SOC 3705 - The Family
Summer 2026 Syllabus, Section A01, CRN 30655,
Credit hours: 3
Course Meeting Times
Log in to view more
Instructor
Dr. Amanda Fehlbaum
Professional Qualifications:
Ph. D., Sociology, The University of Oklahoma
Master’s, Interdisciplinary Studies, University of Texas at Dallas
Bachelor’s, Gender Studies, University of Texas at Dallas
Associate Professor of Sociology
Email: afehlbaum@ysu.edu
Office: DEBH 507
Office Phone: 330-941-2716
Preferred Contact Method: Email
Communication Expectations:
I typically respond to email within 24 hours on weekdays. I strive to grade assignments within one week.
How to Refer to me:
Dr. Fehlbaum
Log in to view more
Course Description
Course Readings
| Group | Title | Author | ISBN |
|---|---|---|---|
| Required | The Family: Diversity, Inequality, and Social Change, 4th Ed. | Cohen, Philip | 9781324071075 |
InQuizitive (eBook) access is required.
Students are required to have access to Blackboard as this course takes place online. These are the computer lab locations on campus.
The course readings are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances, research developments, current events, and/or to ensure better learning.
Assignments/Assessments
Log in to view more
Schedule of Topics and Assignments
| Week of | Reading(s) | Proposed Topic | Due/To Prepare for Class |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6/29 | Syllabus Read with InQuizitive: • TF: Chapter 1 • TF: Chapter 2 |
MODULE 1 Defining the Family CAREER CONNECTION Assumptions about family drive policy, hiring, and organizational culture — professionals who can identify and question those assumptions serve diverse populations more effectively. |
Watch and Annotate: • Defining the Family Video Project: • Part 1 - Sociological Perspective & Members Register with InQuizitive Syllabus Quiz Exam 1 |
| 7/6 | Read with InQuizitive: • TF: Chapter 3 • TF: Chapter 4 • TF: Chapter 5 |
MODULE 2 Race, Class, Gender, and Family CAREER CONNECTION Race, class, and gender shape every workplace — professionals who can analyze these patterns are better equipped to lead equitably. |
Watch and Annotate: • Race, Ethnicity, and Family • Gender and Family • Social Class and Family Video Project: • Part 2 - Statuses and Roles • Peer Reviews of Part 1 Exam 2 Cultural Differences in Families Paper Due |
| 7/13 | Read with InQuizitive: • TF: Chapter 6 • TF: Chapter 7 |
MODULE 3 Sexuality, Love, and Romantic Relationships CAREER CONNECTION Social workers, counselors, healthcare providers, and educators regularly work with people navigating sexuality and relationships — understanding these sociologically makes you a more competent practitioner. |
Watch and Annotate: • Sexuality • Love and Romantic Relationships Video Project • Part 3 - Socialization & Social Factors • Peer Reviews of Part 2 Exam 3 |
| 7/20 | Read with InQuizitive • TF: Chapter 8 • TF: Chapter 9 |
MODULE 4 Marriage, Cohabitation, Families, and Children CAREER CONNECTION Household structures intersect with housing, healthcare, law, and workplace policy — knowing what research actually shows makes you a stronger advocate and analyst. |
Watch and Annotate: • Marriage and Cohabitation • Families and Children Video Project: • Part 4 - Social Structures & Environment • Peer Reviews of Part 3 Exam 4 |
| 7/27 | Read with InQuizitive: • TF: Chapter 10 • TF: Chapter 11 |
MODULE 5 Divorce Creating Different Families, Work and Family CAREER CONNECTION Work-family conflict is among the most pressing challenges facing employees and employers — understanding its structural roots makes you a more effective colleague, manager, or advocate. |
Watch and Annotate: • Divorce and Creating Different Families • Work and Family Video Project: • Part 5 - Sociological Theory • Peer Reviews of Part 4 Exam 5 Media Representations of Families Paper Due |
| 8/3 | Read with InQuizitive • TF: Chapter 12 • TF: Chapter 13 |
MODULE 6 Family Violence & The Future of Families CAREER CONNECTION Family violence intersects with healthcare, law, social services, and the workplace — professionals who understand its structural causes are better prepared to respond without causing harm. |
Watch and Annotate: • Family Violence • The Future of Families Video Project • Peer Reviews of Part 5 Exam 6 Imagining Future Families Paper Due |
| 8/10 | No Readings This Week | MODULE 7 Course Wrap-Up CAREER CONNECTION Research synthesis, iterative project management, peer feedback, and multimodal communication — what you practiced this semester is what employers mean when they ask for critical thinkers who can communicate. |
Final Video, Script, and Professional Reflection Due SATURDAY SOCIOLOGY MAJORS - Update LinkedIn Profile & Professional Portfolio |
The course schedule, policies, procedures, and assignments in this course are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances, by mutual agreement, and/or to ensure better learning.