SYG 2430 (section 15009) – Summer B 2019
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday
9:30 a.m. – 10:45 p.m. (period 2) – Turlington Hall L-011
Department of Sociology and Criminology & Law
Office: 3227 Turlington Hall Phone: 294-7177 Email:tkcox@ufl.edu
Office hours: Tues & Thurs 11:00 am – 1:15 pm; online (TBA), or by appointment.
Teaching Assistant: Stephanie Dhuman Giron Email: sdhuman@ufl.edu
Office: 3102 Turlington; TA Office hours: Mon 11:00 am – 1:00 pm, or by appointment.
** Note: Parts of Turlington Hall are under renovation this summer. The 3rd floor is open, but parts of the 1st and 2nd floors are under construction. We will occasionally hold office hours on the 1st floor of Library West (it’s central, easily accessible, and next to the Starbucks) – dates and times will be announced during the term.
The most current version of the syllabus will be available on my web page:
Follow the link to Courses, then select SYG2430 – Marriage and Families.
You may also access it through the “Syllabus” function in Canvas.
This course will use the E-Learning web site (http://elearning.ufl.edu) regularly to post
announcements, specific instructions for the take-home assignments, grades, and other resources.
The instructions and grades will not be distributed in class, so it is your responsibility to check E-Learning to access these materials.
Take-Home Assignments and the syllabus quiz must be submitted electronically on E-Learning.
Students are responsible for checking the syllabus and E-Learning site
at least every 2-3 days. Please be sure to contact Dr. Koropeckyj-Cox or the TA
early in the term if you have any questions about accessing or using E-Learning.
This course is designed to introduce students to some of the major issues related to families and relationships, with a focus on sociological perspectives and policy implications. Families and primary relationships are a fundamental part of our life experiences. This course is designed to introduce you to the historical and contemporary contexts that have shaped the meanings and importance of families in society. We emphasize the diversity of people and families in the United States and other highly industrialized societies, while drawing insights from cross-cultural and historical comparisons.
This section of SYG 2430 fulfills General Education requirements (S, D), but does NOT fulfill the Writing Requirement. As a general education course, this course provides an overview of social perspectives and processes and an introduction to Diversity. Specific course objectives are listed below, followed by information about General Education (S, D).
Course Objectives:
- Review the history of family life as a context for understanding contemporary family issues and debates.
- Examine important contemporary aspects of relationships and families including the prevalence of different family experiences, the range of social norms concerning families and relationships and how they have changed over time, the diversity of contemporary families, and the arguments and evidence used to support different interpretations, concerns, and policy solutions with regard to family life.
- Define and apply major sociological approaches (at the macro-, meso-, and micro- levels) to issues related to families and relationships, including approaches that focus on a) the forms and functions of families in society; b) conflict and inequalities; c) ecological and developmental perspectives; d) interaction, negotiation, and exchange; and e) gender.
- Examine and evaluate how sociologists study families and relationships, the ethical concerns that guide family research and policy, and how to evaluate and interpret sociological evidence to contribute to policy debates and decisions.
- Evaluate and discuss some of the critical implications of family change, especially as they related to social policy and legal issues.
- Develop an awareness of the diversity among contemporary families in the United States as well as cross-cultural variations.
The course begins with a discussion of how we define “the family” and the diversity of families. We will review historical background for understanding families and relationships as well as important sociological frameworks for studying relationship and family issues. We will distinguish between “public” and “private” aspects of families as they relate to the privacy of intimate relationships and the public concerns about the roles of families in society.
General Education Objectives:
Social and Behavioral Sciences (S) Social and behavioral science courses provide instruction in the history, key themes, principles, terminology, and underlying theory or methodologies used in the social and behavioral sciences. Students will learn to identify, describe and explain social institutions, structures or processes. These courses emphasize the effective application of accepted problem-solving techniques. Students will apply formal and informal qualitative or quantitative analysis to examine the processes and means by which individuals make personal and group decisions, as well as the evaluation of opinions, outcomes or human behavior. Students are expected to assess and analyze ethical perspectives in individual and societal decisions.
