Information Package / Course Catalogue
POLS 346 Sociological Perspectives on Family
MEF University
Degree Programs
Economics
General Information For Students
Diploma SupplementErasmus Policy Statement
Economics
Bachelor Length of the Programme: 4 Number of Credits: 240 TR-NQF-HE: Level 6 QF-EHEA: First Cycle EQF: Level 6

ECTS Course Information Package

School/Faculty/Institute Faculty of Economics, Administrative and Social Sciences
Course Code POLS 346
Course Title in English Sociological Perspectives on Family
Course Title in Turkish Aile üzerine Sosyolojik Yaklaşımlar
Language of Instruction EN
Type of Course Lecture,Flipped Classroom
Level of Course Intermediate
Semester Fall
Contact Hours per Week
Lecture: 3 Recitation: 0 Lab: 0 Other: 2
Estimated Student Workload 135 hours per semester
Number of Credits 5 ECTS
Grading Mode Standard Letter Grade
Pre-requisites None
Co-requisites None
Expected Prior Knowledge None
Registration Restrictions Only Undergraduate Students
Overall Educational Objective To gain a better understanding on the institution of family, the diversity of relationships and family structures as well as how our family experiences are shaped by gender, race/ethnicity/religion and social class.
Course Description This course will provide students with an overview of the sociological perspective on the institution of family. The class will explore both contemporary and historical singlehood, courtship, mate selection, cohabitation, marriage and family. Emphasis will be placed on examining the diversity of relationships and family structures as well as how our family experiences are shaped by gender, race/ethnicity/religion, social class and sexual orientation. We will define and apply major sociological approaches to issues related to families and relationships. The course begins with a discussion of how we define "the family" and the diversity of meanings and family forms. We will review historical background for understanding families and relationships as well as important sociological frameworks for studying relationship and family issues. Throughout the course we will examine current events that highlight the importance of family, using these examples to illustrate key concepts and theories.

Course Learning Outcomes and Competences

Upon successful completion of the course, the learner is expected to be able to:
1) examine family and marriage in a historical context;
2) Analyze one’s knowledge of contemporary family & marriage relationships and show an understanding of sociological perspectives on families and intimate personal relationships (including but not limited to marriage).
3) Discuss how the institution of family interacts with and is influenced by other social institutions.
4) Explore on how diversity (ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, social class ...) influence the structure and social functioning of family, marriage and other forms of intimate personal relationships
Program Learning Outcomes/Course Learning Outcomes 1 2 3 4
1) Has a broad understanding of economics with a deep exposure to other social sciences and mathematics.
2) Demonstrates knowledge and skills in understanding the interactions of different areas of economics.
3) Displays a sound comprehension of microeconomic and macroeconomic theory.
4) Applies economic concepts to solve complex problems and enhance decision-making capability.
5) Uses quantitative techniques to analyze different economic systems.
6) Applies theoretical knowledge to analyze issues regarding Turkish and global economies.
7) Demonstrates proficiency in statistical tools and mainstream software programs to process and evaluate economic data.
8) Behaves according to scientific and ethical values at all stages of economic analysis: data collection, interpretation and dissemination of findings.
9) Uses written and spoken English effectively (at least CEFR B2 level) to exchange scientific information.
10) Exhibits individual and professional ethical behavior and social responsibility.
11) Displays learning skills necessary for further study with a high degree of autonomy

Relation to Program Outcomes and Competences

N None S Supportive H Highly Related
     
Program Outcomes and Competences Level Assessed by
1) Has a broad understanding of economics with a deep exposure to other social sciences and mathematics. N
2) Demonstrates knowledge and skills in understanding the interactions of different areas of economics. N
3) Displays a sound comprehension of microeconomic and macroeconomic theory. N
4) Applies economic concepts to solve complex problems and enhance decision-making capability. N
5) Uses quantitative techniques to analyze different economic systems. N
6) Applies theoretical knowledge to analyze issues regarding Turkish and global economies. N
7) Demonstrates proficiency in statistical tools and mainstream software programs to process and evaluate economic data. N
8) Behaves according to scientific and ethical values at all stages of economic analysis: data collection, interpretation and dissemination of findings. H
9) Uses written and spoken English effectively (at least CEFR B2 level) to exchange scientific information. H
10) Exhibits individual and professional ethical behavior and social responsibility. H
11) Displays learning skills necessary for further study with a high degree of autonomy H
Prepared by and Date ÖZGÜR KAYMAK , January 2024
Course Coordinator CANSU GÜLEÇ
Semester Fall
Name of Instructor Öğr. Gör. ÖZGÜR KAYMAK

