A) Clipping File and Report           Due: Dec. 1

For this assignment, I ask that you look in local newspapers, weekly news magazines and other similar resources for articles (generally brief ones) that have to do with any of the issues that we will be dealing with this semester in relation to "family". You may find articles in more specialized journals; you are also likely to find them in regular newspapers. When you find such articles, clip them (or photocopy them) and collect them in a folder. Periodically I will ask in class how people are doing in finding such articles. If you find any that seem particularly relevant to a class discussion, feel free to note it in class. By Dec. 1, I will collect these folders, and ask that you have at least ten such articles in your collection. I will give a single point for each article, up to ten points for a completed folder. Along with this collection I also ask that you write a brief summary/reflection (3pp.) about the articles you have clipped. We will discuss in class some of the possible ways this can be written.

B) Book Review           Due: Nov. 17

Details of this assignment will be discussed in class. This will be a concise review (typed-- about 3 pages) of Stephanie Coontz's book.

C) "Family" Project: Due Dec. 8

For this assignment, I ask that you take a few weeks of the class to consider the range of things related to "family" to which a sociological approach might bring a valuable perspective.  Skim our texts, and ask questions in class, to see what might be of interest to you beyond this particular class, that sociology can help you to keep learning about, in relation to issues and concerns that have to do with family.    

In class we'll then identify a variety of ways that people can develop "pictures" of family-- either from a contemporary or an historical perspective. These will be done primarily as group projects, and will be presented in class on the scheduled days at the end of the semester.

The final report for this project will be due (to be handed in) on Dec. 8. Informal presentations will be shared in  class.

D) "Resource Report"        Due: Dec. 8

This is meant to be an annotated bibliography of significant sources that you would use toward the "Family Project" above. It is actually a part of the project but will be graded separately. Details of this bibliography will be discussed in class.

Click here to close this browser window.