Producers: Governors State University

Explores how the motivations behind commitment affect its consequences. The class learns the difference between “constraint” commitment and “dedicated” commitment, and lecture reveals how the two commitment styles correlate with stability and happiness. Discussion touches on such factors as the social and financial “survival” benefits of both commitment styles, the value of friendship in a love relationship, and how commitment to one person invariably alters outside relationships with others.

Explores the attitude and behavior shifts required to sustain a relationship. Lecture outlines the distinction between two situations: when expressing your expectations is good for the relationship and when it will only make things worse. Strategies for handling both situations are discussed. The lesson also explores the value of humor, the up side of clashing viewpoints, and how gender differences affect how apologies are relayed and perceived.

Explains how gender expectations cause stress for men in committed relationships. The Studio Class compares their thoughts on this subject with statistical research findings. The lesson points out how monogamy is a choice tied directly to intentions and morals, why a woman’s superior earning power is a threat for most men, and what three factors embody the answer to the question “What do women want?”

Further explores relationship stressors from a woman’s point of view. The class learns further how brain biology affects relationship perceptions. Discussion topics reveal how verbal skills may not always translate into communication skills, why blame is perceived differently by the opposing sexes, and how women are stressed by increased expectations in the workplace that have yet to affect a decrease of expectations on the home front. The lesson also outlines the three things men need to feel truly committed to a relationship.

Identifies the challenges and benefits of matrimony. The lesson focuses on how marriage affects the many aspects of life and includes research on how marriage is tied to health and self-esteem, how it can create “social capital” that advances us in society, how it affects family routines, rituals, and support for children, and how it can help us mature and grow both as individuals and as citizens at large.

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?”

Explores the best strategies for meeting new love prospects. Relationship experts discuss the various ways in which singles meet and reveal how such factors as proximity, timing, and intent affect the outcome. Internet dating services and the role of alcohol in the meet-and-greet process are discussed.

Men share their thoughts on what attracts them. Relationship experts explain why men fall in love faster than women but are slower to commit. Students learn why men often find women more attractive than women find themselves and why the innate “hyperarousal response” predisposes men to be hypersensitive to criticism and shame.

Women share opinions on the qualities that attract them most. The lesson helps provide answers to Freud’s question, “What do women want?” Lecture reveals what male attributes are deemed “good” by women, why women fall prey to the lure of “bad boys”, and how the evolution of the female brain directly affects this dichotomy of impulses.