Undergraduate Course: Intimate Relationships (PSYL10132)
Course Outline
| School | School of Philosophy, Psychology and Language Sciences |
College | College of Humanities and Social Science |
| Credit level (Normal year taken) | SCQF Level 10 (Year 4 Undergraduate) |
Availability | Available to all students |
| SCQF Credits | 10 |
ECTS Credits | 5 |
| Summary | This course provides an overview of theory and research on intimate relationships. With an emphasis on empirical evidence, we will focus on how relationship dynamics can meaningfully influence human psychology, and vice versa. We will examine how relationship processes relate to multiple areas of psychology (e.g., cognitive, developmental, health, social), with particular attention to the social level. This course will likely challenge some of your (and society¿s) preconceptions about intimate relationships. |
| Course description |
Intimate relationships are frequently listed among the factors that make life most meaningful. At the present time, the field of relationship science is characterized by an enormous breadth of content, several unique methodological and statistical challenges, and meta-theories around which various empirical findings are integrated and organized.
In this course, we will cover the major theoretical perspectives and methodologies related to the scientific study of intimate relationships. With an emphasis on empirical evidence, we will focus on how relationship dynamics can meaningfully influence human psychology, and vice versa. We will examine how relationship processes relate to multiple areas of psychology (e.g., cognitive, developmental, health, social), with particular attention to the social level. This course will likely challenge some of your (and society¿s) preconceptions about intimate relationships.
Each week we will explore a different aspect of intimate relationships and how relationship processes relate to human psychology. Classes will consist of a mixture of lectures, large and small group discussions, and other activities.
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Information for Visiting Students
| Pre-requisites | Degree major in Psychology and passes in Psychology courses at least to the equivalent of Psychology 2 in Edinburgh. Prior agreement with the Year 4 Course Organizer. |
| High Demand Course? |
Yes |
Course Delivery Information
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| Academic year 2018/19, Available to all students (SV1)
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Quota: 0 |
| Course Start |
Block 1 (Sem 1) |
Timetable |
Timetable |
| Learning and Teaching activities (Further Info) |
Total Hours:
100
(
Programme Level Learning and Teaching Hours 2,
Directed Learning and Independent Learning Hours
98 )
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| Assessment (Further Info) |
Written Exam
0 %,
Coursework
100 %,
Practical Exam
0 %
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| Additional Information (Assessment) |
Reading Response (400-500 words; 20%)
This assessment comprises one thought paper in which students must summarize and discuss a class reading of their choice. Students should also comment on their reading in relation to the broader literature discussed in class. This assessment involves deep comprehension of class readings, and requires students to think independently and analytically.
Research Proposal (2,000-2,500 words; 80%)
This assessment requires students to develop a research question related to intimate relationships and to write a proposal designed to test this question empirically. This assessment involves integration of theoretical and methodological approaches covered in class, and requires students to think independently, creatively, and critically. |
| Feedback |
Formative Feedback Event
Provided weekly in the form of brief discussion questions and other activities covered in class.
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| No Exam Information |
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Examine intimate relationships from an empirically-based, scholarly perspective, rather than from an intuitive or speculative perspective based solely on personal experience and observations.
- Understand a number of classical and contemporary theoretical frameworks and methodologies that characterize the scientific study of intimate relationships.
- Recognize several ways in which relationship processes occur in daily life.
- Evaluate situations relevant to intimate relationships and make predictions about behavior.
- Identify critical questions that must be asked if a stronger, more complete, and more integrated science of intimate relationships is to emerge, and develop an empirical project that could test these questions.
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Additional Information
| Graduate Attributes and Skills |
BPA Areas Covered: Social; Individual Differences; Developmental |
| Keywords | Psychology,Social Psychology,Relationships |
Contacts
| Course organiser | Dr Sarah Stanton
Tel: (0131 6)50 8387
Email: Sarah.Stanton@ed.ac.uk |
Course secretary | Ms Stephanie Fong
Tel: (0131 6)51 3733
Email: S.Fong@ed.ac.uk |
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