Delhi University is set to introduce a groundbreaking course aimed at equipping students with the skills to navigate the complexities of modern relationships. Titled "Negotiating Intimate Relationships," this general elective course will be available to undergraduates across all disciplines, starting from the 2025-26 academic session. This initiative comes at a time when young adults are increasingly influenced by social media and dating apps, leading to potential challenges in forming and maintaining healthy relationships.
The course is designed to address a growing concern over rising crimes among teenagers that are triggered by failed or toxic relationships, coupled with a lack of emotional awareness about intimacy. Recent tragic events in Delhi, where young individuals were murdered by their partners due to jealousy and toxic dynamics, underscore the urgent need for such education. The infamous Shraddha Walkar case from 2022, where a young woman was murdered and dismembered by her live-in partner, further highlights the potential dangers of unhealthy relationships.
"Negotiating Intimate Relationships" is a four-credit course comprising three lectures and one tutorial per week. It is tailored for undergraduates who have completed Class XII and possess a basic understanding of introductory psychology. The curriculum is structured into four comprehensive units, each addressing different facets of relationships.
The first unit, "The Psychology of Friendships and Intimate Relationships," delves into the formation of friendships, their impact, and their evolution into romantic or long-term bonds such as dating or marriage. This unit aims to provide students with a foundational understanding of relationship dynamics.
The second unit, "Understanding Love," explores various theories of love, including Sternberg's triangular theory and the two-factor theory. It also covers concepts of sexuality, providing students with a holistic view of love and attraction.
Perhaps the most critical unit is the third, "Signs of Relationships Going Sour." This section focuses on teaching students how to recognize red flags early in a relationship. Topics covered include jealousy, romantic transgressions, break-ups, and intimate partner violence. By learning to identify these warning signs, students can make informed decisions about their relationships and avoid potentially harmful situations.
The final unit, "Flourishing Relationships," shifts the focus to building positive families and improving relationship satisfaction through effective communication and emotional support. This unit provides students with practical strategies for fostering healthy and fulfilling relationships.
The course's interactive format includes analyzing social media habits, exploring breakup scenarios, deconstructing pop culture representations of relationships (such as the film "Kabir Singh" and "Titanic"), and engaging in boundary-setting exercises. This approach aims to make the course engaging and relevant to students' lives.
Delhi University's initiative reflects a growing recognition of the importance of emotional well-being and relationship literacy among young people. By providing students with the knowledge and skills to navigate intimate relationships, the university hopes to foster a generation of individuals who can build healthy, respectful, and fulfilling connections. This course represents a significant step towards addressing the complex challenges of modern relationships and promoting emotional awareness among students.
