SOC 1033 - Sociology of Families in Crisis

Credits: 3
Hours/Week: Lecture NoneLab None
Course Description: How are individual family problems connected to broader social systems? This course explores the social forces that influence family crises. It covers a variety of issues, such as poverty, family violence, and contemporary social problems that affect families. Relevant social policy debates are also discussed.
MnTC Goals
5 History/Social/Behavioral Science, 7 Human Diversity

Prerequisite(s): Assessment score placement in RDNG 1000  or completion of RRDNG 0900  or RDNG 0950  with a grade of C or higher. Assessment score placement in ENGL 1021  or completion of ENGL 0090  with a grade of C or higher.
Corequisite(s): None
Recommendation: None

Major Content

1. A selection of contemporary family issues, such as poverty, unemployment, housing, welfare reform, divorce, parenting, childcare issues, GLBT family issues, foster care and adoption, and family violence
2. Historical development of the family and crisis issues (myth and reality)
3. Social policy and social change
4. Sociological frameworks of family and crisis

5. Families in crisis and social institutions

6. Culturally responsive approaches for professionals to work with families in crisis

1. define the terms crime and crimes of violence as found in Minnesota Statute. (2.14.1.)
2. discuss the extent, causes and impact of crimes of violence including physical and sexual abuse, physical violence, harassment and stalking, and neglect. (Minn. Stat. 626.8451., Subd. 1a.) (2.14.2.)
3. discuss how anger, intimidation, isolation, restriction of freedom, economic abuse, emotional abuse, threats and psychological abuse, physical abuse and sexual abuse are methods of exerting power and control. (2.14.3.)
4. describe stalking and how it has changed with technological advances. (2.14.4.)
5. describe community resources and supportive services for individuals and families involved in abusive situations. (2.15.4.)
6. describe who is mandated to report suspected child and vulnerable adult abuse and the ramifications of not reporting. (2.15.8.)
7. explain what legally constitutes domestic abuse and assault. (2.16.1.)
8. discuss the dynamics of domestic violence including the phases of abusive behavior, the progression of violence, the use of power to attain control of a relationship, the effects of abuse, and the societal forces that may perpetuate an atmosphere conducive to abuse. (2.16.2.)
9. discuss types of abuse including physical, emotional, psychological, sexual, and economic. (2.16.3.)
10. discuss characteristics of batterers and victims and the effects of domestic violence including:
    1. how fear and social stigma related to domestic violence affect victim behavior
    2. issues related to children as victims and witnesses at domestic violence scenes. (2.16.4.)
11. define the following terms outlined in Minnesota Statute:  domestic abuse, family or household member, qualified domestic violence-related offense (QDRO), order for protection, ex parte order, domestic abuse no contact order, harassment restraining order, harassment, and stalking. (2.16.5.)
12. identify significant aspects of Minn. Stat. related to domestic abuse (Minn. Stat. 629.341 and 518.B01, 609.749, 609.2242) including what legally constitutes domestic assault, elements of various levels of domestic assault, and enhancement for prior domestic violence related offense convictions. (2.16.6.)
13. discuss family violence prevention techniques and common resources and referral agencies for victims of family violence. (2.16.7.)
14. identify and describe the dynamics associated with the victim experience and myths surrounding trauma and victimization. (2.18.1.)
15. describe the current state of victim’s rights in the criminal justice system. (Minn. Stat. 611A) (2.18.2.)
16. explain the peace officer’s role in advising victims regarding shelter and assistance and the importance of demonstrating compassion and concern for victims. (2.18.3.)
17. discuss the importance of confidentiality of a victim’s address/location, and connecting victims with victim crisis services. (2.18.4.)
18. discuss culturally responsive approaches to dealing with victims of violent crimes. (2.18.5.)
19. explain the use of the crime victim notification form. (2.18.6.)
20. explain peace officer duties relative to obtaining assistance with non-English speaking victims or victims with communications disabilities. (2.18.7.)

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