CMST 3191 Relationships in Context

4 semester hours

This course introduces students to the interdisciplinary study of human relationships, with a particular focus on the sociocultural approach to relating and communicating. This course is based on the premise that relationships are far more than the matching of personalities or the forming of emotional bonds. Rather, our relational experiences are situated within and shaped by larger historical, social, cultural, technological, and political contexts. Through readings, lectures, class discussions, and film analyses, students will explore social rules in relational conduct, the cultural codes of love and romance, the material/technological circumstances of relating, and the politics of private life. This course is also designed to encourage students to rethink some popular assumptions that inform our understanding of interpersonal communication, such as the false binary of public/private, the illusion of relationships as containers, and the centrality of individualism and cognition.

Must be completed with a grade of C (2.0) or higher.

Junior or senior standing required.

Majors only.

Prerequisites: CMST 1600 , CMST 1700 , CMST 2100 , and CMST 2800 .

University Core fulfilled: Integrations: Interdisciplinary Connections.