Delhi University has introduced a new elective course titled “Negotiating Intimate relationships” to help students navigate emotional complexities, identify red flags, and understand the dynamics of friendships and romantic relationships in the era of dating apps and social media. Offered by the Department of Psychology, this course is open to undergraduate students starting from the 2023-26 academic session. It has been listed on the university’s official website since 2023. The decision comes in the wake of rising concerns over emotional distress and incidents of violence linked to toxic relationships among youth. The university’s goal is to create resilience among students and emotional intelligence.
About the course: Negotiating Intimate Relationships
The course introduced by the Department of Psychology focuses on guiding Gen Z students through the complexities of modern relationships, heartbreaks, and boundaries in a digital age shaped by social media apps like Tinder and Instagram. The aim is to concentrate on topics- relationships, romance, friendships, breakups, which are often ignored by the traditional education system. The course is eligible for students who have cleared their Class 12 examinations.
Structure of the course
The four-credit course offers three lectures and one tutorial weekly. The tutorials will feature engaging exercises such as movie reviews, debates on dating culture, group discussions, and social media network analysis. This unique academic space provides students with a judgment-free environment to discuss their relationships openly.Key units:The transitioning of relations from friends to partners, how to maintain long-term connections, and understanding friendships and relationships.Examining emotional attachment and sexuality in relationships, and understanding love through key theories, like Sternberg’s triangular theory and the two-factor theory.Teaching students to recognize signs of trouble in relationships, including jealousy, infidelity, emotional abuse, and partner violence, and empowering them to prioritize their well-being.Building strong connections through effective communication, empathy, and emotional support, thus fostering positive relationships and family dynamics.
Need of the course for students
The university came to the decision of introducing the course because of the rising concerns over emotional distress and incidents of violence linked to toxic relationships among youth. With structured academic engagement, the university hopes to foster greater emotional awareness and resilience among students.The course is designed to be interactive and engaging for students, but it does not offer any practical component. For instance, students will analyze cinematic representations of love and conflict in critique films like Kabir Singh and Titanic, exploring themes of toxic masculinity and idealized romance.A DU faculty member, Latika Gupta, said, “Movies often glamorize toxic love, but in a classroom, they become opportunities to unpack harmful norms. We need to start conversations on emotional health early if we’re serious about preventing future harm.”