Course Contents

Week Subject
1) Introduction, course overview, The Changing Family
2) Defining Family and Theorotical Perspectives on the Family
3) The Family in a Historical Perspective: History of Families and Modern Families.
4) Diversity in Contemporary Families
5) Diversity in Families Continued: Turkish Case
6) Gender & Family Relations
7) Love and Loving Relationships
8) Midterm: Critical Reflection of a Film-Presentation
9) Gendered Violence
10) Marriage: From Social Institution to Private Relationships
11) Parenthood: More Choices, More Constraints, More Concerns
12) Raising Children in a Diverse Society
13) Research Presentations
14) Research Presentations Continued
15) Exam Period
16) Exam Period
Required/Recommended ReadingsBenokraitis, N.V. (2015). “Marriages and Families: Changes, Choices and Constraints.” 8th edition. University of Baltimore. Lamanna, Mary Ann, Riedmann, Agnes, Susan Stewart. (2018). “Marriages, Families and Relationships: Making Choices in a Diverse Society”. 13th edition. Cengage: Boston, USA. Diana Gittins, (2019). “The Family in Question: What is the Family? Is it Universal?”. Shifting The Center, Understanding Contemporary Families, ed. Susan J. Fergusan, 5th ed. Sage Publications. Stephanie Coontz, (2019). “Historical Perspectives on Family Diversity”. Shifting The Center, Understanding Contemporary Families, ed. Susan J. Fergusan, 5th ed. Sage Publications. Duben, A., Cem Bahar. (1991). Istanbul Households: Marriage, Family and Fertility 1880-1940. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. Sirman, Nükhet. (2005). The Making of Familial Citizenship in Turkey. (içinde) Fuat. Keyman ve Ahmet. İçduygu (der.), Citizenship in A Global World – European Questions and Turkish Experiences, Routledge, s. 147-172. Kağıtçıbaşı, Çiğdem. (1982). “Sex Roles, Family & Community in Turkey”, (içinde) Sibel Bozdoğan, Reşat Kasaba (der.), Rethinking Modernity and National Identity in Turkey. Seattle and London: University of Washington Press. Velma McBride Murry, et al. (2013). “Gender and Family Relations”. Handbook of Marriage and the Family. ed. Gary W. Peterson, Kevin R. Bush, 3rd ed. Springer. Judith A. Seltzer, (2019). “Families Formed Outside of Marriage”. Shifting The Center, Understanding Contemporary Families, ed. Susan J. Fergusan, 5th ed. Sage Publications. Kalmijn, Matthijs and Anne-Rigt Poortman. 2006. “His or Her Divorce? The Gendered Nature of Divorce and its Determinants.” European Sociological Review 22(2): 201-214. (13). Kandiyoti, Deniz. (1985). “Continuity and Change in the Family: A Comparative Approach” (içinde) T. Erder (der.), Family in Turkish Society, Ankara: Turkish Social Science Association. Coontz, Stephanie. (2005). “Marriage, A History, How Love Conquered Marriage”. Penguin Books. Kağıtçıbaşı, Çiğdem. (2012). “Türkiye'de Aile Kültürü”. Kadın Araştırmaları Dergisi, 1:49-57. Hart, Kimberly. (2007). “Love by Arrangement: The Ambiguity of ‘Spousal Choice’ in a Turkish Village”. Journal of the Royal Anthropological Institute, 13(2):345-362. Edin, Kathryn, Kefelas, Maria and Frank Furstenberg (2011). Promises I Can Keep: Why Poor Wome Ferree, Myra Marx. (2010). “Filling the Glass: Gender Perspectives on Families.” Journal of Marriage and Family 72:420-439. England, Paula. 2010. “The Gender Revolution: Uneven and Stalled.”Gender & Society 24(2):149-166. Fingerman et al. (2012). “Helicopter Parents and Landing Pad Kids: Intense Parental Support of Grown Children”. Journal of Marriage and Family 74: 880-896. Schmeeckle et al. (2006). “What Makes Someone Family? Adult Children’s Perceptions of Current and Former Stepparents”. Journal of Marriage and Family. 68: 595-610.
Teaching MethodsLecture with expectation from students to actively participate in class discussion. Response papers will help students to take part in classroom discussion. Teamwork will be encouraged in preparation of a film critique and research and presentations.
Homework and Projects4 response papers; Film Critique, Final Research and Presentation
Laboratory WorkNone
Computer UseNone
Other ActivitiesNone
Assessment Methods
Assessment Tools Count Weight
Attendance 14 % 45
Presentation 2 % 55
TOTAL % 100
Course Administration kaymako@mef.edu.tr
0212 395 36 00
Attendance and active participation are required. There would be no late presentations and make up exams unless medical report provided. MEF university values academic integrity. Therefore, all students must understand the meaning and consequences of cheating, plagiarism and other academic offences under the code of student conduct and disciplinary procedures The University requires honesty of all its members in their academic work. Students are also expected to strictly adhere to the following rules and regulations regarding academic honesty. Plagiarism and cheating constitute major violations of academic honesty. Plagiarism is the failure to acknowledge the source of information gathered in the preparation of class and written work. Submitting papers of others as your own, using sentences or paragraphs from another author without the proper acknowledgement of the original author, insufficient acknowledgement of the consulted works in the bibliography, all constitute plagiarism. Copying work from others or giving and receiving answers/information during exams either in written or oral form constitutes cheating. Any improper behavior, academic dishonesty or plagiarism is subject to the YOK Disciplinary Regulation. Within the framework of MEF University's Artificial Intelligence Policy, it is aimed to integrate artificial intelligence into educational processes and promote its ethical use. The full text of the policy document can be accessed here: https://www.mef.edu.tr/tr/duyurular/mef-universitesi-yapay-zeka-politikasi-v2-yayimlandi

ECTS Student Workload Estimation

Activity No/Weeks Hours Calculation
No/Weeks per Semester Preparing for the Activity Spent in the Activity Itself Completing the Activity Requirements
Course Hours 14 0 3 2 70
Presentations / Seminar 5 11 2 65
Total Workload 135
Total Workload/25 5.4
ECTS 5