| Unit name | Understanding Intimacy |
|---|---|
| Unit code | SOCIM2130 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | M/7 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24) |
| Unit director | Professor. Dermott |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Pre-requisites |
s None |
| Co-requisites |
s None |
| School/department | School of Sociology, Politics and International Studies |
| Faculty | Faculty of Social Sciences and Law |
This unit will explore the concept of intimacy within the context of the alleged democratisation of interpersonal and family relationships within Western industrialised societies. It will examine: the complexities of contemporary family life in historical and cultural context; the spatial and temporal construction of intimacy; competing theoretical perspectives; the importance of negotiated personal relationships for individuals') identities. The unit will cover current debates around parenting and family life, the rituals of intimacy, rights and responsibilities in personal relationships and the work/labour of intimacy in order to address questions such as- How do popular images of intimacy relate to lived experience? What explains changing rates of marriage and cohabitation? How does the state influence the organisation of intimate relationships? Does 'caring about' correspond to 'caring for'? What are the similarities and differences between fathering and mothering?
Aims:
On successful completion of this unit students will be able to:
The main method of teaching will be weekly face-to-face seminar sessions which will involve a combination of lecturing, group discussion and student presentations. This will be supplemented by Elearning through a VLE (Blackboard) to promote student debate.
The assessment will relate directly to one of more of the learning outcomes specified above in 15 and will be an extended essay of 4000 words (or equivalent) showing an in-depth understanding and integration of key aspects of the unit.