Diversity (D) Diversity courses provide instruction in the values, attitudes and norms that create cultural differences within the United States. These courses encourage students to recognize how social roles and status affect different groups in the United States. Students are expected to analyze and evaluate their own cultural norms and values in relation to those of other cultures, and to distinguish opportunities and constraints faced by other persons and groups.
Topics include:
- Diversity and Inequality: social class, race-ethnicity, gender, and sexuality
- Love, Sexuality, Partnership, and Marriage; Parents and children
- Conflicts and Crises: Economic strains, family violence, and divorce
- Changes and Transitions: Remarriage, step-families, and aging and caregiving
Our discussions will analyze the different sides of contemporary debates about social change and public policy, drawing on current media and press coverage and policy discussions.
Required Text:
- The Family: Diversity, Inequality, and Social Change, 2nd edition. (2018). Philip N. Cohen. Norton.
NOTE – This textbook has been selected in part because it is an affordable option. You may buy or rent, new or used, hard copy or online. You are encouraged to compare the options and choose the one that works best for you, but be sure that you get access to the book as early as possible to keep up with course material.
- Occasional online readings – links are included in the schedule below. Links for the readings, including the Benokraitis chapter on Theories, Methods, and Ethics, are available through Course Reserves or under “Lessons” in E-Learning: http://elearning.ufl.edu.
Course Requirements
Readings: Readings are assigned for nearly every class. You are strongly encouraged to do the readings before each class. Be sure to keep up with the reading — the summer term is intensive, and there is little time to make-up for missed reading later! You are also encouraged to read a major newspaper (e.g., New York Times, Washington Post, available free on-line) and to peruse on-line resources regularly. Please feel free to email clippings, links, and comments to the Instructor.
Attendance and In-Class Work: The course combines material from lecture, discussion, and assigned readings as well as the internet. Class attendance is required — much of the in-class presentation and discussion will be different from the textbook and readings. Short, in-class assignments (~ 2-3 per week) are given throughout the term to help focus thoughts and stimulate discussion. These are collected that day in class and comprise the Class Attendance grade (16 points total; ~ 1 point each).
Make-up (or excused) assignments will be allowed in the case of excused absences as defined by UF policy. You should inform the instructor via email if you will be absent, and bring in written documentation of excused absences in advance, when possible (e.g., university activities), or within one week of the absence.
Acceptable reasons for excused absences according to UF policy (https://catalog.ufl.edu/ugrad/current/regulations/info/attendance.aspx) include illness, religious holidays, university activities, and military obligation. Should you miss a class for any reason, you are responsible for informing yourself of announcements and material that were covered in class.
You may miss up to two in-class assignments (unexcused) without penalty (the lowest 2 grades will be dropped); further unexcused missed assignments will be deducted from your grade.
In-class assignments may be given at the beginning or end of class, or at any time in between. If you miss an assignment because you arrived late or left early, you may receive no more than half of the credit for that day’s assignment.
If you do not miss any in-class assignments or miss only one (AND you do not have any half-credit grades for in-class assignments – i.e., if late or incomplete), you will receive up to 2 points extra credit at the end of the term.
Syllabus quiz: Students will be required to complete the online syllabus quiz during the first week of class — due at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, July 5 (worth 4 points).
Short Take-Home Assignments: There will be two (2) take-home assignments (~3-4 pages) during the term. Instructions and due dates will be posted on E-Learning. These assignments are worth 30 points each (60 points total).You must turn in completed assignments electronically on E-Learning no later than class time (9:30 am) on the posted deadline and turn in a hard copy in class – late work will be accepted only with the approval of the instructor if there are serious circumstances. Completed assignments will be submitted to Turnitin.com, which reviews written work for plagiarism and appropriate citation. You should come prepared to class on the due date ready to discuss your assignment.
