Honors

HNRS 287-01: Non-Nuclear Families

Families are changing. Single-parent families, gay and lesbian families, trans-racial families, transnational families - families take on all of these forms (and more) in the 21st century. In this seminar we explore the ways in which race, ethnicity, social class and sexuality shape family/kinship structures in and beyond the contemporary U.S. We explore specific issues including sexuality and kinship; reproductive technologies and surrogacy; transnational families; and women's political activism in the context of families.

Community-based learning is central to this course. In community-based learning students engage in 2 - 2 1/2 hours of weekly community work in local organizations that serve families in poverty and families in transition. This weekly community service work serves as a course "text" through which we analyze and apply sociological, anthropological, and feminist theories as we seek to understand diverse and changing families.

Students must be available to participate in 2 1/2 hours of work with a community social service agency each week. Reading assignments will be adjusted accordingly.

Fall Term: 2008

Credits: 4

Fulfills: GE Requirement in Social Science (E), Curricular Service Learning

Cross-listed: SA 313-01, WMST 313-01

Pre-requisites: SA 100 or WMST 101 or consent of instructor. Students must be available to participate in 2 1/2 hours of work with a community social service agency each week. Cars available through Office of Service Learning. Reading assignments will be adjusted accordingly.

Meeting times: 11:30-12:50 MW

Instructor: Mary Tuominen

Open to: Sophomores/Juniors/Seniors Only, limited by quota