Middlesex Community College

Course Syllabus

Course Title: Sociology 210:  The Family

Semester:   Fall 2007 Online  

Instructor: Professor Patricia J. Sawyer

Credit Hours:   3

Department:   Social Science

Course No:   3281

Course Prerequisite:   English 101 Placement

Course Location:   Distance Learning – Online  

Meeting Time (days/hours):   Distance Learning 24/7.  Since this is a distance learning course, you are required to log on a minimum of three days weekly at your convenience to complete assignments and participate in the discussion board.

Scope of Course:   An examination of the evolution of contemporary relationships such as dating, cohabitation and marriage.

The implications of changes in relationships and their effect on the individual, family and society will be analyzed.

Textbook:

Marriages, Families, and Intimate Relationships: A Practical Introduction,  Williams, Brian, Sawyer, Stacey & Wahlstrom, Carl; Copyright: 2006, Allyn & Bacon Publishers.  ISBN: 0-205-36674-0

Office Hours:

Monday – OSHS Extension    5:00pm – 6:00pm

and by Appointment  

Office Telephone:   (860) 343-5813  

Email: psawyer@mxcc.commnet.edu

There is internal email built into the course.  Please use that email. Use the above email address in an emergency only.

Attendance Policy:   You are required to log on a minimum of three days weekly and perform tasks and assignments according to the syllabus.  Each late assignment will lose one letter grade for each day the assignment is late beginning on the first day after the deadline.

Credit will not be given for late postings.  All Discussion Board postings must be completed by Saturday 3:00pm Eastern Standard Time.

Class Cancellation Policy:   Non Applicable

Evaluation:

1.  Five Multiple Choice Examinations                                             50%

There will be 5 multiple choice exams. You will have three hours to complete each exam. The exam will be available for one week. You must take the exam anytime you want during the 7 days the exam is available. Exams cannot be made up after the 7 days. You are to log on anytime during the release times stated for each exam and complete it. Grades will be available in the gradebook.

Exam 1 will be available 9/15 – 9/22/07.

Exam 2 will be available 10/6 – 10/13/07.

Exam 3 will be available 10/27 – 11/3/07.

Exam 4 will be available 11/17 – 12/1/07.  WEBCT will be offline from 11/17 – 11/20/07. The exam close date has been extended due to WEBCT being unavailable.

Exam 5 will be available 12/8 – 12/15/07.

2.  Research Paper                                             20%

You are to write a 10 page double spaced research paper on a topic related to Sociology.  You are to use a minimum of four references.  Only two can be the internet unless they are online textbooks and journals.  Your sources cannot be older than 10 years. Your research paper must be cited using APA documentation. Research papers without documentation will not be accepted.  Use correct grammar, punctuation and full sentences.  Put your best effort into it as this counts for a good part of your final grade. 

Your research paper is Due: Friday, November 2, 2007  6:00pm Eastern Standard Time.

3.  Weekly Discussion Board Participation          30%

In order to receive full credit for the discussion board, you must log on a minimum of three days weekly and respond to the current question as well as interact with your classmates.  You must respond to at least three other postings in order to receive full credit.  You will be graded on how completely you answer the assigned discussion question and by the quality of responses to the other postings.  Your use of critical thinking skills, conducting research on the discussion board question and applying knowledge from your readings will be assessed.  No credit will be given should you log on after one week.  You will have one week to conduct research and post. The discussion board closes at 3:00pm each Saturday Eastern Standard Time.  No postings will be accepted after 3:00pm.

Course Objectives:  Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

1. Gain an understanding of the social nature of the individual.

2. Gain an understanding of family systems theory, family dynamics, violence

and power in relationships.

3. Gain an understanding of alternative lifestyles

4.   Gain an understanding of the sociological and psychological principles

      relating to marriage, family and intimate relationships.

5. Gain an understanding of the process and consequences of separation

and divorce.

6. To gain an understanding of the importance of human diversity in  

 topics related to the family.

Learning Outcomes:  Upon completion of each chapter the students’ performance will be satisfactory when they are able to:

Chapter One:             Seeking

• Understand how to see happiness through love and intimacy
• Define intimacy, marriage and family
• Understand the challenges to relationships and families today
• Be familiar with the changes in the family that involve race, ethnicity,

demographic characteristics, and different family roles

Chapter Two:             Understanding

• Gain an understanding of the history of marriage
• Learning how to be open-minded
• Understand research and how it is conducted and evaluated
• Understand the theoretical perspectives on the family
• Be familiar with the changes in the family that involve race, ethnicity,

demographic characteristics, and different family roles

Chapter Three:          Gender

• Distinguish between sex and gender and to define gender roles
• Understand how gender roles differ
• Understand how we learn about gender roles
• Familiar with gender and sexual orientation

