Sem02 (2026-2027) The Art and Science of Loving

Course details

• Practical information

  Academic year
  2026-2027

  Semester
  2

  Period
  5

  Days
  Monday and Thursday

  Time

  18:00 – 20:30

  Number of meetings
  12

  All Dates

  1, 5, 8, 12, 15, 19, 22, 29  April
  3, 10, 13, 20 May

  Location
  Vrije Universiteit, De Boelelaan 1105, 1081 HV Amsterdam;

  Room

  Tbd

  Credits
  6

  Coordinator and Lecturer

  • Jorim Tielbeek

  Lecturers and guest lecturer

  • Dr. B. (Balázs) Boross - University of Amsterdam, Faculty of Humanities
  • Dr. Giulia Zoppolat – Amsterdam University Medical Center, Mental Health
  • Prof. dr. Gert ter Horst – University Medical Center Groningen, Neurobiology Dr. Tila Pronk - Tilburg University, Tilburg School of Social and Behavioral Science

• Learning objectives

  Objective:
  Students will develop a multidimensional understanding of love as both a human capacity and a transformative social force, integrating personal, relational and societal perspectives.

  Learning outcomes:
  After completing the course, students will be able to:

  1. Critically analyze different philosophical, psychological and cultural theories of love.
  2. Reflect on their own beliefs, values, and experiences of love and connection.
  3. Engage in dialogical and empathetic communication across differences.
  4. Apply the concept of love as an ethical practice within social or community contexts.
  5. Integrate academic knowledge and embodied learning in a reflective or action-oriented final project.

• Working formats & structure

  The course uses a combination of analytical, dialogical and experiential pedagogies designed to facilitate both intellectual depth and personal engagement.
  Work methods include:

  • Mini-lectures introducing key theories and thinkers.
  • Seminar-style discussions of assigned readings.
  • Reflective journaling and “walk & talk” dialogues as instruments of embodied learning.
  • Guest lectures providing disciplinary and cultural diversity of perspectives.
  • A final project allowing students to operationalize the concept of “love as practice” through research, creative work or community engagement. 

  In collaboration with Rialto we will also screen a parallel film programme on Thursday evenings. 

• Assessment methods

  The focus lies on learning, reflection and engagement rather than numerical grading. Students are encouraged to take ownership of their learning process by defining, monitoring and evaluating their own development throughout the course.

  1. Reflective & experiential portfolio (50%)
  This is an individual assignment in which students document and reflect on their personal learning process throughout the course. The format of the portfolio is flexible (e.g., essays, audio/video reflections, creative works), but must include:

  • Reflections on weekly questions;
  • Evidence of engagement with readings and class discussions;
  • Final self-assessment explaining how the portfolio meets both the course objectives and the student’s own criteria for growth.

  2. “Love as a Verb” project and presentation (50%)
  In the final part of the course, students design and present a “Love as a Verb” project: an action, initiative, or creative expression that brings their learning into the world. This project may be completed individually or collaboratively and is assessed by the course coordinator and stakeholders. Students are encouraged to connect with community partners or social initiatives, translating theory into practice and exploring how love can serve as a social, ethical, or creative force.

  This course uses a Pass/Fail grading system focused on engagement and growth rather than numerical grades.

  To pass the course, students must:

  • attend and actively participate in seminars;
  • complete all components of the portfolio and final presentation;
  • submit a final self-assessment demonstrating how they have achieved the learning outcomes.

• Fraud and Plagiarism

  With regard to fraud and plagiarism, the VU Student Charter (Chapter 10) and the rules and regulations of the Examination Board of the faculty that offers the course, apply. This will be monitored carefully. Upon suspicion of fraud or plagiarism the Examinations Board will be informed.

• Attendance expectations

  • Be present at all lectures and work groups. Make sure to inform your teacher as soon as possible if you cannot attend a class due to special circumstances. If you are absent for two lectures and/or work groups, or over 15 % of all meetings, the teacher can assign an additional task or deny further participation.
  • Active participation in the seminars and class discussions plays a crucial role in student learning in the course, and in the student’s ability to reach the course objectives: attendance, preparation, and active in-class participation will therefore form part of the course assessment.

• Study materials

  Scientific papers selected by the guest lecturers, such as:

  • Rinne P, Lahnakoski JM, Saarimäki H, Tavast M, Sams M, Henriksson L. Six types of loves differentially recruit reward and social cognition brain areas. Cereb Cortex. 2024 Aug 1;34(8):bhae331
  • Hobbs, M., Owen, S., & Gerber, L. (2016). Liquid love? Dating apps, sex, relationships and the digital transformation of intimacy. Journal of Sociology, 53(2), 271-284.
  • Neff, K.D. (2011), Self-Compassion, Self-Esteem, and Well-Being. Social and Personality Psychology Compass, 5: 1-12.
  • Bos PA, Riem MME, Brummelman E. The Nature of Love Revisited: How Social Bonds Shape Development. Dev Sci. 2025 May;28(3):e70005.
  • Anderson, J.W. (2016). Sternberg's Triangular Theory of Love. In Encyclopedia of Family Studies, C.L. Shehan (Ed.).

  Selection of book chapters.