The importance of diversity has gained significant ground within the United States in recent years. Stereotypical conceptions of diversity are limited to binaries, such as African American-White, Straight (Heterosexual)-Gay, 'Rich-Poor', and other binaries that limit our understanding of the truly rich, broad and intersecting identities that all human beings have. Like diversity, 'family' systems are evolving with a multitude of definitions including, but not limited to single parent households, single/dual-earning households, same-sex households and many others. Our understanding of the family has developed throughout history with the influence of social, political and economic institutions. This course will survey the evolution of ?family? within United States culture through deep reading, critical discussion and analysis of entertainment media.