FSOS1101

Intimate Relationships focuses on the interpersonal dynamics of couples and on the dynamics of couples in-context. We explore how social scientists describe and analyze human experiences and behavior as we cover leading theories in the field and critically review their concepts. The science of these foci as studied by sociologists, social psychologists, anthropologists, historians, couple/marriage and family therapists (C/MFTs), medical family therapists (MedFTs), and family scientists is incorporated throughout the semester with current research from refereed journals integrated into each lecture.

Throughout the course, we talk about a variety of important relationship topics, including: dating and courtship, cohabitation, marriage, LGBTQ+, gender roles and power, communication and conflict resolution, relationship problems (e.g., abuse, infidelity, divorce), interracial/ethnic couples, interfaith couples, long distance relationships, and couple enrichment/couple therapy. Across these foci, we examine the interrelationships among individuals (e.g., love styles, attachment orientations), institutions (e.g. legal and political dictates and controversies about sexuality and marriage), social structures (e.g., popular media, social media, youth culture, gender roles, dating scripts), and cultural structures (e.g., race, ethnicity, religion), and how these multi-layered forms of diversity influence intimate relationships. The course’s principal goal is to provide an overview of these and related topics, and to help students gain a deeper appreciation and awareness of their importance.

Students will be exposed to, analyze, and reflect on both qualitative and quantitative data (e.g., video clips, population-based census reports) relevant to course content through a combination of small- and large-group discussions, interactive exercises, and graded-assignments. They will do this, too, via guided work to make sense of real-life experiences (insight) and proactive applications based on new learning (action). In their final papers, students will demonstrate understanding of course concepts and information presented in course readings, lectures, and discussions (citing and referencing their work appropriately). While they reflect on their own life experiences, students will do social science research by connecting said experiences to course concepts and demonstrating how (a) the course has raised their awareness about personal and social obstacles to intimacy, (b) how they (and others) have taken part in sundry roles across the cultural, social, and political milieus in which they and their relationships are positioned (and how this has worked for or against them), and (c) how they have personalized (or will begin personalizing) course concepts and strategies in the conduct of their own lives and intimate relationships.

03001

Social Sciences

Every Fall & Spring