Common Course Outline

Course discipline/number/title SOC 2612: Marriage and the Family Across the Life Span

Catalog Description

Credits 3
Hours/Week 3
Prerequisites (Course discipline/number) None
Other requirements None
MnTC Goals (if any) Goal 5/History and the Social and Behavioral Sciences, Goal 7a/Human Diversity

Course Description

This course involves a sociological analysis of historical and contemporary patterns and trends in family life including dating, marriage, parenting, divorce and remarriage, and family dysfunction. College level reading and writing are recommended.

Date Last Revised (Month, year)

December, 2024

Outline of Major Content Areas

  1. Marriage and family in the sociological perspective
    1. The history of marriage and family
    2. Explaining marriage and family patterns using sociological theory and research
  2. The process of forming intimate relationships
    1. Gender
    2. Sexuality
    3. Love and romantic relationships
  3. Cohabitation/marital commitments, parenting, and family transitions
    1. Marriage and cohabitation
    2. Families and children
    3. Divorce, remarriage, and blended families
  4. Conflicts, crises, and changes in the family
    1. Work and families
    2. Family violence and abuse
    3. The future of the family

Learning Outcomes (General)

The student will be able to:

  1. Apply founding theoretical perspectives and concepts in sociology to the various issues affecting marriage and the family.
  2. Articulate the processes by which social structure and social forces at the macro level affect individuals’ thought and behavior at the micro level, and vice versa, through the institution of the family.
  3. Demonstrate an awareness of the individual and institutional dynamics of hierarchy, power, and authority between and within families in contemporary society.
  4. Explain the relationship between the socially constructed self and society.

Learning Outcomes (MnTC)

Goal 5/History and the Social and Behavioral Sciences

The student will be able to:

  1. Examine social institutions and processes across a range of historical periods and cultures.
  2. Use and critique alternative explanatory systems or theories.
  3. Develop and communicate alternative explanations or solutions for contemporary social issues.
Goal 7a/Human Diversity

The student will be able to:

  1. Understand the development of and the changing meanings of group identities in the United States’ history and culture.
  2. Demonstrate an awareness of the individual and institutional dynamics of unequal power relations between groups in contemporary society.
  3. Analyze their own attitudes, behaviors, concepts, and beliefs regarding diversity, racism, and bigotry.

Methods for Evaluation of Student Learning

Methods may include but are not limited to:

RCTC Core Outcome(s)

This course contributes to meeting the following RCTC Core Outcome(s):

Global Awareness and Diversity
Students will demonstrate an understanding of and respect for human diversity through their words and actions.

Special Information (if any)

None