Love and romance rank among the oldest, most familiar, and most popular themes in literature and in film. Why we fall in love or out of it, how we express emotions for which language seems inadequate, and how ideas of love, romance, and marriage change over times, such questions have baffled authors for centuries and they continue to intrigue them. In this course we will examine the depiction of romantic love, marriage, and betrayal within social, cultural, and economic contexts starting in the 18^th century and ending with contemporary films and stories, some of which explore the impact of social media on relationships. Students will write three essays, give an oral presentation. and also take a midterm and a final.