Overview
SOCI 316 introduces sociological theories about, and research on, families, with an emphasis on the situation of families in Canada. Students are also expected to have university-level analytical and writing skills.
Outline
Part I: Beginnings
- Unit 1: Definitions, Gender, and Social Contexts
- Unit 2: Theoretical Perspectives on the Family
- Unit 3: Gender, Social Class, and Families
- Unit 4: Relationships and Intimacy
Part II: Maintaining Relationships
- Unit 5: Single, Alone, and Cohabiting
- Unit 6: Making a Commitment
- Unit 7: Marriage Relations
- Unit 8: Parenting
- Unit 9: Socialization
Part III: Stressors and Endings
- Unit 10: Communication, Conflict, and Crisis
- Unit 11: Managing Family, Finances, and Work
- Unit 12: Divorce
- Unit 13: Remarriage and Stepparenting
- Unit 14: Abuse and Violence in Families
Evaluation
To receive credit for SOCI 316, you must achieve a grade of 50 per cent or better on the final examination and an overall course composite grade of at least D (50 percent). A passing grade of 50 per cent is also required for the supplemental examination. The weighting of the composite grade is as follows:
| Activity | Weight |
| Telephone Quiz | 5% |
| TME I | 15% |
| TME II | 15% |
| Essay Outline | 5% |
| TME III | 15% |
| Essay | 15% |
| Final Exam | 30% |
| Total | 100% |
The final examination for this course must be requested in advance and written under the supervision of an AU-approved exam invigilator. Invigilators include either ProctorU or an approved in-person invigilation centre that can accommodate online exams. Students are responsible for payment of any invigilation fees. Information on exam request deadlines, invigilators, and other exam-related questions, can be found at the Exams and grades section of the Calendar.
To learn more about assignments and examinations, please refer to Athabasca University’s online Calendar.
Materials
Physical course materials
The following course materials are included in a course package that will be shipped to your home prior to your course’s start date:
Riedmann, A., Lamanna , M. A., & Nelson, A. (2003). Marriages and families. (1st Canadian ed.) Scarborough, ON: Thomson Nelson.
Luxton, M. (2006). “Conceptualizing ‘families’: Theoretical frameworks and family research”. In M. Baker (Ed.). Families: Changing trends in Canada. (3rd ed., pp. 36–52). Toronto: McGraw-Hill Ryerson. (This reading is appended to the print Study Guide.)
Wagamese, R. (2006). Keeper ’n me. Toronto: Anchor/Random House.
Yamagishi, N. R. (2005). Nikkei journey: Japanese Canadians in Southern Alberta. Victoria, BC: Trafford.
Other Material
The course materials also include a study guide.
Challenge for credit
Overview
The challenge for credit process allows you to demonstrate that you have acquired a command of the general subject matter, knowledge, intellectual and/or other skills that would normally be found in a university-level course.
Full information about challenge for credit can be found in the Undergraduate Calendar.
Evaluation
To receive credit for the SOCI 316 challenge registration, you must achieve a grade of at least B (70 percent) on the examination.
Challenge for credit course registration form