SOC 1170 - FWS: Modern Romance: Dating and Relationships Among Young Adults

Spring. 3 credits. Letter grades only.

L. Griffin.

Have hookups fundamentally changed the dating scene on college campuses? Should we be concerned about the rise of cohabitation and the retreat from marriage? This course will explore romantic relationships among young adults using a sociological perspective. We will draft and revise papers on topics such as dating, hookups, virginity, online dating, pornography, birth control, nonmarital childbearing, marriage, cohabitation, and singlehood. Through writing and discussion, we will critically examine the role of race, class, gender, and sexuality in intimate relationship dynamics. Course readings will draw on research articles, book excerpts, and recent news articles. This course will equip you with the skills to analyze social scientific research, write compelling evidence-based papers, and craft informed responses to arguments in the popular media about families and relationships.