SOC/WGS 204 Sociology of the Family
North Carolina State University, Spring 2014
Section 001: 12:25pm – 1:15pm Mo,We,Fr in Winston Hall 00001
Instructor: Tyler Flockhart
Office: 1911 Building, Room 328
Office Phone: 919-515-7725
Office Hours: 1:30-2:30 Mo & We and by appt.
Email: trflockh@ncsu.edu
OVERVIEW OF COURSE OBJECTIVES:
This course is an overview of the family and an introduction to the discipline of sociology. You will be introduced to the
concepts, major theoretical approaches, and research methods used by sociologists to study families. There are three
main objectives for the course.
First, you will be introduced to the discipline of sociology. This is not just a course about families; it is a sociological
approach to the study of families. Therefore, you will become familiar with the sociological perspective in general.
Sociology can be conceptualized as a process of discovery, or a perspective that allows us to "stand outside ourselves"
and view our life as it connects with larger social forces. In order to accomplish this, you will be introduced to concepts,
theories, methods, and data central to the discipline, along with a sociological approach to posing questions and
interpreting answers, and you will be challenged to adopt the "sociological imagination" to better understand social life.
Second, you will be introduced to sociological research and theories about contemporary American families. We will begin
by looking at the family cross-culturally and historically. We will then explore various aspects of family life in American
society today. We will study such topics as changes in the family, sexual attitudes and behaviors, dating and choosing
partners, gender roles, parenting, divorce, generational relationships, and alternatives to the traditional family. We will also
explore the processes of family interaction and how they are influenced by social, historical, and structural factors.
The final objective is to sharpen your analytical skills. A college education, regardless of your major, should teach you to
read carefully, identify important issues in the reading, interpret and integrate information that you read, and express your
ideas both verbally and in writing. The required readings have been selected to provide information from recent literature
on the family, and to stimulate critical thought and discussion. An important goal is to help students understand their own
family experiences, and to place these experiences within the wider context of the contemporary American society.
This course meets the GEP social science requirement for U.S. Diversity.
COURSE WEBSITE:
To access the site you should visit: http://moodle.wolfware.ncsu.edu and log in using your student unity ID and password.
Once at this site you will see a link for SOC/WGS 204. This link will grant you access to the course.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS AND EVALUATION:
A. Textbook and Readings: There are two required books, both available at the NCSU bookstore.

Andrew J. Cherlin, Public and Private Families: An Introduction, 7th edition. (Boston: McGraw-Hill, 2013) [TEXT]

Online supplemental readings can be accessed from the Moodle course page
The text is an overview of the sociology of the family and it connects the private family in which we live most of our
personal lives with the public family in which adults perform tasks that are important to society. The supplemental
readings explore the changing family, family relationships across the life course, and family problems and challenges.
Readings should be completed prior to the date listed in the course outline so you can participate in discussions, raise
questions, and better understand the lectures.
B. Tests, Papers, and Grades:
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1. Tests:
There will be four tests on the dates given below. Tests will consist of objective questions (multiple choice,
matching). All tests are closed book and closed notes. Each test will count 15% of the course grade.
2. Article Presentation:
Each student will be assigned one article from the supplemental readings to make an oral presentation to the
class, and hand in a typed written summary and reaction of the article to me. Detailed instructions for the article
presentation are on the Moodle site. Students will work in pairs for these presentations. Presentation dates
correspond to the date the article is assigned in the course outline. Articles are presented by topic. For
discussions to work well, all students should read every article. If you are absent on your assigned day, you will
receive a "0" on the oral component of the article presentation, but may still receive credit for the written summary.
The article presentation counts 20% of the course grade.
3. Film Questions and Quizzes:



Students will be given film questions to hand in for films shown in class. These will be posted on Moodle.
A few short quizzes may be given, either in class or on the Moodle site, to monitor and/or apply your
understanding of the readings. Quizzes will be announced in advance; there will be no make-ups for in-class
quizzes except for excused absences. Directions will be given for taking the Moodle quizzes.
Collectively, the film questions and quizzes count 10% of the course grade.
