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SP22060: The sociology of intimacy and relationships

[Page last updated: 03 June 2024]

Academic Year: 2024/25
Owning Department/School: Department of Social & Policy Sciences
Credits: 5 [equivalent to 10 CATS credits]
Notional Study Hours: 100
Level: Intermediate (FHEQ level 5)
Period:
Semester 1
Assessment Summary: EXCB 100%
Assessment Detail:
  • Exam (EXCB 100%)
Supplementary Assessment:
Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations)
Requisites:
Learning Outcomes: By the end of the unit, students will be able to: 1) Describe key historical changes in intimate relationships and family forms, and outline sociological explanations for those shifts. 2) Theorise the meaning of intimacy and the role of intimate relationships in the twenty-first century. 3) Marshal empirical evidence and social theory to construct arguments about the changing nature of intimacy and relationships. 4) Assess how social policy has shaped and/or responded to changes in intimacy and relationships.


Synopsis: "Explore what sociological theory and research can tell us about intimacy and relationships aspects of our existence and lives that, at first thought, seem divorced from social influence. During this unit, You will deepen your understanding of intimacy and relationships, and gain a theoretical understanding of the factors that influence them."

Content: This unit explores what sociological theory and re-search can tell us about intimacy and relationships �¿ aspects of our existence and lives that at first thought seem divorced from social influence. This unit sets out key socio-historical changes in intimate relations and considers the social factors (including policy, so-cial norms, and institutional pressures) that shape our relationships. Running in parallel to `Contemporary Sociological Theory�¿, this unit deepens students�¿ understanding of social theories related to intimacy and relationships (including ideas related to individualisation and risk).

Course availability:

SP22060 is Optional on the following courses:

Department of Education
  • UHED-AFB20 : BA(Hons) Education with Psychology (Year 2)
  • UHED-AKB20 : BA(Hons) Education with Psychology with professional placement (Year 2)
Department of Psychology Department of Social & Policy Sciences
  • UHSP-AFB32 : BSc(Hons) Social Policy (Year 2)
  • UHSP-AKB32 : BSc(Hons) Social Policy with professional placement (Year 2)
  • UHSP-AFB37 : BSc(Hons) Social Sciences (Year 2)
  • UHSP-AKB37 : BSc(Hons) Social Sciences with professional placement (Year 2)
  • UHSP-AFB35 : BSc(Hons) Sociology (Year 2)
  • UHSP-AFB36 : BSc(Hons) Sociology and Social Policy (Year 2)
  • UHSP-AKB36 : BSc(Hons) Sociology and Social Policy with professional placement (Year 2)
  • UHSP-AKB35 : BSc(Hons) Sociology with professional placement (Year 2)

Notes:

  • This unit catalogue is applicable for the 2024/25 academic year only. Students continuing their studies into 2025/26 and beyond should not assume that this unit will be available in future years in the format displayed here for 2024/25.
  • Courses and units are subject to change in accordance with normal University procedures.
  • Availability of units will be subject to constraints such as staff availability, minimum and maximum group sizes, and timetabling factors as well as a student's ability to meet any pre-requisite rules.
  • Find out more about these and other important University terms and conditions here.