DU goes full Gen Z mode, gives nod to ‘Negotiating Intimate Relationships’ course at undergraduate level

Delhi University to launch ‘Negotiating Intimate Relationships’ course:?In a bold and surprising move, Delhi University (DU) has embraced the evolving cultural timeline by launching a new undergraduate course (credit based) titled ‘Negotiating Intimate Relationships.’ This initiative resonates deeply with Gen Z’s quest for understanding complex emotional and romantic dynamics. This signifies a much needed shift in academic towards real-life relationship skills.?

The course arrives at a time when popular cinema, including recent adolescent-centric films and intense romantic dramas like "Kabir Singh", ''Raanjhanaa" and "Animal," has notably influenced public conversations about love, intimacy, friendship and relationship challenges.?

?Note:?DU’s Department of Psychology offers this four-credit elective to all undergraduates, regardless of their discipline.

DU Gets Real About Love: Launches 'Negotiating Intimate Relationships' for Gen Z

Modern love is messy. And Bollywood has never shied away from showing that chaos on screen. But sometimes, it does more harm than good.

Delhi University’s new undergraduate course, “Negotiating Intimate Relationships,” is a bold step. It’s designed for Gen Z, who are navigating love through dating apps, emotional burnout, and social media drama. The course blends psychology, real-life examples, and class debates. And honestly, it's long overdue.

Kabir Singh (2019):?A blockbuster, yes. But a red flag parade. Shahid Kapoor’s character slaps his girlfriend, spirals into self-destruction, and calls it love. One chilling scene shows him screaming at Preeti for marrying someone else. That’s not love. That’s control. This film screams why we need to talk about boundaries and emotional regulation.

Raanjhanaa (2013):?Dhanush plays a boy who never takes no for an answer. Even after Zoya (Sonam Kapoor) repeatedly rejects him, he stalks her, fakes suicide, and begs for attention. It's played off as romantic.?

But it’s a textbook case of ignoring consent. Scenes like this normalise obsession. This is where the DU course steps in—to teach that no means no, no matter how poetic the pursuit.

The Adolescence Series:?These films get real about teenage confusion. But often, they confuse toxicity with passion. Breakups, jealousy, and emotional manipulation are treated like rites of passage. One movie even shows a boy hacking his ex’s phone "for closure."?

The line between love and invasion of privacy? Completely blurred. That's why emotional maturity is a must-have lesson.

Animal (2024):?Ranbir Kapoor’s brooding character deals with trauma and love in violent ways. One intense scene shows him lashing out physically—confusing pain with passion. It’s powerful cinema, yes, but also a warning.?

When love turns into rage, it’s no longer love. This film forces us to confront how mental health impacts relationships.

Why DU’s Move Matters?

Because it’s time we stop learning about love from broken characters. And start learning how to build healthy, balanced, real relationships.

Why ‘Negotiating Intimate Relationships’ Matters for Gen Z?

Gen Z, often termed the ‘Zen G youth,’ faces unique challenges in relationships, influenced by digital connectivity, shifting social norms, and mental health awareness. DU’s course addresses these by combining theoretical frameworks with relatable cultural references:

Key topics likely covered in the course include:

• Communication skills and emotional intelligence in relationships
• Consent and boundaries, informed by real-life and cinematic scenarios
• The impact of social media and digital communication on intimacy
• Managing conflicts and understanding toxic behaviors, as seen in films like?Kabir Singh
• Mental health awareness and support within intimate relationships.

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