Choose one topic for this written assignment from the six subjects listed in the following document. Address the questions associated with the chosen topic directly applying relevant information learned from the reading assignments. Written responses should equal the number of pages identified with each subject, double spaced. Be sure to reference significant ideas and statistical information. Cite the source of a quotation or statistic (including trends) by putting the author’s last name and page number in parenthesis, i.e. (Benokraitis, page 21). Anecdotes or examples from your own life experience should be brief and only serve to illustrate important concepts from the required reading. Don’t try to cover every concept in the reading; that’s impossible. In your own words describe a few ideas that attracted your interest as you completed the reading assignments. I expect that you will use your very best writing skills using proper grammar and correct spelling. You are also expected to document all sources of information using MLA format. It goes without saying that all work submitted is your work. Plagiarism in any form can result in a no credit for the course.
It is also very important that you complete your assignments in a timely manner. If for some reason you are not able to complete an assignment on time, you MUST communicate with me via course mail so we can make arrangements.
Second Written Assignment
Respond to ONE of the following six topics:
1.Describe one of the several theories of love described in Chapter 6 of the Benokraitis text, and consider your own love relationship against this theory. How does your experience fit into this model of love as a developing process? Does your experience deviate from this theoretical model? If so, how would you explain this? Are all stages healthy for a love relationship? (3 pages)
2.Some would say that “Cupid’s arrow does not strike at random”, that is there are variables that influence our choice of a mate. Using concepts learned from Chapter 8 of Benokraitis discuss the predictable factors that influence who meets, fall in love with, and marries whom in the United States. (3 pages)
3.Discuss how changes in economic and political institutions have contributed to women’s rising status. (See Jackson’s Article “Destined for Equality” Reading 5 in Skolnick.) Also, explain how the opportunities for women have changed through different historical periods. (3 pages)
4.The median age of marriage is 28 for men and 26 for women. In Reading 8 of Skolnick Regnerus and Uecker explore motivations for emerging adults to marry later in life. Describe three common attitudes of “emerging adults” that would cause many to delay marrying. Why would others avoid this trend to marry earlier in life? Conclude with a description of your own path toward marriage in your life.
5.Reading 7 in the Skolnick text describes the changing social norms surrounding the initial formation of intimate relationships as the average age of marriage increases. Describe relationship and hookup sex. What are the advantages and disadvantages of each? What values should be promoted by parents? Are these patterns of group socialization a surprise to you or have you found this to be the usual channel for couples to begin a relationship? Have you experienced a double standard in the expectations for men and women? If so, do you think the double standard will continue? (3 pages).
6.If you did not select this topic in the previous assignment you may choose this as your topic for this assignment: Select a family from recently released 1940 census records. Describe social and economic influences of the 1940’s that were significant for this family and explain how these have impacted your family of today. Those who select this topic must review the detailed further instructions on this assignment. Submit this assignment using the below drop box.
