Spring 2026 - PSYC 391 D100
Selected Topics in Psychology (3)
Class Number: 3248
Delivery Method: In Person
Overview
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Course Times + Location:
Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Mon, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
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Instructor:
Brittany Dennett
bdennett@sfu.ca
Office Hours: Monday 11:30 – 12:30
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Prerequisites:
PSYC 201. Other prerequisites vary by topic offering.
Description
CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:
Course can be repeated for credit. Students may not take this course for further credit if similar topics are covered. See Psychology department website for course description.
COURSE DETAILS:
Every romantic relationship is unique as the people in it. That is, there are different contexts and accepted behaviors within one’s romantic (and non-romantic) relationships. In this course, we will explore some of these contexts that exist within many romantic relationships but are often under researched. Our goal is to consider the diversity of relationship contexts that can impact how partners will experience their relationship while being situated within the academic space. In this course, we will place a focus on theory, research, and discussion in class.
Topics: Demographics variables of relationships, different types of relationships, and singlehood.
COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:
The goals of this are class to expand on and deepen current knowledge on topics in relationship science by critically engage with different relationship contexts.
Grading
- Participation: 5%
- Weekly Reflections: 10%
- Writing Assignment: 15%
- Midterm: 20%
- Term Project: 25%
- Final: 25%
NOTES:
No lecture recordings will be available.
Given that this course assumes knowledge of romantic relationships, please make sure you have taken PSYC 362: Close Relationships.
REQUIREMENTS:
Prerequisites: PSYC 201 and PSYC 362
Materials
RECOMMENDED READING:
Bradbury, T. N., & Karney, B.R. (2024). Intimate Relationships (4th ed.). W.W. Norton & Company.
ISBN: 9781324070672
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:
- SFU’s Academic Integrity Policy: S10-01 Policy
- SFU’s Academic Integrity website, which includes helpful videos and tips in plain language: Academic Integrity at SFU
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.