Sociology of the Family (310-0-20)
Instructors
Karrie A Snyder
847/467-0517
1808 Chicago, Room 106
Dr. Snyder is a qualitative researcher and specializes in the areas of health, family, gender, youth studies and education.
Meeting Info
555 Clark B03: Mon, Wed 2:00PM - 3:20PM
Overview of class
This course is an overview of the sociology of the family focusing on contemporary issues in the U.S. We will begin the course, however, by looking at the history of the family and how its form and roles within have changed historically. The course will pay particular attention to diversity in family experiences by social status including generation, race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status and gender. We will also think about how the intersection of work and family lives differ greatly across demographic groups as well as addressing popular misconceptions regarding the integration of occupational and family lives. The aim of this course is for students to learn how sociologists have studied families in the U.S., understand general trends in how contemporary U.S. families live, explore issues of diversity among family experiences and structures, and contemplate how "the family" fits in with other social institutions, including the economy. Overall, the goal of the course is for students to become more engaged and critical of issues related to family life that are presented to us in our daily lives through the media, from politicians and family advocates, and in our interpersonal exchanges.
Learning Objectives
- Understand contemporary issues in family life including changes in family structure over the past few decades and changes in marital and parenting patterns, expectations and choices.
- Examine contemporary debates surrounding family life.
- Understand how family members balance work and home commitments and the role of the family in the economy.
- Explore how sociologists have researched family life and family relationships.
Teaching Method
Discussion, Class Participation, Small Group Work, Written Assignments, Film/Video
Evaluation Method
Class Participation, Exams and Final Paper
Class Materials (Required)
All materials for this course will be made available on Canvas - no purchase necessary.
Class Attributes
Social and Behavioral Science Foundational Discipl
U.S. Perspectives on Power, Justice, and Equity
Social & Behavioral Sciences Distro Area