Aims

By the end of the course, students will be able to:
- present the defining features of sociological thought in relation to an issue question;
- have an accurate understanding of the way a writer thinks;
- deconstruct the reasoning of a writer, and place it in perspective with that of other writers.
For those who opt for formula whereby work is presented to the course, the quality of oral expression will also be seen as a learning aim. For those who opt for the work formula, the quality of written expression will also be seen as a learning aim.

Main themes

- To present the various sociological theories concerning the family by explaining both their emergence from a historical point of view and their foundations.
- To establish links between the various theories presented.
- To address/present issue questions with a view to commencing the construction of an articulated reasoning around an issue question, and demonstrating possible links between the approaches of various writers.

Content and teaching methods

The 'Sociology of the family' course aims to introduce students to a methodological reflection on the issue of the family. More specifically, it will attempt to construct a table of sociological theories of the family by focusing more particularly on contemporary sociologies of the family. In addition, it will seek to structure itself around current issues, and will give a high profile to recent research in the field. The following contemporary issues will be addressed: living alone, individualism in family life, the identity question in living in a couple, intra conjugal exchange of capital, the distribution of domestic chores, tensions between professional and private life, socialisation and educational strategies, the place of children in the family, lone parenthood, multi parenthood, intergenerational links, divorce, violence within the family, the codification of private space by the state, and criticisms of the family. The course will combine mainly lectures and some more participative sessions organised in the form of debates. Students who wish to present a key issue relating to the course alone, or in a group, may do so with the teacher's agreement.

Other information (prerequisite, evaluation (assessment methods), course materials recommended readings, ...)

Pre requirement: A basic understanding of sociology.
Assessment: Assessment may take one of three forms: (i) a traditional examination (i.e. an exchange in the framework of the course), (ii) a presentation (alone or in a group) of an issue arising out of the course (assessment will then be based on this presentation and the mark passed to the teacher.
How the work will be carried out will be presented to the course and placed on the course website: <http//labo.icampus.ucl.ac.be/SEX2410>
See dedicated table for references to assessed skills.
Support: Supports (e.g. texts, article references, and copies of transparencies) will gradually be made available to students via the course website.
Supervision: There are no arrangements for any special supervision on this course.
Other matters: Students may, if they wish, add to this course by doing a section devoted
to the sociology of sexuality and love. This will be delivered as part of the course on Sociology of the family and sexuality.

Other credits in programs