4. Attendance:
Per University regulations, excused absences must fall into one of two categories: sanctioned anticipated
situations and documented emergency situations. Anticipated situations (e.g., participation in official University
functions, court attendance, religious observances, or military duty) must be submitted in writing at the beginning
of the semester or one week prior to the anticipated absence. Emergency absences (e.g., student illness, injury or
death of immediate family member, must be documented by the Student Organization Resource Center 515-3323)
within one week following the emergency. Make-up work will be allowed only in situations where absences were
excused. Please consult the following website for further information on University attendance regulations:
http://policies.ncsu.edu/regulation/reg-02-20-03
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
Regular attendance is expected of all students. Roll will be taken daily. You will not be counted as present if
you: show up, but are not attentive (i.e., sleep, study for another class, etc.); show up late; OR leave early
without prior permission. Lectures often contain material not found in the readings, so you should take notes
during lectures. You are responsible for all material presented in class. Borrow notes from another student if
you must be absent. Come prepared to participate in discussions, class activities and the readings.
Changes in our schedule will be announced in class and posted on the Moodle web site.
Attendance will count 10% of the course grade.
5. Final Exam:
Test number 4 is the final exam. This exam will be given in the classroom at the time scheduled by the University.
You must take the final exam at the scheduled time, so make holiday travel plans accordingly. The final exam will
emphasize material covered after Test 3 and will consist of multiple choice and matching questions. Like the other
exams, the final will count 15% of the course grade.
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6. Course Grade:
The final course grade is determined on a percentage basis by cumulating your weighted scores on all tests and
papers. Final grades will be rounded to the nearest whole number (e.g., 89.5 rounds to 90.0, an A- and 89.4
rounds to 89.0, a B+). There is NO EXTRA CREDIT WORK--talk with me if you are having difficulty.
97-100% A+
93-96% A
90-92% A-
87-89% B+
83-86% B
80-82% B-
Grading Scale
77-79% C+
73-76% C
70-72% C-
67-69% D+
63-66% D
60-62% DBelow 60% F
7. Make-up tests and late assignments:
Make-up tests will be given only for documented, excused absences or emergencies. See me before missing an
exam or due date. Requests for excused absences must be presented in writing and with proper
documentation. Unexcused absences will result in a grade of "0". Late papers will be penalized, unless I grant
an extension. Please discuss conflicts with me in advance.
8. Incomplete Grade Policy:
Students will not be given a temporary grade of IN (incomplete) unless they have attended classes regularly for
most of the semester, have completed at least 60% of required work, have missed required work as a result of
factors beyond their control, and have submitted satisfactory documentary evidence. An IN grade not removed by
the end of the next semester in which the student is enrolled or by the end of twelve months, whichever is earlier,
will automatically become an F (unless the student can present a compelling, well-documented case for the
extension). For the NC State policy on grading and IN grades, see http://policies.ncsu.edu/regulation/reg-02-50-03
9. Credit Only Policy:
In order to receive a grade of S, students are required to take all exams and quizzes, complete all assignments,
and earn a grade of C- or better. Credit-Only courses can only be included under the Free Elective category of the
student’s curriculum. Conversion from letter grading to credit only (S/U) grading is subject to university deadlines.
Refer to the Registration and Records calendar for deadlines related to grading. For more details refer to:
http://policies.ncsu.edu/regulation/reg-02-20-15
C.
Miscellaneous Information and Classroom Policies:
1. Academic Integrity: The NCSU Code of Academic Integrity is in effect for all tests, homework assignments,
and papers. This code is exemplified in the Honor Pledge: “I have neither given nor received unauthorized aid on
this test or assignment.” You are to work individually on all tests, homework assignments, and papers. You are to
avoid any form of cheating including plagiarism. The minimum penalty for a student found guilty of academic
misconduct will be a zero on the assignment and Academic Integrity Probation. More information about the Code
of Student Conduct can be found at http://studentconduct.ncsu.edu/.
2. Students with Disabilities:
Reasonable accommodations will be made for students with verifiable disabilities. In order to take advantage of
available accommodations, students must register with Disability Services for Students at 1900 Student Health
Center, Campus Box 7509, 515-7653. For more information on NC State's policy on working with students with
disabilities, please see http://policies.ncsu.edu/regulation/reg-02-20-01 If you have any special academic or
testing needs, please make an appointment with me so that we may work together to serve those needs.
3. Anti-Discrimination and Harassment Statement:
NC State University provides equality of opportunity in education and employment for all students and employees.
