Spring 2005

MES 310 • Social Transformation of Love and Relationships

Course Description

This course provides an overview of the social trends and dimensions of love and relationships from the ancient era to modern societies. It examines how intimacy and love have materialized in different societies. It focuses on the historical perspectives toward love and intimacy; the cross-cultural diversity of passionate love and sexuality; path ways to modern relationships and intimacy; virtual love and the self; the family and the individual; love, intimacy and democracy; and how love and intimacy interact with rapid social, economic, and cultural change. This course brings some of the current research and thinking, not only from the social perspective, but also from a wide variety of intellectual disciplines. Artistic films, documentaries, and other media will be presented as technical methods of representation of "social reality" to better understand and experience the subject.

Grading Policy

A research paper Course project and presentation. 40% Two exams 40% Short quizzes and class participation 20%

Texts

A selection of articles has been prepared in a packet. Anthony Giddens. 1997. The Transformation of Intimacy: Sexuality, Love & Eroticism in Modern Societies.

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