Languages: English

Outlines what you need to know before you commit to a relationship. Lecture defines seven areas critical to building relations, and discussion explains the impact of each on love relationships. Students learn how true commitment can help us weather the inevitable problems that naturally occur in any relationships.

Exposes myths and highlights research on the subject of “living together”. The lesson identifies the pros and cons of non-marital cohabitation and explains the dangers of “sliding” into as opposed to “deciding” on this form of commitment. Deciding factors discussed by the class include the statistical realities of cohabitation, the conflicting male-female expectations about cohabitation, and the surprising correlations between cohabitation, divorce, and general dissatisfaction.

Draws a distinction between problem relationships that can be salvaged and those that cannot. Class discussion focuses on the “red flags” that signal trouble in a relationship or marriage. Students receive helpful hints for making even the most difficult relationships happy and fulfilling, including how to get beyond volatile hot buttons, how to find joint passion with your partner, and how to recognize a losing battle when you see one.

Provides a course overview. The lesson offers highlights from the course to give students a preview of what to expect.

Explains why we fall in love. Students learn how love is important to our health, welfare and survival. Video clips and lecture reveal how infatuation and attraction have more to do with chemistry and biology than love. Perspectives on the subject include both heterosexual and homosexual relationships.

Looks at how love differs around the world. The lesson explores how expectations with regard to love are handed down from previous generations. Lecture defines how these expectations differ from culture to culture, and students are challenged to consider who is really responsible for creating happiness in a relationship.

Examines the four predictable stages of love. Students learn about the three different brain systems and how they biologically affect the feelings and resultant behaviors associated with each of the four stages of love: Infatuation, Post-Rapture, Discovery, and Connection.

Explores the relationship between the physiology and psychology of love. Lecture covers the differences between infatuation and real love, and explains why the chemistry behind infatuation doesn’t always translate to compatibility. Video lecture outlines the biology behind “The Love Cocktail” (heightened libido) that makes infatuation so irresistible.

Explores the difference between sexual desire and love. The class debates how the two are linked and whether or not they can be mutually exclusive. Lecture reveals the role of oxytocin in partner bonding, and relates how the ratio of positive to negative responses decides the success of a relationship.

Considers the factors that contribute to effective mate selection. Lecture outlines factors critical to a successful match, such as finances, family values, children, and spirituality. The class poses the question, “When do you really fall in love – before you get married or afterward?”