Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2025 - PSYC 362 D100

Close Relationships (3)

Class Number: 3869

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 3 – Oct 11, 2025: Mon, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

    Oct 12 – Oct 22, 2025: Mon, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

    Oct 23 – Dec 2, 2025: Mon, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Dec 11, 2025
    Thu, 3:30–5:30 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Instructor:

    Yuthika Girme
    ygirme@sfu.ca
    Office: RCB 8307
    Office Hours: Friday 11am-12pm via Zoom

  • Prerequisites:

    PSYC 201 and 260.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Reviews theory and research on the psychology of romantic relationships. Topics may include relationship theories, communication, social cognitive processes, intimate partner violence, and relationship interventions.

COURSE DETAILS:

Lectures are designed to be highly interactive and will involve weekly in-class quizzes. In-person attendance is therefore mandatory.

MASTERY GRADING: This course takes a mastery approach to learning. Students will complete quizzes every week in class. Students demonstrate mastery by achieving 90% on their weekly quizzes (but can earn partial grades along the way). Students also get THREE opportunities to master each module quiz.

PEER PODS: Students will be assigned a "peer pod" who they will sit with every week for class activities and complete a group project with.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

The major objectives of this class are to critically evaluate claims about close relationships using relationship research, and to apply your understanding of relationship theories and research about dyadic processes to explain different relationship processes.

Grading

  • Class Project: 5%
  • Group Project Science Communication: 10%
  • Term Paper/Project: 10%
  • Final Exam: 12%
  • Weekly Mastery Quizzes: 63%

NOTES:

In this course, you will learn about the science of close relationships with a specific focus on romantic relationships. The course will explore the different phases of relationships: what attracts people to partners, how and why people maintain their relationships, relationship difficulties and dissolution, and single life after relationships end. We will draw on important theories of close relationships to guide our understanding of these individual and dyadic processes.

Topics:
Attachment Theory, Initial Attraction & Self-Expansion Theory, Interdependence Theory & The Investment Model, Social Cognitive Processes, Relationship Conflict, Social Support, Sex, Passion & Intimacy, Jealousy and Infidelity, Suffocation Model of Marriage and Divorce, Singlehood

REQUIREMENTS:

Lectures are designed to be highly interactive and will involve weekly in-class quizzes. **In-person attendance is therefore mandatory.** No lecture recordings are available, but an educational podcast is available as an additional resource for learning outside of class.

No prerequisite waivers will be given for this class.

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

There is no textbook for this course. Students will have the opportunity to read/watch/listen/explore resources that are freely available on-line. Students are encouraged to bring a laptop or tablet to complete their mastery quizzes (phones are not allowed for completing quizzes). Students who do not have an electronic device can contact Dr. Girme for paper quizzes.

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.