This course introduces students to the many concerns, dilemmas, and issues facing marriage and family in contemporary American society. Issues around marriage and the family are at the core of heated debates about sexuality, spousal violence, child abuse, inter-generational communication, abortion, housework, grand — parenting, same — sex marriage, and a host of other family — related ideals and practices.

These issues are explored within the context of larger historical, economic, political, and cultural processes, like race, class, gender, and sexual orientation, so as to better understand how these social processes help shape family life. We will also examine the many ways in which those family experiences, in turn, shape the social world.

This course will also place special emphasis on marriage and family values, styles, and experiences of members of diverse racial, ethnic, immigrant, and sexual — identity groups.

It is my hope that the manner in which we explore, discuss and analyze these controversial topics will help create a pedagogic environment that fosters critical thinking, an appreciation of diversity, team work, and more profound thinking on our society, our families, and our personal values.

In addition to sociology concentrators, students preparing to be counselors, social workers, teachers, childcare providers, parent educators, family lawyers and professionals in the criminal justice system could benefit from taking this course.