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MARRIAGE AND FAMILY (SOCL 305)

WINTHROP UNIVERSITY-FALL 2012

Professor: Dr. Jennifer Solomon

Course:SOCL 305-001, 11030 (3 credit hours) Office: Kinard 330

Class Location:Kinard 315 Office Hours:MW 12-1, TR 2-3 & by appointment(Kinard 330)

Time of class: MW 9:30-10:45 a.m.

Phone: 323-4658

E-mail: My Website:

Course Catalog Description: SOCL 305. Marriage and Family(3).Study of mate selection and marital adjustment; also child-rearing, divorce and change in family structure.Prerequisite(s): SOCL 101 or 201 or permission of instructor.Notes: Offered variable terms.

INTRODUCTION:

Some type of family structureexists in every society. This course provides students with a broad understanding of the nature of family as both a social institution and a set of personal relationships.

COURSE GOALS: Are consistent with the mission of the Department of Sociology & Anthropology

1)Students will become familiar with the theoretical analysis of marriage and family in society and develop skills that promote successful relationships and active citizenship.

2)Students will acquireanalytical tools to understand an ever-expanding body of knowledge about the dynamics of social relationships, the nature of power and influence in complex societies, and the role of age, class, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation,and other social phenomena that affect marriage and family.

3)Students will be better able to assess new and unfamiliar situations, solve practical problems in creative ways, and communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

GLOBAL LEARNING INITIATIVE (GLI): This course, by its very nature, promotes the Global Learning Initiative. Winthrop University defines “global” as applying to local, regional, national, and/or international experiences that may differ from one’s own culture (adapted from Olson, Green, and Hill, 2006, p. v). For more information on GLI go to

TEXTBOOK:

Public and Private Families: An Introduction (6th edition) by Andrew J. Cherlin. (2010). NY: McGraw-Hill.

RESOURCES:

1) Assigned readings and websites

2) Public and Private Families, “Online Learning Center”

3) 3X5 INDEX CARDS

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES (SOCL 305):The successful student in SOCL 305 will be able to:

  • analyzethe family as a social institution and ,
  • identify social forces that affect marriage and families,
  • demonstrate an awareness of the history of marriage and families,
  • appreciate family diversity,
  • understand family roles and how they influence family functioning,
  • compare and contrast contemporary family theories,
  • recognize and appreciatethe diverse cultural values and norms of families in the U.S.
  • develop skills that are useful in a broad range of rewarding careers.These skills include
  • the motivation to help others, work for the common good, and serve the community, and
  • the competence to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

LEARNING ENVIRONMENT:Learning is an interactive and cooperative process. It takes place both inside and outside of the classroom. In the classroom, course information is presented through readings, lectures, discussions, questions, exercises, and videos. Learning occurs outside the classroom through reading the textbook and other relevant information, using the textbook “Online Learning Center”(), doing assignments, studying alone or in groups, thinking about course material, developing questions, and utilizing course concepts, perspectives, and knowledge to better understand personal experiences and social issues. Students and teachers together create a supportive and stimulating learning environment.

NO ZOMBIES ALLOWED!

HUMANS WELCOME!

Human Behavior in the Classroom: Humans

  • treat each other with respect, regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, political beliefs, age, ability, or social role,
  • appreciate and encourage diverse perspectives and opinions,
  • attend class, arriving before class begins and staying until it ends,
  • pay attention by discussing, questioning, and listening thoughtfully to each other, and
  • do not sleep, eat, drink (except water), or engage in non-course related activities.

Humans using iPads, laptop computers, netbooks, or other similar technology sit in the first two rows of seats.

BEHAVIOR DURING EXAMS:

1. Sit as evenly spaced as possible. You may not be able to sit in your usual desk.

2. After the test has started, you may not leave the room. Plan ahead; use the restroom before class, bring tissues, water, pens, pencils, etc.

