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MARRIAGE AND FAMILY (SOCL/WMST 305)
WINTHROP UNIVERSITY-FALL 2014
Professor: Dr. Jennifer Solomon
Course:SOCL 305-001, 10151/WMST 305-001 12466 (3 credit hours) Office: Kinard 330
Class Location:Owens 203 Office Hours:TR 2-3, MW 1-2, & by appointment
Time of class: TR 9:30-10:45 a.m. Office 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.
REQUIRED TEXTBOOK:Exploring Marriages & Families 2nd Edition (2012, 2015) by Karen Seccombe, New York: Pearson.
RESOURCES:
1) Assigned readings and websites
2) 3X5 INDEX CARDS
Winthrop’s University Level Competencies (ULCs)identify learning outcomes that apply across all undergraduate programs and that all Winthrop graduates attain.These capacities are essential preparation for working productively and living meaningfully in the contemporary and emerging world.(The ULCs were approved by Faculty Conference in October 2010.)
Competency 1: Winthrop graduates think critically and solve problems.Winthrop University graduates reason logically, evaluate and use evidence, and solve problems.They seek out and assess relevant information from multiple viewpoints to form well-reasoned conclusions.Winthrop graduates consider the full context and consequences of their decisions and continually reexamine their own critical thinking process, including the strengths and weaknesses of their arguments.
Competency 2: Winthrop graduates are personally and socially responsible.Winthrop University graduates value integrity, perceive moral dimensions, and achieve excellence.They take seriously the perspectives of others, practice ethical reasoning, and reflect on experiences.Winthrop graduates have a sense of responsibility to the broader community and contribute to the greater good.
Competency 3: Winthrop graduates understand the interconnected nature of the world and the time in which they live.Winthrop University graduates comprehend the historical, social, and global contexts of their disciplines and their lives. They also recognize how their chosen area of study is inextricably linked to other fields.Winthrop graduates collaborate with members of diverse academic, professional, and cultural communities as informed and engaged citizens.
Competency 4: Winthrop graduates communicate effectively.Winthrop University graduates communicate in a manner appropriate to the subject, occasion, and audience. They create texts – including but not limited to written, oral, and visual presentations – that convey content effectively. Mindful of their voice and the impact of their communication, Winthrop graduates successfully express and exchange ideas.
Course Goals and Learning Outcomes: The successful student in SOCL/ANTH 302 will
(Competency 1: Winthrop graduates think critically and solve problems.)
- Be familiar with the theoretical analysis of marriage and family
- Understand core sociological ideas and concepts related to marriage and family,
- Be able to think critically by comparing and contrasting theoretical perspectives
- Reason logically and evaluate and use evidence to solve problems.
(Competency 2: Winthrop graduates are personally and socially responsible.)
- Be acquainted with the values and assumptions that provide the bases for marriage and family and the related social norms and social structures,
- Recognize factors affecting social change and social stability and
- Learn to take seriously the perspectives of others, practice ethical reasoning, and reflect on experiences.
(Competency 3:Winthrop graduates understand the interconnected nature of the world and the time in which they live.)
- Develop the ability to interpret marriage and family relations from multiple perspectives,
- Acquire the capacity and motivation to critically examine marriage and family in contemporary society,
- Better understand a growing body of knowledge about the dynamics of social relationships.
(Competency 4:Winthrop graduates communicate effectively.)
- Develop the motivation to help others, work for the common good, and serve the community,
- Gain the ability to assess and understand unfamiliar situations, and
- Acquire the competence to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
COURSE GOALS: Are consistent with the mission of the Department of Sociology & Anthropology
Winthrop University’s Global Learning Initiative (GLI)
The Global Learning Initiative ( is designed to ensure that Winthrop students become successful citizens and professionals in an increasingly globalized world. Today’s college graduates are likely to work with international colleagues, conduct business with/within international organizations, live in areas with immigrant populations, or have jobs that require international travel. The GLI defines “global” as “local, regional, national, and/or international experiences that may differ from one’s own culture.” Studying marriage and family requires students to suspend familiar cultural assumptions, values, and beliefs about their personal environmentas well as beliefs about other cultures.This course also requires critical thinking and a willingness to explore new ways of perceiving the world and other people.
This course has the following global learning components:
1. Students read about and discuss definitions of family in the U.S. as well as in other cultures such as China, Mexico, Central and South America, and Nepal.
2. Every chapter of the textbook contains a “Diversity in Families” section with questions for discussion.
3. Students learn about the influence of historical circumstances (e.g., war, technology, and the economy) in creating and promoting new ideas about families and family relationships.
4. Students write essays and papers in which they compare and contrast the influence on marriage and families of race/ethnicity, gender, social class, age, and sexual orientation.
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, doing assignments, studying alone or in groups, thinking about course material, developing questions, and applying course concepts, perspectives, and knowledge to understanding both personal and social issues. Students and teachers together create a supportive and stimulating learning environment.
NO ZOMBIES ALLOWED!
