SOC 302 Marriage and the Family

This course introduces the subjects of marriage and the family from a sociological perspective. It includes an examination and comparison of patterns of behavior surrounding these institutions historically and cross-culturally, with an emphasis on contemporary U.S. society. Students are encouraged to analyze the causes and probable consequences of current trends and social problems surrounding the family. Topics explored are family violence, mate selection, romantic love, gender roles, sex, divorce, and the changing composition of the family.