Introduction to the Course
Course syllabus

Reading:
Preface of Bogenschneider text

Week 2
Aug 28-30

Begin Module 1: Understanding Family Policy: Background and Context

What is Family Policy? (Tues.)

Reading: Bogenschneider, Chs. 1, 2, 3

What is Family Law? (Thurs.) Speaker Kate Johnson

Reading: Mason, M.A., Fine, M.A., & Carnochan, S. (2001). Family law in the new millennium: For whose families? Journal of Family Issues, 22, 859-881.
           

Week 3
Sept 4-6

Family Law, Continued, Speaker Kate Johnson

Skolnick, A. (1997). Family values: The sequel. The American Prospect 8, 32, May-June [online version]
Gallagher, M., Blankenhorn, D. & Skolnick (1997). Family feud. The American Prospect 8, 32, July [online version]
Whitehead, B. D., Poepenoe, D. & Skolnick, A. (1997). Family trouble. The American Prospect 8, 32, September [online version]

Changing Families: Policy Challenges (Thurs)

Readings:
Moynihan text, Ch. 1, 10

Week 4
Sept 11-13

History of Family Policy (Tues)

Reading:

Bogenschneider, Ch. 10

Political Processes (Thurs): Speaker: Becky Dobbin, Agency for Persons with Disabilities and former legislative aid

Readings:
Idea to Law Chart
How an Idea Becomes a Law (how an idea becomes law)
Online Sunshine Laws

Week 5
Sept 18-20

Do Families Matter in Policy?

Reading:
Bogenschneider, Ch. 4, 5, 8

Week 6
Sept 25-27

Test 1 (Tues)

Conducting Policy Research (Thurs—tent.)

Wiki Page of Resources from Merrie Davidson, Psychology, Sociology & Linguistics Librarian

Week 7
Oct 2-4

Begin Module 2: Policy Domains

Partnerships: Marriage
In class Video and Viewing Guide: The Marriage Movement
Readings:
Healthy Marriage Initiative, Moynihan text Ch. 9
Florida’s Marriage Promotion and Preparation Act [online sunshine link to legislation]

Legislative summary, scroll down to p 181

http://www.flsenate.gov/publications/1998/senate/reports/summaries/pdf/judge.pdf

This one is a .com but it presents the entire text of the bill. The format is not so easy to read but it's all there:

http://www.smartmarriages.com/florida.marriage.act.html

Week 8
Oct 9-11

Partnerships: Same sex marriage and cohabitation

Readings: (student led)

M text Ch. 3

Cherlin, D. (2004). Deinstitutionalization of marriage. Journal of Marriage and Family, 66, 848-861
Ettlebrick, P. (2001). Domestic partnership, civil unions, or marriage: One size does not fit all. Albany Law Review 64, 905-914.

Gay marriage ripe for decision in three courts  and

Bush reenters gay marriage fight

Week 9
Oct 16-18

Work and Family Issues

Readings (student-led)
Wisensale, S. (2006). California’s paid leave law: A model for other states? Marriage and Family Review, 39(12), 175-195
Wisensale, S. (2003). Two steps forward, one step back: The Family and Medical Leave Act as retrenchment policy. Review of Social Policy Research, 20, 135-151.
Heymann, J., Earle, A., & Hayes, J. (2007). The work, family and equity index. Boston, MA; Montreal, QC: Project on Global Working Families: Retrieved February 26, 2007 from 
.

Heymann, S. J., Penrose, K., & Earle, A. (2006). Meeting children’s needs; How does the United States measure up? Merrill-Palmer Quarterly, 52(2), 189-215.

Bould, S. (2006). The need for international family policy: Mothers as workers and carers. Marriage and Family Review, 39 (1/2) 75-98.

Week 10
Oct 23-25

Single Parents, Child Support

M text, CH. 2; 5, 6 (student led discussions)

Current Events Project DUE or Draft letter to editor or policy maker DUE

Reading: A Tamer of Schools Has Plan in New Orleans

Week 11
Oct  30-Nov 1

Economic Issues

Video on welfare reform

Readings (student led)
Cope, C. E. (2006). Welfare reform: Challenges for grandparents raising grandchildren. Journal of Aging and Social Policy, 18, 193-208.
Root, K. A. (2006). Job loss, the family, and public policy. Marriage and Family Review, 39 (1/2), 11-26.
Selections from Hays (Flat Broke) and video interview: 

Pick up Test 2 Take Home

Week 12
Nov 6-8

Test 2 Take Home DUE TBA

Work on your papers, meetings, and reports—no class 11/8

Week 13
Nov 13-15

Aging

Reading (Tues)

Journal of Aging and Social Policy (2006). Selections of special issue on families and aging policy 18 (3/4). 

Final letter to editor or policy maker DUE
LAST DAY for Report on policy meeting

Week 14
Nov 20, 22

Begin Module 3: Making a Difference

Moving Family Policy Forward (Tues.)
B, Ch. 9

Thanksgiving Break

Week 15
Nov 27-29

Family Impact Analysis Case Studies—to be assigned

Your one page preparation DUE in class Tuesday

Reading
B, Ch. 11 and your case study TBA

In Class discussion—Your role in the family policy process

Week 16
Dec 4

Wrap Up and Evaluations
FINAL Paper DUE