It would be impossible to be standing in front of a zombie and not know that it is a zombie. Their characteristics are very obvious, so no one should fear being fooled by a zombie into thinking they are a normal human. If for some reason you do not know what a zombie is, here is a list of zombie characteristics to help prevent you from becoming one of the undead.
Lack of communication skills: A zombie cannot speak. They do manage to emit groans and moans, and some can even manage the one word, “brains”. No zombie will be able to carry on an interesting conversation, or for that matter, even finish a complete sentence.
One track mind: Here is the most obvious way to tell if you are dealing with a zombie. They are only interested in one thing: your brains. Zombies will do nothing but shuffle along in the direction that they sense the brains are. They will not be distracted by anything else. (This is why they are frequently found in college classrooms.)
HUMANS WELCOME!!!
1. Humans treat each other with respect, regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, political beliefs, age, ability, or social role;
2. appreciate and encourage diverse perspectives and opinions;
3. attend class, arriving before class begins and staying until it ends;
4. pay attention by discussing, questioning, and listening thoughtfully to each other;
5. do not sleep, eat, drink (except water), or engage in non-course related activities, and
6. humans using iPads, laptops, or similar technology sit in the first two rows
STUDENT BEHAVIOR DURING EXAMS:
1. Sit as evenly spaced as possible.You may not be able to sit in your regular seat.
2. No one may leave the room after the test begins. Plan ahead; use the restroom before class, bring tissues, water, pens, pencils, etc.
USE OF HANDHELD AND WIRELESS TECHNOLOGY:Youmustturn offyour cell phone, iPod, and all other electronic devices before entering the classroom. Keep these devices out of sight in your book bag, purse, or pocket. If you violate this policy, you will be asked to leave the classroom immediately and 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.
ATTENDANCE POLICY: You must attend classes, pay attention, and take thorough notes. I am only obligated to provide makeup opportunities 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 of an absence. You are responsible for the academic consequences of missing class, including meeting all requirements of the course, regardless of absences. You are also responsible for providing me with documentation certifying the legitimacy of your 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 (October 24, 2014), you will receive a grade of N.
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 24 hours of missing the exam to be considered for a make-up exam. You will take the make-up exam within one week of the missed exam. The make-up exam may be different from the original. If you fail to contact me within 24 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
COMMUNICATION: Please keep in touch with me during the semester. If you have questions, concerns, or just 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 or WMST 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 designator. I will discuss your grades with you in person (not by email or phone).
STUDENT LEARNING ACTIVITIES
1) Preparation and Participation (50 points): In order to do well, you must:
- Complete the readings on the assigned dates.
- Participate in class discussion.
Take-home Message and Question (Use a 3X5 index card): At the end of every class, write the following 3 types of information on an index card and put the card on my desk as you leave the classroom. First, put your name, the date, and course information (e.g., SOCL 305 / WMST305) on the card. Second, write a brief take-home message; this is information you learned that day in class. Third, create a question related to a topic you did not understand from that day’s discussion or an idea about which you would like more information. At the beginning of the next class, I will respond to common points of confusion and/or interest. I will not have time to answer all questions in class; however I encourage you to discuss your questions with me during office hours.
2) Love and Marriage Assignment (20 points) Link to assignment:
Submit all assignments through TURNITIN by midnight of the due date. The Class ID is 8295724 and the password is LOVE.
3) Exams (300 points):You will take three exams, including the final exam, which may contain the following types of questions: short answer, multiple choice, true/false, fill-in-the blank, and essay questions. 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 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 essayquestions and study your answers. Essay questions may ask you to define and apply a concept, such as cohabitation or to take a stance on a controversial issue (e.g., abortion) and defend it sociologically.
4)Quizzes (10 points each):You may have a quiz during any class meeting.The quizzes are based on information in the textbook. There are no make-up quizzes.
5)Writing Assignments (40 points total): You will have 2 writing assignments worth 20 points each. Assignments handed in late receive no points. The assignments should be at least 2 pages typed and doubled-spaced.
6) 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. For example, what kind of 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 concepts. Third, summarize your findings and state your conclusions. Finally, submit the paper (1 to 2 pages, typed and double-spaced) to TURNITIN. Each analysis is worth 3 points, and you may complete three, for a total of 9 points. The deadline for submitting extra credit is the final class meeting.
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 (480points). 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
GRADE CHALLENGE POLICY:If you do not understand why you earned a particular grade, you should seek clarification from me. (I will not lower your grade or otherwise penalize you for seeking clarification.) You have a week after receiving your grade to submit a written explanation of why you think your answer is correct, documenting your position with evidence from the text.I will review yourdocumentation to determine if a grade change is warranted. Within a week of receiving your written explanation, I will return your documentation, along with my written comments concerning your grade and the basis for my decision. If you have additional questions about your grade, please 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 803-323-3290. Once you have your official notice of accommodations from the Office of Disability Services, please inform me. If you have questions about accessibility statements, accommodations, or services, please contact ODS. Information about services and accommodations is also available on the ODS website: