Human Bonding

This course examines close relationships primarily from a psychological perspective, drawing on empirical and theoretical work from the fields of social, developmental, evolutionary, cognitive, personality, and clinical psychology, and secondarily from ethology, anthropology, sociology, and neuroscience. The central goal of the course is to familiarize students with cutting-edge theories and research in relationship science by defining and explaining the basic structure, functions, dynamics, and formation of human affectional ties, especially those of attachment, caregiving, and mating. The course covers a broad range of topics at the heart of relationship science, including attachment bonds, interpersonal attraction and mate selection, relationship formation and dissolution, jealousy and infidelity, and the effects of close relationships on mental and physical well-being.