This module aims to:

1.introduce students to key theoretical perspectives in the sociology of intimate relationships and marriage
2.develop student knowledge with regards to the diversity of partnering practices, relationship structures and couple/ marital life
3.enable students to think critically about various determinants of union formation and relationship patterns
4.expose students to interdisciplinary research and global perspectives on intimacy and couple life
5.enable students to develop research skills, independent learning and communicate arguments and findings through podcast presentations

(LO1) Acquire and apply sociological theories of marriage and family.

(LO2) Identify diversity and complexity in partner selection and union formation.

(LO3) Critically reflect on underlying factors driving current shifts in partnering.

(LO4) Engage in applied research work (synthesising resources, applying theory, analysing secondary data).

(S1) Communication (oral and written) skills – oral skills will be developed in seminars and through the recording of podcast presentations, whilst written skills will be advanced in the final written assessment.

(S2) Critical thinking will be developed in seminars and will form a key part of the final assessment.

(S3) Development of skills in reading, analysing and synthesising different viewpoints and presenting findings/conclusions in clear, comprehensible, structured format, with detailed argumentation where appropriate.

(S4) Research skills will be developed through assessment as students engage with the literature, non-academic resources and secondary data to produce a research report.

(S5) Report writing skills will be developed through the assessment.

The module will allow students to understand the current nature of intimate relationships and marriage. They will be introduced to key theoretical perspectives and debates within the sociology of marriage and family, enabling them to critically analyse evolving norms and practices in the domain of love and romantic partnerships.
Key topics covered include: partner selection, assortative mating, marriage markets, marriage fundamentalism, love in the digital age (dating apps), diverse pathways to union formation, fertility and parenting, gender relationships in marriage, non-traditional relationship structures, LGBTQ+ unions, conjugal conflict, divorce and remarriage.

Teaching Method 1: Lectures and seminars

Scheduled Directed Student Hours: 12 lectures and 11 seminars, 1 hour each

Unscheduled Directed Student Hours: 127 hours of independent and group study

Attendance Recorded: Yes

Self-Directed Learning Hours: 127

Description: Preparation for workshops, wider readings, engagement with assessment