Exams: There will be two in-class exams, worth 60 points each. Make-up exams will be arranged only with documentation of a serious reason (i.e., serious illness, medical problem, death in family). Requests for a make-up exam must be arranged at least 24 hours PRIOR to the exam (except in emergency).
| Course Requirement | Points |
| In-class assignments | 16 points |
| Syllabus quiz | 4 points |
| Short Take-home assignments (2) | 60 points (30 each) |
| Exam 1 | 60 points |
| Exam 2 | 60 points |
| TOTAL | 200 points |
Extra credit options:
– If you do not miss any in-class assignments, (and you have no half-credit grades), you will receive up to 2 points extra credit. If you miss only one assignment, you will receive up to 1 point extra credit.
– A potential extra credit opportunity will be announced near the end of the semester related to completion of the on-line course evaluations – this is a collective incentive, with possible extra credit points for everyone based on the percentage of the class completing the on-line evaluation. More details will be posted later on E-Learning.
All course work, including exams, must be your original and individual work. Any cheating or plagiarism will result in a failing grade and disciplinary action.
** The schedule of exams will not change. Please plan accordingly. The schedule for readings may change – the syllabus and any updates or changes will be posted on-line on my web pages.
Students are responsible for checking the on-line syllabus and Canvas regularly for any updates and current information.
The grades in this course include both plus and minus grades. For more information on the grading system and the potential implications of minus grades, go to: http://www.registrar.ufl.edu/catalog/policies/regulationgrades.html
See also: www.isis.ufl.edu/minusgrades.html
Grading Structure for SYG 2430:
Grade Percent Points Grade Percent Points
Passing grades: Non-passing grades (no GE credit)
A 92-100 184-200 pts D+ 66-69.9 132-139.9 pts
A- 89-91.9 178-183.9 pts D 60-65.9 120-131.9 pts
B+ 86-88.9 172-177.9 pts D- 57-59.9 114-119.9 pts
B 82-85.9 164-171.9 pts E below 57 < 114 pts
B- 79-81.9 158-163.9 pts
C+ 76-78.9 152-157.9 pts
C 70-75.9 140-151.9 pts
Course Policies
Academic Honesty
All students registered at the University of Florida have agreed to comply with the following statement: “I understand that the University of Florida expects its students to be honest in all their academic work. I agree to adhere to this commitment to academic honesty and understand that my failure to comply with this commitment may result in disciplinary action up to and including expulsion from the University.”
In addition, on all work submitted for credit the following pledge is either required or implied: “On my honor I have neither given nor received unauthorized aid in doing this assignment.”
All course work, including written assignments and exams, must be your original and individual work. Any cheating or plagiarism, including copying of on-line materials without clear attribution, will result in a failing grade and disciplinary action. You are responsible for keeping back-up files of your written assignments. All written assignments must be submitted electronically on E-Learning (and are checked using Turnitin).
Accommodations for Students with Disabilities
Students requesting classroom accommodation must first register with the Dean of Students Office. The Dean of Students Office will provide documentation to the student who must then provide this documentation to the Instructor when requesting accommodation. Contact the Disability Resources Center (http://www.dso.ufl.edu/drc/) for information about available resources for students with disabilities.
Counseling and Mental Health Resources
Students facing difficulties completing the course or who are in need of counseling or urgent help should call the on-campus Counseling and Wellness Center (352-392-1575; http://www.counseling.ufl.edu/cwc/).
Additional policies and helpful hints to help you navigate through the course:
- Don’t miss class, and be prompt. If you need to come in late or leave early, please inform the Instructor and do not disrupt the rest of the class.
- If you need to miss any part or all of a class session, be sure to get the notes from another student. You are responsible for getting any missed notes, discussion content, and announcements (usually given at the beginning or end of class).
- Don’t put off the readings — come prepared for each class and keep up with the readings.
- Do ask questions! You will have opportunities to ask questions, and the Instructor and TA each have designated office hours when they are available in their offices. Please feel free to drop in with questions (you don’t need an appointment). We are available to discuss class work or assignments, or to discuss issues more generally.
