PSYC 355 Close RelationshipsMEF UniversityDegree Programs PsychologyGeneral Information For StudentsDiploma SupplementErasmus Policy Statement
Psychology
Bachelor Length of the Programme: 4 Number of Credits: 240 TR-NQF-HE: Level 6 QF-EHEA: First Cycle EQF: Level 6

Ders Genel Tanıtım Bilgileri

School/Faculty/Institute Faculty of Econ., Admin. and Social Sciences
Course Code PSYC 355
Course Title in English Close Relationships
Course Title in Turkish Yakın İlişkiler
Language of Instruction EN
Type of Course Flipped Classroom
Level of Course Introductory
Semester Spring
Contact Hours per Week
Lecture: 3 Recitation: Lab: Other:
Estimated Student Workload 150 hours per semester
Number of Credits 6 ECTS
Grading Mode Standard Letter Grade
Pre-requisites PSYC 106 - Introduction to Social Psychology
Expected Prior Knowledge Introduction to social psychology
Co-requisites None
Registration Restrictions Only Undergraduate Students
Overall Educational Objective To acquire knowledge about selected theories, basic research, and practical skills in the area of close relationships and to learn how to effectively apply, both theoretically and practically, this knowledge.
Course Description Using developmental and social psychological perspectives, this course will explore the formation, maintenance, dynamics, and functions of interpersonal relationships. With this aim, this course will include a review of essential theories, primary research findings, and practical applications in regards to understanding interpersonal relationships as a fundamental component of human lives. Given the broad range of topics that will be covered in this course, students are expected to think critically and develop a basic understanding of content and theory related to relationship science.
Course Description in Turkish Gelişimsel ve sosyal psikolojik perspektifleri kullanan bu ders, kişilerarası ilişkilerin oluşumunu, sürdürülmesini, dinamiklerini ve işlevlerini keşfedecektir. Bu amaçla, bu ders, kişilerarası ilişkileri insan hayatının temel bir bileşeni olarak anlamaya ilişkin temel teorilerin, birincil araştırma bulgularının ve pratik uygulamaların bir incelemesini içerecektir. Bu derste ele alınacak çok çeşitli konular göz önüne alındığında, öğrencilerden eleştirel düşünmeleri ve ilişki bilimi ile ilgili temel bir içerik ve teori anlayışı geliştirmeleri beklenir.

Course Learning Outcomes and Competences

Upon successful completion of the course, the learner is expected to be able to:
1) understand the fundamental theories and research in the area of close relationships;
2) discuss ideas scientifically in written and oral mediums;
3) build and enhance healthier interpersonal relationships;
4) critically evaluate scientific and non scientific sources of information regarding close relationships;
5) apply concepts, theories, and principles learned in class in real life and clinical experiences.
Program Learning Outcomes/Course Learning Outcomes 1 2 3 4 5
1) Thorough knowledge of the major concepts, theoretical perspectives, empirical findings, and historical trends in psychology.
2) Understanding of and ability to apply essential research methods in psychology, including research design, data analysis, and data interpretation.
3) Competence to use critical and creative thinking, skeptical inquiry and a scientific approach to solving problems related to behavior and mental processes.
4) Understanding and ability to apply psychological principles, skills and values in personal, social, and organizational contexts.
5) Ability to weigh evidence, to tolerate ambiguity, and to reflect other values that underpin psychology as a discipline.
6) Internalization and dissemination of professional ethical standards.
7) Demonstration of competence in information technologies, and the ability to use computer and other technologies for purposes related to the pursuit of knowledge in psychology and the broader social sciences.
8) Skills to communicate the knowledge of psychological science effectively, in a variety of formats, in both Turkish and in English (in English, at least CEFR B2 level).
9) Recognition, understanding, and respect for the complexity of sociocultural and international diversity.
10) Recognition for the need for, and the skills to pursue, lifelong learning, inquiry, and self-improvement.
11) Ability to formulate critical hypotheses based on psychological theory and literature, and design studies to test those hypotheses.
12) Ability to acquire knowledge independently, and to plan one’s own learning.
13) Demonstration of advanced competence in the clarity and composition of written work and presentations.

