gender Roles and Learning
ch. 5 (pp. 104-121)
May 22
Power, Conflict, and Social change
ch. 5 (pp. 121-133)
Week 3 Gender, Relationships, and Families
May 25
HOLIDAY – No class
May 26
Love and Relationships
ch. 6
*** Take-Home Assignment 1 due in class ***
May 27
Sexuality and Sexual Expression
ch. 7 (pp. 164-183)
May 28
Sexuality – continued
ch. 7 (pp. 183-199)
May 29
Wrap up and review
Week 4 Relationships, Sexuality, Singlehood, Cohabitation
June 1
MIDTERM EXAM - IN CLASS
June 2
Dating Choices and Challenges
ch. 8
June 3
Singlehood
ch. 9 (pp. 232-245)
June 4
Cohabitation, Same-Sex Marriage
ch. 9 (pp. 246-257)
Angier, NYTimes, 11-26-2013 –
Wedding will have to wait…)
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/11
/26/health/families.html
June 5
Marriage as a Social Institution
ch. 10 (pp. 258-272)
Week 5 Marriage, Child-Bearing, and Parenthood
June 8
Marriage as a Social Institution & Process
ch. 10 (pp. 272-289)
June 9
Fertility Decisions and Constraints
ch. 11
June 10
Children's Well-Being and Parenthood
ch. 12
June 11
Balancing Work and Family Life
ch. 13
Angier, NYTimes, 11-26-2013 –
For Career Jugglers…
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/11
/26/health/families.html
June 12
Marriage, Parenthood, and Social Change
*** Take-Home Assignment 2 due in class ***
Week 6
June 15
Domestic Violence
ch. 14 (pp. 382-405)
June 16
Aging, Caregiving, and Health Issues
ch. 14 (pp. 405-413)
ch. 17 (pp. 472-502)
June 17
Divorce, Remarriage, Step-parenting
ch. 15
June 18
Synthesis and conclusions; Review
June 19
FINAL EXAM