In a first-of-its-kind initiative, Delhi University(DU) will offer a course that speaks directly to Gen-Z’s digital-age dilemmas—how to navigate heartbreak, spot red flags, and build healthy relationships in an era ruled by Tinder swipes and Instagram stories, reported Times of India.
Titled "Negotiating Intimate Relationships", the new general elective course will be available to undergraduate students from all disciplines starting the 2025-26 academic session. It is being introduced by the Department of Psychology with a focus on helping young adults better understand romance, friendship, jealousy, and breakups—topics often brushed under the rug in traditional education settings.
The four-credit course will include three lectures and one tutorial every week and is open to students who have passed Class XII and have a basic understanding of psychology. The initiative comes amid growing concern about rising incidents of violence among young adults, often fuelled by toxic relationships and a lack of emotional awareness.
What the course covers:
Unit 1: The Psychology of Friendships & Intimacy – How friendships evolve into romantic bonds.
Unit 2: Theories of Love & Sexuality – Includes models like Sternberg’s triangular theory and the two-factor theory
Unit 3: Recognizing Toxic Patterns – Identifying jealousy, red flags, break-up cues, and signs of intimate partner violence
Unit 4: Building Healthy Relationships – Promoting emotional support, communication, and emotional resilience
Teaching Methods & Context:
The four-credit elective includes three lectures and one tutorial per week.
Interactive formats include analyzing social media habits, exploring breakup scenarios, pop‑culture deconstructions (like Kabir Singh and Titanic), and boundary-setting exercises.
The course is a response to several recent relationship‑linked tragedies in Delhi involving students facing jealousy and online surveillance.
