May 30, 2026  
2026-2027 College Catalog 
    
2026-2027 College Catalog

SOC 127 - Relationships, Families and Marriage

3 Contact Hours, 3 Credits
3 lecture periods 0 lab periods


Introduction to the social functions of marriage and the family. Includes structures of marriages and families, relationships, marriage, and transformation of marriage.

AGEC Gen-Ed: IA or SBS
CTE Gen-Ed: SBS and C, G



Button linking to AZ Transfer course equivalency guide  

Course Learning Outcomes
  1. Identify the dynamic nature of marriages, families, and intimate relationships around the world and how they are increasingly affected by global events.
  2. Discuss how to recognize, confront, and dispel prominent myths about marriages, families, and intimate relationships.
  3. Describe the interactive relationships of race/ethnicity, class, gender, and sexual orientation.
  4. Demonstrate an informed openness regarding marriage, family, and intimate relationships.
  5. Evaluate a number of essential issues facing marriages and families

Performance Objectives:
  1. Identify and explain the dynamic nature of marriages, families, and intimate relationships.
  2. Discuss how to recognize, confront, and dispel prominent myths about marriages, families, and intimate relationships.
  3. Describe and explain how marriages, families, and intimate relationships around the world are increasingly affected by global events.
  4. Describe and explain the interactive relationships of race/ethnicity, class, gender, and sexual orientation.
  5. Demonstrate an informed openness regarding marriage, family, and intimate relationships.
  6. Evaluate and discuss a number of essential issues facing marriages and families.

Outline:
  1. Marriages and Families
    1. U.S. and world trends
    2. Historical perspectives
    3. Sociology of marriage and families
  2. Relationships
    1. Gender roles
    2. Many faces of love
    3. Dating, coupling, and mate selection
    4. Sexuality and intimate relationships
    5. Non-marital relationships
  3. Marriage
    1. The marriage experience
    2. Reproduction and parenting
    3. Marriage and families in later life
  4. Transformation of Marriage
    1. Work: family role
    2. Violence and abuse
    3. Divorce
    4. Remarriage and remarriage families