SOCI 216 - Family Studies

3 Credits: (3 lecture)

Course Description
This course is a study of family relations in our society.  This course examines how family forms and structures, family values and expectations, and social issues influence the growth and development of the child.  Topics include poverty; families in crisis; divorce; working parents; single parenting; ethnic, cultural and lifestyle differences; illness and death; and the role of siblings and other relatives.  Also included are issues of professionalism in dealing with diverse families. 

Text
Olson, D., DeFrain, J., & Skogrand, L. (2022). Marriages and families: Intimacy, diversity, and strengths (10th ed.). New York, NY:  McGraw Hill.

Objectives
The student will be able to:

A. Analyze demographics and statistics of modern family units.

B. Identify key components of family interactions.

C. Explain ways in which family interactions influence developing children.

D. Explain the impact of family values on the development of children.

E. Describe personal biases that affect one’s ability to work effectively with children, families, and other professionals.

F. Identify cultural biases regarding family forms in our society.

G. Describe models of intervention for working with families.

Content
A. Family demographics

B. Family interactions

B. Family values

D. Influences on the development of young children

E. Personal biases

F. Cultural biases

G. Working with children and families

Student Evaluation
A. Exams, quizzes, assignments, student presentations

B. Exams, quizzes, student presentations

C. Exams, quizzes, assignments, student presentations

D. Exams, quizzes, assignments

E. Exams, quizzes, assignments

F. Exams, quizzes

G. Exams, quizzes, assignmentsBibliography
Bailey, S. J., & Gentry, D. B. (2013). Teaching about family science as a discipline. Handbook of Marriage and the Family, 3, 861-883.

Bonnell, K., & Papermow, P. (2019). The stepfamily handbook: From dating to getting serious, to forming a blended family.  Kirkland, MI: CMC Publishers. 

Ciabattari, T. (2017). Sociology of families: Change, continuity, and diversity. New York, NY: Sage Publications.

Hamon, R. R., & Smith, S. R. (2014). The discipline of family science and the continuing need for innovation. Family Relations, 63(3), 309-322.

Lamanna, M. A., Riedmann, A., & Stewart, S. D. (2021). Marriages, families, and relationships: Making choices in a diverse society. Boston, MS: Cengage Learning.