June 2015
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Hong Kong Community College
Subject Description Form
Subject Code
CCN2025
Subject Title
Love, Intimacy and Identity
Level
2
Credit Value
3
Medium of
Instruction
English
Pre-requisite /
Co-requisite/
Exclusion
Nil
Objectives
This subject aims to introduce the theoretical frameworks and research
findings on love and intimacy, as well as examining their roles in
identity formation of individuals. Students are expected to understand
the issues concerned with reference to the significant evolutions over
time and drastic changes in social structures. This subject also provides a
general orientation of personal growth, so that students can develop
healthy and positive social relationships with others.
Intended Learning
Outcomes
Upon completion of the subject, students will be able to:
(a) elaborate different approaches to defining and measuring love.
(b) analyse the nature of intimacy on various levels of social
relationships.
(c) explain the formation of self-identity from the perspectives of
personality, life-span development, feminism, law, and media.
(d) reflect on various practical concerns and social phenomena based
on the dynamic interaction of love, intimacy and self-identities of
different individuals.
Subject Synopsis/
Indicative Syllabus
Basic Dynamics of Interpersonal Attraction
Development of relationship science; Varieties of relationships;
Proximity, physical attractiveness, similarity and reciprocity; Research
findings on cultural and gender differences on mate selection.
Conceptualisation of Love
Sternberg’s Triangular Theory of Love; Lee’s six styles of love;
Scientific measurements of love; Attachment styles in love relationships;
Love and marriage over the history and under different social structures;
Problematic aspects of love (including obsession and mismatched love
styles).
1
June 2015
,ature of Intimacy
Building blocks of closeness (verbal and non-verbal communication);
Exchange versus communal relationships; Effective strategies to enhance
relationships; Constructive coping styles in relationship loss; Intimate
relationship issues and related research findings (including jealousy,
conflict, and loneliness).
Formation of Identity
Different aspects of self-identity; Bio-psycho-social processes of identity
development; Theoretical views on gender and sexual identities; The
Feminist Revolution; Media, gender stereotypes and identity;
Psychological adjustments on identity transformations.
Current Issues and Social Problems
Marriage laws and related social welfare or resources planning; Sexual
harassment and gender politics; Sexual Liberation Movement and moral
implications concerned (e.g., sexual orientations and cyber-sex
practices); Complexities in conceptualising “disorders” related to
relationship difficulties or identity maladjustments; Ethical principles in
sex education.
Teaching/Learning
Methodology
Lectures will focus on the introduction and explanation of concepts and
theories supported by hypothetical and real examples wherever
appropriate. Group discussions on various case studies, newspapers,
films and TV commercials may be arranged to stimulate students’
interest or their awareness of practical implications of some concepts.
Tutorials will provide students with the opportunity to deepen their
understanding and to explore further the applications of theories taught.
The experiential leaning approach will be adopted in debate sessions,
simulation exercises, role-plays and so on to let students reflect on their
personal values and real life experiences.
Assessment
Methods in
Alignment with
Intended Learning
Outcomes
A variety of assessment tools will be used to develop and assess
students’ achievement of the subject intended learning outcomes.
Specific assessment
methods/tasks
%
weighting
Intended subject
learning outcomes to be
assessed
a
b
Continuous Assessment*
60
Group Project
24
Journal Review (Individual)
12
Term Paper (Individual)
18
Participation
6
Final Examination
40
2
c
d
June 2015
Total
100
*Continuous assessment items and/or weighting may be adjusted by the subject
team subject to the approval of the College Programme Committee.
To pass this subject, students are required to obtain Grade D or above in
both the Continuous Assessment and Final Examination.
Student Study
Effort Expected
Class contact
Hours
Lecture
26
Tutorial
13
Other student study effort
Self-study
50
Continuous Assessment
45
Total student study effort
Reading List and
References
134
Recommended Textbook
Miller, R. S. and Perlman, D. (2012). Intimate Relationships. McGrawHill Higher Education.
References
Berscheid, E. and Regan, P. (2005). The Psychology of Interpersonal
Relationships. Pearson Education.
Firestone, R. W., Firestone, L. A. & Catlett, J. (2006). Sex and Love in
Intimate Relationships. American Psychological Association.
Gauntlett, D. (2008). Media, Gender and Identity: An Introduction.
Routledge.
3