3. Do not wear baseball caps.

4. Students who arrive after a quiz or exam begins may be prohibited from taking the quiz or exam.

USE OF HANDHELD AND WIRELESS TECHNOLOGY: You must turn off your cell phone, iPod, and all other electronic devices before entering the classroom. (Let me know if you plan on using an iPad or laptop computer for taking notes.) Otherwise, keep these devices out of sight in your book bag, purse, or pocket. If you violate this policy, I will ask you to leave the classroom immediately, and you will be counted absent for that class. If you violate the cell phone policy during an exam, you must leave the classroom immediately and will receive a grade of zero on the exam. (See Appendix I for official College of Arts & Sciences policy)

ATTENDANCE POLICY: In order to do well in this course, you must attend classes, pay attention, and take thorough notes.You are responsible for the academic consequences of missing class, including meeting all requirements of the course, regardless of absences. I am obligated to provide makeup opportunities only for students who are absent with adequate cause such as incapacitating illness, death of an immediate family member, or authorized representation of the university. I am responsible for judging the adequacy of the cause ofan absence. You are responsible for providing me with documentation certifying the legitimacy of the absence. In health related or family emergency situations, where advance notice is not possible, you should provide me with relevant documentation no later than the date you return to class. If you miss 7 or more class meetings without adequate cause, you will earn an F for the course. However, if you withdraw from the course by the withdrawal deadline (March 7, 2012), you will receive a grade of N.(See Appendix II for University attendance policies.)

MAKE-UP EXAMS:

You may be allowed to make up a missed exam, but only due to exceptional circumstances. If you have a certified and serious reason for missing an exam, you must notify me of the reason within 48 hours of missing the exam to discuss a make-up exam. You must take the make-up exam within one week of the missed exam. The make-up exam may be different from the original; it may consist entirely of essay or short-answer questions. If you fail to contact me within 48 hours of missing an exam, you are not eligible for a make-up exam, and you earn a zero for that exam.

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: Students who engage in academic misconduct earn a failing grade for the course. I will also report the incident to the Dean of Students and the Dean of the College of Arts & Sciences (See Appendix III for official policy)

COMMUNICATION: Please keep in touch with me during the semester. If you have questions, concerns, want to discuss a course topic, (or see photos of my family) meet with me during designated office hours or make an appointment. I look forward to talking with each of you during the semester. When you send me an email, please include the course (SOCL 305) in the subject line and your name at the end of the message. Voicemail messages should contain your name, telephone number (speak slowly), and course (SOCL 305). I will discuss your grades with you in person (not by email or phone).

STUDENT LEARNING ACTIVITIES

1) Preparation and Participation (50 points):

  • Complete the assigned readings on time.
  • Be prepared to respond when I call on you in class.
  • Do not worry about knowing “the correct answer"; respond in a way that indicates familiarity with the readings.
  • Thoughtful questions are fine; zombie-like stares are not.

Questions and “take-home message”: (These are included in calculating your participation points.) During the last 3-5 minutes of every lecture, you will write down a brief “take-home message” from the lecture, as well as a question about something you did not understand or want to know more about. I will address common points of confusion (and interest) during each subsequent class. I may not be able to answer all questions during class; however you are always welcome to talk with me about your question during office hours.

2) Exams (300 points): You will take three exams, including the final exam. I use the following types of questions: matching, fill-in the blank, multiple-choice, true-false, and essay questions (100 points possible each exam). The final exam is comprehensive; it includes information from the entire semester.

I grade essay questions based on your knowledge of the subject, use of examples, and writing ability. Please write legibly; I cannot grade it, if I cannot read it. Approximately one week before an exam, I will give you three potential essay questions. I choose two of the questions for the test. You will have time to prepare well-written, factually, and theoretically sound essays. Be sure to include original examples (i.e., not examples from me or from the textbook) in the essays. In order to do well on the essays, prepare written answers to all three essay questions and study your answers. Essay questions may ask you to define and apply a concept, such as deviance or to take a stance on a controversial issue (e.g., violence in the media) and discuss it sociologically.

