Family Diversity

Course Description

Study of the variation within and between families through an exploration of the similarities and differences according to culture, race/ethnicity, class, gender, family structure, and sexual orientation. Prerequisite: Grade of C- or better in HDF 111 or PSY 250, HDF 112, HDF 202, or HDF 203 or HDF 204; 2.50 GPA in the major.

Syllabus

Student Learning Outcomes, Goals, Objectives:

Students successfully completing this course will be able to:

  • have a general understanding of the development of family diversity in the United States.
  • better understand the social and cultural similarities and differences that exist within and across families living in the United States.
  • recognize that family, race, gender, class, and sexuality are socially constructed.
  • describe their cultural background and how they are impacted by socially constructed systems of inequality.
  • critically evaluate personal and societal beliefs and assumptions about individuals and families from backgrounds different from their own.
  • identify policy implications based on research and theory in the field of family science.

Course Grading Information:

Activity/Performance Measure Percentage/Points
7 Assignments (drop 1) = 6 X 20 points 120 points
6 Discussion Board = 6 x 10 points 60 points
3 Reflective Journals = 3 x 20 points 60 points
13 Quizzes (drop 1) = 12 x 15 points 180 points
Final Project = 1 75 points
Total possible points 495 points

Your final grade will be calculated using this standard scale:

Grading Scale

Percentage Letter Grade
97-100A+
94-96.99A
90-93.99A-
87-89.99B+
84-86.99B
80-83.99B-
77-79.99C+
74-76.99C
70-73.99C-
67-69.99D+
64-66.99D
60-63.99D-
less than 60F

A range indicates competent mastery and performance with distinction and excellence.

B range indicates competent mastery and superior performance.

C range indicates acceptable standards of competence and mastery, but not outstanding performance.

D range indicates falls below adequate competence standards.

F range indicates failure to meet minimum standards of competence and performance.

Attendance/Participation:

Attendance/participation is not a graded component included in the student's final grade for this course.

Course Materials Purchased by the Students:

Baca Zinn, M., Eitzen, D. S. & Wells, B. (2015). Diversity in Families, 10th edition. Pearson.

Scholarly Perspectives

This course engages diverse scholarly perspectives to develop critical thinking, analysis, and debate and inclusion of a reading does not imply endorsement.