Home and Society Syllabus

Abstract

The course draws primarily from scholarship on the sociology of gender, work, family, and culture, focusing on research and theory concerning "home" (whether or not it is where one resides) and the "private" or "domestic" sphere. Particular attention is given to consumption, labor, and leisure practices associated with "home." The course examines the...

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Details

Subject Area(s):

Work and Labor Markets

Resource Type(s):

Syllabus

Class Level(s):

Any Level

Class Size(s):

Any

Usage Notes

This course, capped at 25 students, was taught as an upper-level special topics sociology course at a regional public university. The syllabus strikes a balance between being a "contract" and "invitation to learning" by clearly identifying course goals, expectations of students, and consequences for not meeting expectations, while also offering...

Learning Goals and Assessments

Learning Goal(s):

1. 1. Comprehend the history, contemporary implications, and blurry nature of the private/public sphere division. Analyze the impact and interplay of social structure, culture, and agency on consumption, labor, and leisure practices associated with "home."
2. 2. Design and carry out a qualitative interview study about home and labor (i.e. develop research and interview questions, conduct interviews, analyze data, connect findings to existing research, and present findings as a paper and oral presentation).
3. 3. Exercise and improve skills in critical thinking and written and oral communication.

Goal Assessment(s):

1. 1. Take-home essay exam and final paper based on qualitative interviews.
2. 2. Research assignments building up to final paper and oral presentation (e.g. research questions, interview guide, transcripts, memo, etc.). Final paper and oral presentation based on qualitative interviews.
3. 3. Reading summaries and discussion questions. Take-home essay exam. Final paper and oral presentation based on qualitative interviews.