Montclair State University
Sociology of the Family, Spring, 2003
Dr. Kathryn Keller
Work # (973) 971-4740
Home # (973) 467-9465
Hours by appointment
PURPOSE OF THE COURSE: To analyze sociologically the family in American society by studying historical, social, economic, ideological and cultural forces that have shaped this institution. These macro forces shape our own familial experience. Moreover, the institution of family is experienced differentially. Social class, race, ethnicity, and gender influence the structure of family. We will come to realize that we are studying “families” rather than the “FAMILY.”
REQUIRED TEXTS:
Cherlin, Andrew. Pubic and Private Families, 3ed. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2002
Cherlin, Andrew. Ed., Public and Private Families: A Reader, 2nd edition. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2001
Additional hand-outs will be distributed during the course.
GRADING: 2 tests each worth 100 points; three research assignments each worth 33 points.; research paper or project worth 100 points. Total points = 400.
CLASS ATTENDANCE: Classroom attendance is expected and will influence your grade. More than 3 absences will drop your grade ½ letter, e.g. A to A-. More than 5 absences will lower your grade a full letter, e.g. A to B. Anyone absent more than 7 classes will receive an F. This policy pertains to any reasons for absence: illness, work commitments, sports events, etc. etc.
CLASS PARTICIPATION: Class participation is essential and is encouraged. Class participation will influence your final grade. For example, a student whose final grade is between an A or A- will receive the A if s/he has participated actively in class discussions. To fully participate in the class, you will need to read the assigned readings.
TESTS: will consist of multiple-choice, short definitions, and essays.
EXTRA CREDIT: Additional work to enhance your grade is encouraged. This can be discussed with me during the semester.
ASSIGNMENTS:
Assignment # 1 Play the National Budget Simulation game - short version. Attach your results to the handout and answer the questions on the handout. (33 points)
Assignment # 2 Read Khalil Gibran's poem "On Children" . Write a reaction to the poem; answer the questions on the handout (33 points)
Assignment #3: Interview a grandparent or older individual. Record and analyze her or his responses. Be sure to include the questions listed on the handout. (33 points)
Student Projects: Worth 100 points - Choose 1 :
TERM PAPER: 10-12 pages, type-written, double-spaced. The student will explore and discuss a sociological topic related to the study of the family. The student should ask and answer a sociological question. For example, if the topic of domestic violence is chosen, the question asked and answered might be, “What are the social causes of wife abuse?” “of child abuse?” The answers to the sociological question should be supported by sources independent of the class readings. A minimum of five professional sources should be used to support your position. Articles from popular literature (like Cosmopolitan) are not considered one of the five sources. Footnotes and a bibliography are required. An outline of the paper and a tentative bibliography are to submitted. The topic must be approved by me. Failure to submit an outline may result in rejection of your paper or a lower grade.
Book Report:
Read one of the following books and then discuss the organization of the family in the particular book Use the specific outline to write your paper. The report should be approximately 10 pages in length.
Myla Goldberg, Bee Season (Fiction regarding a Jewish family)
Sandra Cisneros, The House of Mango Street (Fiction, regarding several Latino families)
Anne Tyler, Dinner at the Homesick Restaurant (Fiction, deals with conflict between the desire for an ideal family and the reality of an actual family)
Robert Anson, Best Intentions (Non-fiction, account of young black male who was short and killed by police)
Film Analysis:
Choose two movies: one that was produced prior to the 1960s and portrays marriage or dating prior to the 1960s and one film that was produced in the 1990s and portrays marriage or dating in the late 1990s.Compare and contrast the two films, especially in terms of gender roles and male-female relationships, The themes "playing hard to get," "being got," "trouble in the middle of the relationship," and "finally getting back together and marrying" are common in the movies prior to 1960. The 1960s are often recognized as the watershed when gender roles were called into questioned and the rules regarding dating, sexuality, and marriage were challenged. This analysis should be 10 pages in length.
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