York University
 Faculty of Liberal Arts and Professional Studies
AP/SOCI 4060.30A (F) Sociology of Parent/Child Relationships
Fall 2016

Course Description

This course seeks to examine the dynamics of parent/child relationships. Theoretical models and illustrative data from sociology and related disciplines of anthropology and psychology are utilized to provide a comprehensive understanding of this process.  The focus of the course will be upon understanding how research into parent child relations has evolved from unidirectional to bi-directional resulting in a more dynamic and interactive understanding of parent/child relations.

Course Organization:

There will be one lecture and two seminar hours per week.  Each student is expected to present on a specific topic assigned in the beginning of the course

Required Texts

Kuczynski, Leon (2002) Handbook of Dynamics in Parent/Child Relations Sage Publications.

Reserve Texts:
Tilleczek, Kate (2011).  Approaching Youth Studies: Being, Becoming and Belonging.  Oxford Press.
Socha, Thomas and Glen Stamp (2009), Parents and Children Communicating with Society: Managing Relationships outside the Home
Routlege Taylor/Francis
Ambert Anne Marie (1991) The Effect of Children on Parents Harworth Press
Gerald Handel, Spencer E. Cahill and Frederick Elkin (2007).
Children and Society Oxford University Press
Corsaro, William A., (2005)  The Sociology of Childhood  Pine Forge Press.
Ishwaran, K.(ed.) (1979). Childhood and Adolescence in Canada Toronto: McGraw-Hill.

Formal Requirements:

Final Essay Requirements (40 percent)

The final essay will integrate theoretical and empirical analysis for a selected group of topics on child socialization.   The required length will be 8 standard pages.

• The final paper is due on the second last week of class. It should be 8-10 pages in length and provide some comprehensive analysis of one of the following suggested topics. Other topics must be cleared with me before the end of October.

Grading, Assignment Submission,
Lateness Penalties and Missed Tests
Grading:  The grading scheme for the course conforms to the 9-point grading system used in undergraduate programs at York (e.g., A+ = 9, A = 8, B+ - 7, C+ = 5, etc.).  Assignments and tests* will bear either a letter grade designation or a corresponding number grade (e.g.  A+ = 90 to 100, A = 80 to 90, B+ = 75 to 79, etc.) 
(For a full description of York grading system see the York University Undergraduate Calendar)
Students may take a limited number of courses for degree credit on an ungraded (pass/fail) basis. For full information on this option see Alternative Grading Option in the section of the Undergraduate Calendar in the Department of Sociology.: 
Assignment Submission: Proper academic performance depends on students doing their work not only well, but on time.  Accordingly, assignments for this course must be received on the due date specified for the assignment.  Assignments are to be handed in to the course director on the date specified above.
Lateness Penalty: Assignments received later than the due date will be penalized.
Exceptions to the lateness penalty for valid reasons such as illness, compassionate grounds, etc., may be entertained by the Course Instructor but will require supporting documentation (e.g., a doctor’s letter).
(1/2 letter grade per day)
Missed Tests:  Students with a documented reason for missing a course test, such as illness, compassionate grounds, etc., which is confirmed by supporting documentation (e.g., doctor’s letter) may request accommodation from the Course Instructor..) Further extensions or accommodation will require students to submit a formal petition to the Faculty.
All students are expected to familiarize themselves with the following information, available on the Senate Committee on Curriculum & Academic Standards webpage (see Reports, Initiatives, Documents)  - 

• York’s Academic Honesty Policy and Procedures/Academic Integrity Website
• Ethics Review Process for research involving human participants 
• Course requirement accommodation for students with disabilities, including physical, medical, systemic, learning and psychiatric disabilities
• Student Conduct Standards

Religious Observance Accommodation
https://w2prod.sis.yorku.ca/Apps/WebObjects/cdm.woa/wa/regobs

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