SOC 208 - Intimate and Family Relations

Credits: 5
LEC hours per week: 5
Provides a sociological understanding of the processes involved in family relations, household life and structures, and family problems. Emphasizes historical formations, social influences, and the diversity of families in the United States. Explores myths about family forms and features; the role of gender; divisions of labor within household; historical shifts; family privacy and government interventions; stereotypes; and the effect of social, economic, and political forces on the family. Also addresses the broader issues in the sociology of intimate relations beyond conventional marriages and families.
Recommended: READ 088.
Course Outcomes:

Examine how social institutions influence individuals and families.
Analyze how the family has changed in the United States from a historical and sociological perspective.
Explain the varied experiences of family and family life based on intersectionalities of gender, culture, race, class, and sexuality.
Describe the dynamics of intimate relations and the evolution of family life.

Course Topics:

Qualities of strong and resilient families based on building successful relationships and making sound decisions.
Explores how family is the basic unit of human organizations; providing structure and function, with our shared commonality and uniqueness, from a cross-cultural perspective.
The foundation blocks of intimate relationships; commitment, growth orientation, communication, and conflict resolution are identified.
The role of our sex and gender system and the impact this system has on families in the United States and around the world is investigated.
Dating, mate selection, marriage, family planning and the challenges of parenthood are explored from a sociological perspective.
A look at the family life stages ranging from middle age, retirement, and widowhood is analyzed.
The impact of economic factors, family crisis, the dissolution of marriage, and remarriage is assessed in the United States.

Course Attribute(s): Diversity, Social Science