Relation to Program Outcomes and Competences

N None S Supportive H Highly Related
     
Program Outcomes and Competences Level Assessed by
1) Thorough knowledge of the major concepts, theoretical perspectives, empirical findings, and historical trends in psychology. H Exam
2) Understanding of and ability to apply essential research methods in psychology, including research design, data analysis, and data interpretation. N HW,Participation
3) Competence to use critical and creative thinking, skeptical inquiry and a scientific approach to solving problems related to behavior and mental processes. H Exam,Participation
4) Understanding and ability to apply psychological principles, skills and values in personal, social, and organizational contexts. H Participation
5) Ability to weigh evidence, to tolerate ambiguity, and to reflect other values that underpin psychology as a discipline. S Participation
6) Internalization and dissemination of professional ethical standards. N
7) Demonstration of competence in information technologies, and the ability to use computer and other technologies for purposes related to the pursuit of knowledge in psychology and the broader social sciences. N
8) Skills to communicate the knowledge of psychological science effectively, in a variety of formats, in both Turkish and in English (in English, at least CEFR B2 level). H Exam,HW,Participation
9) Recognition, understanding, and respect for the complexity of sociocultural and international diversity. S Participation
10) Recognition for the need for, and the skills to pursue, lifelong learning, inquiry, and self-improvement. S Participation
11) Ability to formulate critical hypotheses based on psychological theory and literature, and design studies to test those hypotheses. N
12) Ability to acquire knowledge independently, and to plan one’s own learning. S HW
13) Demonstration of advanced competence in the clarity and composition of written work and presentations. H HW
Prepared by and Date GİZEM SÜRENKÖK , March 2022
Course Coordinator SENA CÜRE ACER
Semester Spring
Name of Instructor Asst. Prof. Dr. BARIŞ SEVİ

Course Contents

Week Subject
1) Why do human beings need relationships?
2) Attachment in Early Life: Function, Ontogeny, and Dynamics
3) Attachment in Early Life: Application
4) Relationship Formation: Attraction
5) Relationship Formation: Mate Selection
6) Relationship Formation: Infatuation, Intimacy, Commitment
7) Relationship Development: Love, Adult Attachment
8) Sexuality in Relationships: Neurochemistry, Healthy Practices, Monogamy
9) Relationship Problems: Lying, Jealousy, Infidelity, Snooping
10) Relationship Problems: When It Becomes All Toxic
11) Relationship Problems: Break-Ups, Loneliness, Hurt Feelings
12) Relationship Maintenance: Communication, Emotion Regulation
13) Relationships & the Self
14) Final Comments, Class Questions, Take Home Tips
15) Final Examination Period
16) Final Examination Period
Required/Recommended ReadingsMiller, R. S. (2018). Intimate relationships (8th ed). New York, NY : McGraw-Hill Education. There will also be a set of readings selected from a range of sources, including books, edited volumes, and scientific journals.
Teaching MethodsThis course will be taught entirely in the flipped format. Students will be given a pre-class assignment every week as well as a corresponding reading for them to get acquainted with the topic before coming to class. During class time, students will be asked to discuss various questions in addition to working in groups regarding the topics we cover in class that day. At the end of each class, students will provide reflections that include their thoughts and questions, which then will be reviewed and answered by the instructor. Class assignments are designed to have students work both independently and in teams. Lectures are formatted so that questions are placed strategically to include students in the discussion.
Homework and ProjectsThe pre-class assignments will range from writing short papers (1-2 pages) to watching movies, from listening to songs to answering questions on the required readings depending on the topic.
Laboratory Work
Computer Use
Other ActivitiesDuring class time, students will be asked to discuss various questions individually or in groups. These will be counted as their in-class participation. After each lecture, students are also expected to write one or two sentences characterizing either (a) an unanswered or unaddressed question regarding the topic being discussed that lecture or (b) highlight a key point discussed during that class session.
Assessment Methods
Assessment Tools Count Weight
Homework Assignments 3 % 50
Midterm(s) 2 % 30
Final Examination 1 % 20
TOTAL % 100
Course Administration surenkokg@mef.edu.tr

The opportunity to make up a missed exam will only be offered to students with written proof of an extenuating circumstance (e.g., serious illness, death in the family, etc.). If no proof is provided, they will receive a failing grade for the exam they missed and will not be allowed to make it up. Students are expected to treat university personnel and one another respectfully at all times; this includes showing respect for class content and for others’ opinions. The commitment of acts of cheating, lying, and deceit in any of their diverse forms such as plagiarism, and copying during examinations is dishonest and will not be tolerated. Academic dishonesty and plagiarism: YÖK Disciplinary Regulation.

ECTS Student Workload Estimation

Activity No/Weeks Hours Calculation
No/Weeks per Semester Preparing for the Activity Spent in the Activity Itself Completing the Activity Requirements
Course Hours 14 2 3 2 98
Homework Assignments 14 1 14
Midterm(s) 2 8 2 20
Final Examination 1 16 2 18
Total Workload 150
Total Workload/25 6.0
ECTS 6