Concordia University

PSYC 474

Required Text: Miller, R. S. (2017). Intimate Relationships, 8th Ed., McGraw-Hill.
Additional readings will be provided through mycourses course website.
Course Description: PSYC 474 Interpersonal Relationships (3 credits). This course will examine
psychological science approach to interpersonal relationships. The course is organized in terms of the
development of relationships, focusing first on impression formation as a platform for the
development of relationships. Then we focus on close relationships, examining interpersonal
constructs (intimacy, trust, commitment) and reconsidering social cognitive constructs (attributions,
schemas) in an interpersonal context.
 Prerequisite: PSYC 215, PSYC 204, and PSYC 333 or permission of instructor
Course Objective:
By the end of this course, my goal is that you will:
1. Describe and evaluate different theories and models for studying interpersonal relationships.
2. Trace the evolution of romantic relationships from the initial stages of attraction to development
of commitment and intimacy.
3. Identify the stressors and conflicts that may lead to dissolution of relationships.
4. Critically analyse important research in the area of interpersonal relationships.
5. Develop an appreciation of how research in interpersonal relationship applies to everyday life.