As part of your learning experience, active participation in discussions is essential. An important part of the final grade will be based on your participation. You will be evaluated on the quality and quantity of your participation in the discussion forum that corresponds to the grading rubric.

The initial post and responses should be in your own words and demonstrate critical thinking, analysis, and expected level of knowledge. Initial posts and replies should be in complete sentences and in paragraph form. You should not have bullet points as they are not in complete sentences or paragraph form. Copy-pasting from sources may result in a zero.

To fully address the chosen prompt, you will refer to the topical outline of the course syllabus that corresponds with the prompt you select. This will help guide you in demonstrating your understanding of the content while providing a thorough and detailed discussion post. Each prompt or response to a prompt should be more than a few sentences to demonstrate critical thinking. Initial posts must include a minimum of one (the required textbook) APA 7th edition style in-text citations and full matching references of appropriate reading to support your responses. 

Respond to two (2) of the following prompts:

1. Share a major stressor in your life (e.g., childcare, unemployment, family, etc.) and explain if that stressor exists in the three various types of societies described in the readings. How would that stressor be addressed in those three societies? (USLO 2.1)
2. Explain both the Thomas theorem and the self-fulfilling prophecy. Summarize a time when you have experienced the self-fulfilling prophecy. Make sure to explain how your sense of reality was shaped and whether others could have perceived the situation as a different reality. (USLO 2.2)
3. Explain one of the following three theories in detail: Merton’s role theory, Goffman’s role performance, or Cooley’s looking-glass self. Apply the theory to your current life situation. Next, predict how your life will be different one year after graduating from college and utilize the same theory to describe your future life scenario. (USLO 2.3)
4. In the present, we see several variations to what constitutes a family: nuclear, single-parent, cohabiting, or same-sex. Pick one type of family system which you think has experienced the most significant change in the past 2-3 decades. Explain why that family type changed the most by supporting your discussion using the unit’s content in the textbook and outside resources. (USLO 2.1, 2.2)
5. Discuss the social institution of marriage and family using any two of the three theoretical perspectives – functionalism, conflict, and symbolic interactionism. Which perspective fits your idea of what marriage and family are, and their place in our society? (USLO 2.4)