Chapter Four:             Love

• Understand the definition of love
• Understand the origins of love and the theories of love
• Understand the concepts of jealousy, unrequited love and attempts to control

Chapter Five:             Involvement

• Gain an understanding of the dating game
• How to choose a partner
• Understand the concept of cohabitation
• Understand why couples break up

Chapter Six:               Sexuality

• Understand sexual values, learning and scripts
• Understand the varieties of sexual experience
• Understand how AIDS and other sexual diseases
• Understand how to practice safe sex

Chapter Seven:          Marriage

• Be able to understand why people get married
• Understand diversity and how bi-racial couples are accepted
• Understand the changes in the family life cycle
• Understand different kinds of marriage relationships
• Understand what makes for a successful marriage

Chapter Eight:            Variations

• Understand the single way of life
• Understand the gay and lesbian way of life
• Understand communal living, group marriage & open marriage

Chapter Nine:            Communication

• Understand power and intimacy and the effects of unequal power
• Understand conflict and how to handle conflict
• Understand the nature of communication

Chapter Ten:              Reproduction

• Understanding the impact of parenthood
• Understand the different methods of contraception
• Understand infertility, reproductive technology and adoption

Chapter Eleven:         Parenting

• Understand what it means to become a parent
• Understand parenting styles
• Understand the characteristics of the parent-child relationship

Chapter Twelve:        Work

• Understand the unequal distribution of income that affects the family today
• Understand the changing family work patterns
• Understand how to balance work and family
• Understand the dynamics of discrimination in the workplace, including the mommy

track, the daddy penalty, the gender gap in wages and sexual harassment

Chapter Thirteen:      Crises

• Understand what constitutes a crises
• Understand stress and disasters their impact on the family
• Understand violence and abuse
• Understand coping strategies and develop successful ways of handling stress

Chapter Fourteen:     Uncoupling

• Understand the concept of separation and divorce
• Understand why people divorce
• Understand the process of divorce
• Understand the effects of divorce

Chapter Fifteen:         Remarriage

• Understand how to return to the single life and dating
• Understand remarriage and the blended family
• Understand what it is like being a stepmother, stepfather and stepchild
• Understand how to become a successful stepfamily

Competence/Assessment

Competence will be demonstrated in each chapter:

• By critiquing weekly assigned readings
• By written examinations
• By research paper
• By weekly discussion board

Hints:
1. Don't fall behind- the most important factor for achieving success in this course is to follow the schedule closely, and complete your assignments correctly and on time.
2. Share your opinions - the Discussion Board is largely based on your application to the
psychological principals you will learn.  While the actual principles and theories are based on research, your answers to the questions are based on your personal application to these principles and theories.
3. Ask questions - if you are having trouble understanding any parts of this course, let me know as soon as possible.  I will gladly answer any questions you have about the course materials, lessons, resources and the assignments.  So if you have a question, please ask!                                  4. Technical questions - If you have technical questions please contact one of the following:                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   

CTDLC help desk at 1-866-462-8352.  CTDLC email:  support@ctdlc.org

Distance Learning Support Staff at Middlesex Community College:

Erin Mason, Educational Specialist 860-343-5822.  Email:  emason@mxcc.commnet.edu   OR                                                                                        Dr. Yi Guan-Raczkowski, Director of Distance Learning – 860-343-5783.  Email:  yguan@mxcc.commnet.edu

Unfortunately I cannot assist you with technical difficulties. You need to contact the above personnel. You will be able to access this course through any computer with an internet connection. If you do not have a computer or your computer is not operational or your internet provider is down please use the college computers (we have several for student use) located in the Library in Chapman Hall or the Computer Lab located in Wheaton Hall.  You can also use any local library computer in the United States and world free of charge. 

4. Please put your name on all assignments (on the assignment as well as in the subject line of the email).

ADA Accommodation Statement:

“Students with physical or learning disabilities who may require accommodations are

encouraged to contact the counseling office.  After disclosing the nature of the disability,

students are urged to discuss their needs with individual instructors.  This should be

done at the beginning of each semester.  Instructors, in conjunction with appropriate

college officials, will provide assistance and/or accommodations to those students who

have completed this process.”

Academic Ethics and Classroom Behavior:

“At Middlesex Community College we expect the highest standards of academic honesty. 

Academic dishonesty is prohibited in accordance with the Board of Trustees’ Proscribed

Conduct Policy in Section 5.2.1 of the Board of Trustees’ Policy Manual.  This policy

prohibits cheating on examinations, unauthorized collaboration on assignments,

unauthorized access to examinations or course materials, plagiarism, and other

proscribed activities.  Plagiarism is defined as the use of another’s idea(s) or phrase(s)

and representing that/those idea(s) as your own, either intentionally or unintentionally.”

“(Board of Trustees’ Policy 5.2.1)

The Family 210

Class Schedule

Fall 2007

Week 1           Seeking                                                           Chapter 1

8/28

Week 2           Understanding                                                Chapter 2

9/2                  

Week 3           Gender                                                            Chapter 3

9/9                  

Week 4           Love                                                                Chapter 4

9/16

Week 5           Involvement                                                   Chapter 5

9/23

Week 6           Sexuality                                                         Chapter 6

9/30

Week 7           Marriage                                                        Chapter 7

10/7                

Week 8           Variations                                                       Chapter 8

10/14

Week 9           Communication                                              Chapter 9

10/21

Week 10         Reproduction                                                  Chapter 10

10/28               RESEARCH PAPER DUE, FRIDAY 11/2/07  6:00PM

Week 11         Parenting                                                        Chapter 11

11/4

Week 12         Work                                                               Chapter 12

11/11                          

Week 13         Crises                                                             Chapter 13

11/18              

Week 14         Uncoupling                                                      Chapter 14

11/25              

Week 15         Remarriage                                                    Chapter 15

12/2

Week 16         Final Examination

12/9  

SOCIOLOGY 210: THE FAMILY

CRN:  3281

Distance Learning

Fall 2007

Professor Patricia Sawyer

This course is important because it will strengthen the student’s critical thinking skills and help them make the connection between sociology and everyday life.  It will provide the student with an exceptionally clear and coherent understanding of the family and human diversity. They will gain an understanding of sociological research, and be cognizant of the theories that guide research and impact family life.  The student will become acquainted with the breadth of the social nature of the individual and will obtain the core competencies as stated below, as well as a wealth on knowledge that will excite the student’s curiosity and increase their understanding of sociology as it relates to the family.  The core competencies will provide the tools that will maximize the student’s ability to learn and retain the subject matter of sociology.

Middlesex Community College

Core Competencies

1) Communication Skills:  Communication skills include reading, writing, speaking and research.  We expect our graduates will have good critical reading skills so that they can discriminate between primary and secondary sources and between more and less important ideas in what they read.  We expect our students to write and speak clear, correct expository English to communicate their ideas as well as to frame sensible arguments to support their points of view in an intelligent, thoughtful and civilized way. Communication is an interactive process through which there is an exchange of verbal and/or nonverbal information.

2)  Conceptual Skills / Critical Thinking Skills:  Conceptual skills refer to organized, responsive and critical thought.  Many educators and philosophers define critical thinking as skillful, responsible, reflective thinking that facilitates good judgment because it:  a) relies upon criteria developed or assessed, b) is self-correcting, and c) is sensitive to context.  Critical thinkers can distinguish between fact, inference, and opinion; construct worthwhile questions; arrive at and justify conclusions; prioritize ideas; apply strategies for dealing with error, improbability and ambiguity; value, and access information including that derived from textbooks, lectures and electronic media; give and accept criticism constructively.

3)  Quantitative Reasoning:  Quantitative reasoning helps us learn about reality by applying measurement, mathematics, data collection and evaluation to the study of specific problems. Quantitative reasoning involves several skills or abilities: 1) to describe research problems or questions in terms of numerical, symbolic, and visual representation; 2) to solve problems by collecting and analyzing data, formulating alternative theories, and making reasonable conclusions based upon a body of evidence; 3) to communicate and critique quantitative arguments.

4)  Technological Literacy: Technological literacy requires us to understand the potential and limitations of technology and to identify and effectively use the appropriate technology to achieve a desired outcome.

5)  Information Literacy:  Information literacy encompasses skills that enable individuals to determine when information is needed, efficiently access information, critically evaluate information and its sources, apply legal and ethical standards in using information, and appropriately apply information to one’s needs.

6)  Aesthetic Perspective:  The most elusive area in a well rounded education is that of aesthetics. Students should be aware of aesthetics both in daily life and in the context of their academic studies. Aesthetics encompasses forms of personal expression both in the natural world and in the world of man-made things (buildings, objects of art, etc.). In addition, aesthetics can be seen in more abstract, universal constructs such as the symmetry of an equation or the balanced physical structure of an atom. Students should be able to analyze and formulate opinions about the principles of design behind these formal and expressive structures.

7)  Understanding of Diversity:  Diversity means difference.  People may be different with respect to their ethnicity, race, culture, religion or national origin.  Or these differences may be social and personal such as class, age, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or appearance.  We hope our graduates are able to recognize and appreciate these and other differences. Sociology embraces a global perspective in presenting issues of diversity concerning cultural awareness, gender, ethnicity, sexuality and age.

8)  Values, ethics, and responsible citizenship:  Sociology will help the student to recognize and analyze ethical issues, make and defend ethical decisions, demonstrate ethical behavior and social responsibility by engaging in community, social, civic, or cultural service.

These core competencies are important personally, academically, and professionally.  The learning outcomes, as stated in the syllabus are covered in this course.