3)Quizzes (10 points each): The quizzes are based on information in the textbook. I will drop your lowest quiz score when calculating your grade. There are no make-up quizzes.

4)Writing Assignments (60 points total): You will have 3 out-of-class writing assignments worth 20 points each. Assignments handed in late receive no points. The assignments must be 11/2 to 2 typed pages, doubled-spaced, using Arial, size 12 font. Submit the assignments on due date by the beginning of class using “TURNITIN”. You need to know the class name (SOCL 305), class ID 5319001, andenrollment password MARRto access TURNITIN for this course.

5)Quantitative Assignment (20 points): Sociologists use research methods to search for answers to their questions about the social world. Quantitative methodology utilizes numbers to define a problem, explore alternative points of view, speculate about causes, and create evidence-based answers. You will write a paper in which you analyze and interpret quantitative data. (Theassignment handout provides more details.)

Extra Credit Option:Beginning approximately halfway through the semester, you will be able to earn up to 9 points of extra credit by attending and analyzing cultural events, plays, movies, and/or presentations.

Writing instructions: First, describe the event. Was it, a play, movie, or presentation? What topics were discussed or presented? Second, analyze the event by applying course-related sociological ideas, theories, and/or concepts. Third, summarize your sociological observations and state your conclusions. Finally, submit the paper (1 to 2 double-spaced, typed pages) to TURNITIN. Each analysis is worth 3 points and you may complete three, for a total of 9 points. These two links may be useful.

Cultural events:

CVPA calendar of events:

YOU MUST TAKE ALL TESTS & COMPLETE ALL ASSIGNMENTS IN ORDER TO PASS THIS COURSE.

GRADES: Your final grade is calculated by dividing the points you earned during the semesterby the total possible

points (approximately 480). Example: Let's say that you earned 384 pointsfrom the exams, quizzes, writing

assignments, and class participation. Divide the points you earned (384 points) by the total possible points (480

points). The result is .80 or 80%. According to the chart below, your grade for the course is a B.

A / 90% or better / C / 70 - 76%
B+ / 87 - 89% / D+ / 67 - 69%
B / 80-86% / D / 60 - 66%
C+ / 77 - 79% / F / less than 60% of points

Keep track of your grades during the semester. You can calculate your grade any time during the semester by addingall of your scores and dividing by the total possible points at that time.

FIVE FUNCTIONS OF GRADES:

1. To inform professors about what students have and have not learned

2. To provide students with feedback on course expectations

3. To describe the worth, merit, or value of students' work

4. To encourage good work by students

5. To improve students' capacity for self-evaluation

THE MEANING OF LETTER GRADES:

Agrade of A indicates work of unusual excellence as well as originality and style. Written work is insightful and illustrates a comprehension of (e.g., use of examples) and control over the requirements for the assignment. The best information is used and used effectively. The information is communicated clearly, concisely, and directly. Writing contains very few or no errors in grammar, punctuation, and spelling.

A grade of B means excellent work, above average. The information is detailed, persuasive, and clearly organized. The paper meets and, at times, exceeds the basic requirements of the assignment. The message is communicated with generally effective clarity, directness, conciseness, and examples. There are infrequent and minor errors in grammar, punctuation, and spelling.

C level work is satisfactory and meets the basic requirements of the assignment. The information is reasonably clear, concise, and direct, however there are problems with the grammar, punctuation, and spelling. There is little or no use of examples.

D work inadequately fulfills the requirements of the assignment. It is often difficult to determine whether a student understood the purpose of the assignment. The information may be inappropriate, out of order, or irrelevant. Important evidence may be missing. The reasoning is flawed or inadequately supported. The written work may have numerous errors in grammar, punctuation, and spelling.

A grade of F indicates unsatisfactory work and a failure to understand the assignment. The thesis is unclear and supporting evidence is missing. The organization is haphazard and there are numerous and consistent errors in grammar, punctuation, and spelling. It may also be seriously short of the appropriate length of the assignment.

Grade Challenge Policy:If you do not understand why you earned a particular grade, you should seek clarification from the instructor. (I will not lower your grade or otherwise penalize you for seeking clarification.)

  • Submit a written explanation of why you think your answer is correct, documenting your belief with evidence from the text.
  • After receiving your written explanation, I will review yourdocumentation to decide if a grade change is warranted.
  • I will return the documentation with written comments concerning your grade and the basis for my decision.
  • If you have further questions, please make an appointment to meet with me.

STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES:Winthrop University is dedicated to providing access to education. If you have a disability and require specific accommodations to complete this course, contact the Office of Disability Services (ODS) at 323-3290. Once you have your official notice of accommodations from the Office of Disability Services, please make an appointment to speak with me about your accommodations as early in the semester as possible.

THE OFFICE OF VICTIMS ASSISTANCE (OVA) provides services to survivors of sexual assault, intimate partner violence, and stalking as well as educational programming to prevent these crimes from occurring. The staff assists all survivors, regardless of when they were victimizedin obtaining counseling, medical care, housing options, legal prosecution, and more. In addition, the OVA helps students access support services for academic problems resulting from victimization. The OVA is located in 204 Crawford and can be reached at (803) 323-2206. In the case of an after-hours emergency, please call Campus Police at (803)323-3333, or the local rape crisis center, Safe Passage, at their 24-hour hot-line, (803)329-2800. For more information please visit:http://www.winthrop.edu/victimsassistance/

WINTHROP'S ACADEMIC SUCCESS CENTERis a free resource for all undergraduate students who want to perform their best academically. The ASC helps students achieve academic excellence by offering a variety of personalized and structured resources such as tutoring, academic skill development (test taking strategies, time management counseling, and study techniques), group and individual study spaces, and academic coaching. The ASC is located on the first floor of Dinkins, Suite 106. Please contact the ASC at 803-323-3929 or . For more information on ASC services, please visit .

WINTHROP UNIVERSITY'S OFFICE OF NATIONALLY COMPETITIVE AWARDS (ONCA)identifies and assists highly motivated and talented students to apply for nationally and internationally competitive awards, scholarships, fellowships, and unique opportunities both at home and abroad. ONCA gathers and disseminates award information and deadlines across the campus community, and serves as a resource for students, faculty, and staff throughout the nationally competitive award nomination and application process. ONCA is located in Dinkins 222. Please fill out an online information form at the bottom of the ONCA webpageand emailfor more information.

FALL 2012 Tentative Schedule (i.e., This schedule is likely to change.)

Date / Day / Topic / Reading
August 22 / W / Introductions / Syllabus
August 27-29 / MW / Public and Private Families / Ch. 1
September 3-5 / MW / History of the Family / Ch. 2
September 10-12 / MW / Gender and Families / Ch. 3
September 17-19 / MW / Social Class and Families / Ch. 4
September 24 / M / Review for Exam #1 (Chapters 1-4) / Student Questions
September 26 / W / Exam #1 / Exam
October 1-3 / MW / Race, Ethnicity, and Families / Ch. 5
October 8-10 / MW / Sexualities / Ch. 6
October 15 / M / Fall Break—No Class
October 17-22 / WM / Cohabitation and Marriage / Ch. 7
October 24 / W / Review for Exam #2 / Student Questions
October 29 / M / Exam #2—(Chapters 5-7) / Exam
Oct. 31-Nov. 5 / WM / Children and Parents / Ch. 9
November 7-12 / WM / Older People and Their Families / Ch. 10
November 14-19 / WM / Stepfamilies / Ch. 13
November 21 / W / Thanksgiving Break—No Class
November 26-28 / MW / The Family, the State, and Social Policy / Ch. 14
December 3 / M / Summary and Review for Final Exam
December 11 (3:00) / Tue. / Final Exam (Exam #3) / Chapters 1-7, 9-10,13-14

Syllabus Change Policy