- Do get to know the Instructor and TA, and get to know your classmates.
- Don’t wait till the end of the term to get notes you missed, clarify questions about grades, discuss an excused absence, or ask questions about course material.
- Questions about grades must be addressed in writing to the Instructor using your UF email account, and must be resolved prior to the last day of class (except for the last exam).
- Do keep up with current events in the newspaper, TV news, etc., and look for connections to course material.
- Please be considerate in class. Don’t wear earbuds in class. Silence your cell phone. You may use a laptop computer in class to take notes — but not for games. texting, email, facebook, snapchat, surfing the web, etc.
- You are encouraged to engage in active learning both in and outside class — this includes writing notes (by hand) and preparing outlines. Research has found that highlighting text while you read (without taking notes) or typing notes into a computer or tablet is generally less effective for learning than writing and outlining by hand.
- “Don’t just come to class — be present.”
- Do keep an open mind and listen to different viewpoints.
*** This course does not fulfill Writing Requirements. ***
Schedule and Assigned Readings
Week TOPIC READING
Week 1 Defining and Conceptualizing Relationships and Families
July 1 Introduce course, syllabus, requirements
July 2 Defining “Family” & Assessing Family Changes ch. 1 (pp. 2-16)
July 3 Family Change and Definitions
Read the Pew Research Center report –
Optional – take their online quiz – http://www.pewsocialtrends.org/attitudes-about-the-changing-american-family/?src=family-report
July 4 HOLIDAY — NO CLASS
July 5 Begin Conceptual frameworks ch. 1 (pp. 16-24); Benokraitis pp. 27-41 (on Canvas)
*** Syllabus quiz due (11:59 p.m.)
Week 2 Studying Families, Considering Diversity and Change
July 8 Complete Conceptual Frameworks
July 9 Methods, Data ch. 1 (pp. 24-31); Benokraitis pp. 41-54 (on Canvas)
July 10 Finish Methods & Ethics; Colonial era to Industrialization ch. 2 (pp. 34-54)
July 11 “Modern” Families and Beyond ch. 2 (pp. 54-74)
July 12 Racial and Ethnic Diversity, Immigration ch. 3 (pp. 76-115)
Week 3 Gender, Economics, and Sexuality
July 15 Gender Roles and Learning ch. 5 (pp. 156-172)
July 16 Perspectives, Work, Power, and Social change ch. 5 (pp. 172-193)
July 17 Social Class and Economic Constraints ch. 4 (pp. 118-154)
*** Take-Home Assignment 1 due in class ***
July 18 Wrap up economics; begin sexuality
July 19 Sexuality and Sexual Expression ch. 6 (pp. 196-210)
Week 4 Relationships and Dating
July 22 Wrap up and review
July 23 MIDTERM EXAM – IN CLASS
July 24 Sexuality – continued ch. 6 (pp. 210-234)
July 25 Love and Romantic Relationships ch. 7 (pp. 237-254)
July 26 Mate Selection ch. 7 (pp. 254-270)
Week 5 Dating, Marriage, Child-Bearing, Parenthood, and Family Processes
July 29 Wrap up dating
July 30 Marriage, Weddings ch. 8 (pp. 273-296)
July 31 Cohabitation, Marriage; ch. 8 (pp. 296-315)
*** Take-Home Assignment 2 due in class ***
August 1 Childbearing ch. 9 (pp. 319-327)
August 2 Childbearing – demographic patterns ch. 9 (pp. 327-335)
Week 6
August 5 Children and Parenthood ch. 9 (pp. 336-358);
Work and Family ch. 11 (pp. 407-429)
August 6 Family Abuse and Violence ch. 12 (pp. 437-465; skim: pp. 466-474)
August 7 Divorce, Remarriage ch. 10 (pp. 361-396)
August 8 Wrap up; Review
August 9 FINAL EXAM (IN CLASS)
** Schedule of topics and readings may change depending on the pace of the class. Deadlines and test dates will not change.