Undergraduate Course: Science of Close Relationships (PSYL10141)
Course Outline
| School | School of Philosophy, Psychology and Language Sciences |
College | College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences |
| Credit level (Normal year taken) | SCQF Level 10 (Year 3 Undergraduate) |
Availability | Available to all students |
| SCQF Credits | 20 |
ECTS Credits | 10 |
| Summary | This course provides an overview of theory and research on close relationships. With an emphasis on empirical evidence, we will focus on how relationship dynamics meaningfully influence human psychology, and vice versa. We will examine how relationship processes relate to multiple areas of psychology (e.g., biological, cognitive, developmental, social), with particular attention to the social level. Our primary focus will be on adult romantic relationships, though we will touch on other types of close relationships (e.g., friendships, family ties). This course will likely challenge some of your (and society's) preconceptions about close relationships. |
| Course description |
Close 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 close relationships. With an emphasis on empirical evidence, we will focus on how relationship dynamics meaningfully influence human psychology, and vice versa. We will examine how relationship processes relate to multiple areas of psychology (e.g., biological, cognitive, developmental, social), with particular attention to the social level. Our primary focus will be on adult romantic relationships, though we will touch on other types of close relationships (e.g., friendships, family ties). This course will likely challenge some of your (and society's) preconceptions about close relationships.
Each week we will explore a different aspect of close 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. Assessments will emphasize independent learning; critical analysis; understanding, integrating, and applying scientific evidence; communication with different audiences; and writing skills.
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Information for Visiting Students
| Pre-requisites | Visiting students should be studying Psychology as their degree major, and have completed at least 3 Psychology courses at grade B or above. We will only consider University/College level courses. Applicants should note that, as with other popular courses, meeting the minimum does NOT guarantee admission. **Please note that upper level Psychology courses are high-demand, meaning that they have a very high number of students wishing to enrol in a very limited number of spaces.** These enrolments are managed strictly by the Visiting Student Office, in line with the quotas allocated by the department, and all enquiries to enrol in these courses must be made through the CAHSS Visiting Student Office. It is not appropriate for students to contact the department directly to request additional spaces. |
| High Demand Course? |
Yes |
Course Delivery Information
| Not being delivered |
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Examine close relationships from an empirically-based, scholarly perspective, rather than from an intuitive or speculative perspective based solely on personal experience and observations.
- Understand several classic and contemporary theoretical frameworks, methodologies, and statistical approaches that characterize the scientific study of close relationships.
- Recognize several ways in which relationship processes occur in daily life.
- Evaluate situations relevant to close relationships and make predictions about behaviour.
- Communicate relationship science theories, concepts, and findings to different audiences.
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Additional Information
| Graduate Attributes and Skills |
This course will develop students research and enquiry skills and personal and intellectual autonomy through thinking critically and creatively about theory and empirical research. It will build communication skills through writing practice and class discussions. It will foster a passion to engage globally by encouraging students to share their scientific knowledge with different audiences and apply their scientific understanding to real world issues. |
| Keywords | psychology,relationships |
Contacts
| Course organiser | Dr Sarah Stanton
Tel: (0131 6)50 8387
Email: Sarah.Stanton@ed.ac.uk |
Course secretary | Miss Georgiana Gherasim
Tel: (0131 6)50 3440
Email: ggherasi@ed.ac.uk |
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