GPC229 THE PSYCHOLOGY OF CLOSE RELATIONSHIPS
| Course Code: | 3780229 |
| METU Credit (Theoretical-Laboratory hours/week): | 2 (2.00 - 0.00) |
| ECTS Credit: | 4.0 |
| Department: | Guidance and Psychological Counseling |
| Language of Instruction: | English |
| Level of Study: | Undergraduate |
| Course Coordinator: | |
| Offered Semester: | Fall Semesters. |
Course Objectives
This course has two main goals. The first goal is to provide students with a comprehensive overview of the research in relationship psychology and of its underlying theories. The second goal is to help students learn how to effectively apply, both theoretically and practically, the knowledge that they acquire in this course.
Course Content
There has recently emerged a need to develop a new course on The Psychology of Close Relationships in the newly introduced curriculum for the Guidance and Psychological Counseling Programs by the Higher Education Council. Regarding the importance of
intimate relationships for the quality of life, this course was selected to serve as an elective,
in the Guidance and Psychological Counseling Program.
Course Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course, each of the students will be able to describe and discuss each of the following:
the building blocks of relationships referring to the nature and importance of intimacy, the influence of culture, the influence of experience, the influence of individual differences the influence of human nature the influence of interaction
research methods The nature of data Qualitative research Quantitative methods in close Relationships research
attachment and close relationships, social cognition, the power of perceptions, and the effects of first impressions, the effect of nonverbal, verbal, and dysfunctional communication in close relationships, interdependency based on Social Exchange Theory, Interdependence Theory, and theories of commitment, the nature of friendships, the history and types of love, and how love displays differences across individuals and cultures, sexuality including sexual attitudes, sexual behavior, and sexual satisfaction, stresses and strains in integration with perceived self and relational value, jealousy, lying, betrayal, and forgiveness, conflict, its nature and outcomes of conflicts in intimate relationships, power and violence in close relationships, the dissolution and loss of relationships taking into consideration the predictors of divorce, breakup, and aftermath of breakup, maintaining and repairing close relationships.
Program Outcomes Matrix
| Level of Contribution | |||||
| # | Program Outcomes | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| 1 | Have updated knowledge regarding basic theories and approaches of psychological counseling and guidance | ✔ | |||
| 2 | Know the necessary theories, and own the knowledge and skills to conduct individual, group and career counseling | ✔ | |||
| 3 | Effectively serve for the students' educational, social/individual and vocational guidance needs as a school counselor in the educational system | ✔ | |||
| 4 | Are sensitive about the cultural differences in counseling practices | ✔ | |||
| 5 | Follow national and international publications and developments in the field of psychological counseling and guidance | ✔ | |||
| 6 | Follow and use the technological innovations which the field of psychological counseling and guidance requires | ✔ | |||
| 7 | Know the main curriculum development approaches and procedures, and develop proposals about practices in different fields | ✔ | |||
| 8 | Choose and practice the measurement and evaluation tools in the field by evaluating their validity and reliability; and report the results by truly interpreting with an ethical sense and responsibility | ✔ | |||
| 9 | Have the knowledge and implication skills about main research methods | ✔ | |||
| 10 | Effectively use the statistical programs in the field, accurately use, interpret and report the statistical procedures | ✔ | |||
| 11 | Practice activities such as giving seminars and trainings related to their field | ✔ | |||
| 12 | Adhere to and practice the ethical values and principles in their social lives and professional activities (research, practice) | ✔ | |||
| 13 | Have effective communication skills in English and Turkish (listening, speaking, writing and reading) and effectively communicate with experts in the field, institutions, organizations and colleagues by using these skills | ✔ | |||
| 14 | Produce practical solutions to the social problems by considering conditions and cultural differences | ✔ | |||
| 15 | Adopt an advocate role in professional topics | ✔ | |||
0: No Contribution 1: Little Contribution 2: Partial Contribution 3: Full Contribution