Accordingly, NC State affirms its commitment to maintain a work environment for all employees and an academic
environment for all students that is free from all forms of discrimination. Discrimination based on race, color,
religion, creed, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or sexual orientation is a violation of state and
federal law and/or NC State University policy and will not be tolerated. Harassment of any person (either in the
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form of quid pro quo or creation of a hostile environment) based on race, color, religion, creed, sex, national origin,
age, disability, veteran status, or sexual orientation also is a violation of state and federal law and/or NC State
University policy and will not be tolerated. Retaliation against any person who complains about discrimination is
also prohibited. NC State’s policies and regulations covering discrimination, harassment, and retaliation may be
accessed at http://policies.ncsu.edu/policy/pol-04-25-05
4. Evaluations: Students will complete an anonymous course/instructor evaluation. Online class evaluations will be
available for students to complete during the last 2 weeks of fall and become unavailable before finals begin.
Students will receive an email message directing them to a website where they can login using their Unity ID and
complete evaluations. All evaluations are confidential; instructors will not know how any one student responded to
any question, and students will not know the ratings for any instructors. Evaluation website:
https://classeval.ncsu.edu/
5. Adverse Weather Policy: I will contact the Sociology department if class is canceled and you will be notified
through Moodle and/or by e-mail, using the e-mail address you have on file with Registrations and Records.
6. Cell Phones and Laptops: All cell phones are to be silent during class, and are not to be used for texting or other
purposes. No cell phones are permitted on your desk during tests and exams. Laptops are permitted in class for
note-taking purposes only (please refrain from checking email, facebook, surfing the web, etc. during class). If the
use of your laptop is distracting to you or other students, laptops will not be allowed to be used during class.
7. CHASS career development services: The University Career Center includes services exclusively for CHASS
majors. Sara Concini (serving last name initials A-H) and Woody Catoe (I-Z) are your career development
contacts. Appointments can be made online or you may call the center at 919-515-2396 for assistance. Check out
the extensive web site at www.ncsu.edu/career. Be sure to sign up for ePack to learn about internships, jobs, and
career events and to use the online appointment service. The center is located in 2100 Pullen Hall, with parking
available in the Dan Allen deck.
COURSE OUTLINE AND ASSIGNMENT SCHEDULE:
[Instructor reserves the right to make changes to the reading schedule at his discretion]
DATE READING ASSIGNMENTS
LECTURE TOPIC / ARTICLE PRESENTATIONS
PART I: PERSPECTIVES ON THE FAMILY: THEORETICAL, HISTORICAL, CROSS-CULTURAL
Jan. 6 Introduction to the course
Review syllabus and course expectations.
Lecture: What is sociology? Sociological Imagination
Jan. 8 TEXT Chapter 1 pp. 4-17
What is a family? Public and Private Families
Jan.
10
What is a family? Public and Private Families
TEXT Chapter 1 pp. 4-17
SUPPLAMENTAL READING:
Introduction
SUPPLAMENTAL ARTICLE:
The Deinstitutionalization of
American Marriage
Jan
13
TEXT chapter 1 pp. 17-22
Research methods and ethical issues
4
Jan.
15
TEXT chapter 1 pp. 22-36
Sociological Theories and the family
Jan.
17
TEXT Chapter 2
The history of the family
Jan.
20
NO CLASS: MLK DAY
Jan.
22
The history of the family
TEXT Chapter 2
SUPPLAMENTAL READING:
What’s Love Got to Do with
It? A Brief History of
Marriage
Jan
24
TEXT Chapter 3
Jan
27
Gender and families
TEXT Chapter 3
SUPPLAMENTAL ARTICLE:
Doing Gender
Jan
29
Review Readings on Gender Gender and families/Film: Tough Guise
Jan.
31
NO Readings
Gender and families
Finish Tough Guise and review for Test
Feb. 3 TEST 1
TEXT Chapters 1-3;
SUPPLAMENTAL ARTICLES/ Film
Feb. 5 TEXT Chapter 4
Social class and families
PART II: FAMILY VARIATIONS: SOCIAL CLASS, RACE, AND ETHNICITY
Feb 7 TEXT Chapter 4
Social class and families
SUPPLAMENTAL ARTICLE:
Blue-Collar Blues/White
Collar Weddings
Feb.
10
Review readings on Social
Class
Film: Wage Slaves
Feb.
12
Review readings on Social
Class
Finish Wage Slaves/ Class Discussion on Film
5
Feb.
14
TEXT Chapter 5 pp. 140-147 Racial-ethnic families and immigration; Asian-American families;
American Indian families
& pp. 163-167
Review TEXT Chapter 2 pp.
