Develops an understanding of marriage, family and kinship. It examines the family as an institution and how social, cultural and personal factors influence family relations. The stability and diversity of the family will be explored, along with current trends and some alternative life styles. This course is a state guaranteed transfer course GT-SS3. Three credits.

This course explores various types of family relationships in society and how sustaining and changing the values, beliefs and rules in relationships are supported and altered through society's institutions in diverse societies.Upon completion of this course, students should be able to: Describe the American family in terms of the three major sociological theories. Explain the concepts concerning who marries whom. Describe how the rules in institutions shape perceptions of what constitutes a family and may reinforce inequality and discrimination. Explain human reproduction, including prenatal aspects, childbirth, contraceptive techniques and socially transmitted diseases. Assess possible future changes in what family forms, marriage forms and living arrangements are as they may affect the American family.