Paula J. Tripp, Ph.D.

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FACS 50:: Syllabus

Course Description: Family structure, systems and functioning in marriage and other partnerships, parenting, work issues, domestic violence, divorce, and remarriage. Focus on social issues including gender, race, ethnicity, and class. Historical and theoretical perspectives on families in America. Introduction to research in family sciences and public policy implications. Lecture, discussion. 3 units.

Note: Not open for credit to students who have taken SOC 005.

Note: This course is approved for GE Area D2 and Race/Ethnicity credit.

Objectives ::Technology :: Text and Materials

Course Objectives

After participating fully in this course, students will be able to...

• Demonstrate an understanding of the contemporary changes in society and the family, including changes in gender roles.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the choices that are available to family members.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the constraints that many families face, including economic and political constraints, such as poverty and discrimination.
• Demonstrate an understandingof the diversity of American famiies today, particularly with regard to class, race, ethnicity, and various family forms.
• Demonstrate critical thinking skills regarding the many issues that confront the family of the twenty-first century.
• Apply Family Studies and Behavioral and Social Sciences theoretical perspectives and research to the issues facing families.
• Demonstrate professional communication skills.

Technology Requirements

Students will need an electronic mail account and computer access to the Web. All CSUS students enrolled in one or more units can create a SacLink account for electronic mail and Internet services. Although a home computer with a high speed modem running Netscape or Internet Explorer would be beneficial, students can use the Web from one of the campus student labs.

Computing Recommendations

You should be comfortable using a computer and willing to browse the Web. This class requires online class participation on the Web assignments and electronic discussions.

You need:

• Macintosh compatible with System 10 (OS X) or higher or Windows compatible Pentium running Windows 98 or XP.
• 128 MB of RAM
• 56K modem or faster connection
• Microsoft Internet Explorer 5 or Netscape 6 (or higher)
• SacLink or other Internet Account
• Word processing skills

Text and Materials

 Required: The texts for the course this semester are:

Cherlin, A. (2002). Public and private families: An introduction. (3rd ed.). Boston, MA: McGraw-Hill.

Schroeder, E. (2003). Taking sides: Clashing views on controversial issues in family and personal relationships. (5th ed.). Guilford, CT: McGraw-Hill/Dushkin.

You can purchase books through the Hornet Bookstore. Check their Online Textbook Sales page at http://www.foundation.csus.edu/bookstore/textbooks/ for ordering information.