58-59 & 45-46
SUPPLAMENTAL ARTICLE:
Conflict, Coping, and
Reconciliation:
Intergenerational Relations
in Chinese Immigrant
Families
Feb
17
Text Chapter 5 pp. 147-162; African-American families; Hispanic families
167-173
Review TEXT Chapter 2 pp.
53-58
SUPPLAMENTAL ARTICLE:
Why Won’t African
Americans Get (and Stay)
Married? Why Should They?
Feb
19
TEXT Chapter 5
Finish chapter 5 material
PART III: LOVE, SEXUALITY, DATING, PARTNERSHIP AND MARRIAGE
Feb
21
TEXT Chapter 6 pp 178-195
Sexual identities
Feb
24
TEXT Chapter 6 pp. 195-205 Trends in marital and nonmariatal sexual attitudes and behavior;
adolescent sexuality and pregnancy
Feb
26
SUPPLAMENTAL
ARTICLES:
Sexual Desire and Gender;
Is Hooking Up Bad for
Women?
Hooking up; Sexual desire among women and men
Feb
28
TEST 2
TEXT Chapters 4-6;
SUPPLAMENTAL Articles
Mar. 3 TEXT Chapter 7
Courtship, dating, and partner selection; Cohabitation
Supplemental Article:
Everything’s There Except
Money: How Money Shapes
Decisions to Marry among
Cohabitors
Mar. 5 TEXT Chapter 7
Marriage, types of relationships, adjustments, and satisfaction
SUPPLAMENTAL ARTICLE:
Grounds for Marriage: How
Relationships Succeed or
6
Fail
Mar 7 TEXT CHAPTER 7
Finish chapter 7
Mar
10
SPRING BREAK; NO
CLASS!
Mar
12
SPRING BREAK; NO
CLASS!
Mar
14
SPRING BREAK; NO
CLASS!
Mar
17
TEXT Chapter 8
Mar
19
Work and family: issues and conflicts
TEXT Chapter 8
SUPPLAMENTAL ARTICLE:
The Second Shift: Working
Parents and the Revolution
at Home
Work and family: issues and conflicts
PART V: LINKS ACROSS THE GENERATIONS
Mar
21
TEXT Chapter 9 pp. 273-285 Parenthood: the transition to parenthood, adoption, unmarried with
SUPPLAMENTAL ARTICLE: children, child care
New Families: Modern
Couples as New Pioneers
Mar
24
TEXT Chapter 9 pp. 285-302 Childhood, youth, and sibling relationships
SUPPLAMENTAL ARTICLE:
Unequal Childhoods: Class,
Race, and Family Life
Mar
26
Catch up/Review day
Mar
28
TEST 3
Mar31 TEXT Chapter 10
TEXT Chapters 7-9; Supplemental Readings
The elderly and their families
Apr 2 TEXT Chapter 10
The elderly and their families
ARTICLE: Men and Women:
Together and Apart in the
Later Years
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PART V: CONFLICT, DISRUPTION AND RECONSTITUTION
Apr 4 TEXT Chapter 11
Domestic Violence
Apr 7 TEXT Chapter 11
Domestic Violence
ARTICLE: Controversies
Surrounding Mandatory
Arrest Policies and the
Police Response to Intimate
Partner Violence
Apr 9 TEXT Chapter 12
Divorce: trends, causes, stages and processes
Apr11 TEXT Chapter 12
ARTICLE: Children’s
Adjustment Following
Divorce: Risk and
Resilience Perspectives
Divorce: trends, causes, stages and processes
Apr14 TEXT Chapter 13
Remarriage and Stepfamilies
Apr16 TEXT Chapter 13
ARTICLE: The Modern
American Stepfamily:
Problems and Possibilities
Remarriage and Stepfamilies
PART VI: FAMILY, SOCIAL POLICY AND SOCIETY
Apr18 SPRING HOLIDAY; NO
CLASS!
Apr21 TEXT Chapter 14
The family, the state, and social policy; public debates and private
lives
Apr23 TEXT Chapter 14
ARTICLE: Gay Marriage,
Same-Sex Parenting, and
America’s Children
The family, the state, and social policy; public debates and private
lives
Apr25 READING DAY; NO CLASS
May 2 FINAL EXAM (1:00pm4:00pm)
Text Chapters 10-14; and supplemental articles
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