http://doesnt-vomit.livejournal.com/ ([identity profile] doesnt-vomit.livejournal.com) wrote in [community profile] fandomhigh2009-07-27 08:17 am
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Sexual Anthropology, Monday, Period 3

Brennan seemed to be in a good mood as she waited for the class today. The suitcase parked near the lectern might give some hint as to why.

"Morning," she greeted. "Today we're talking about courtship rituals -- dating, if you prefer. In traditional terms, 'courtship' refers to the time period between when two people become aware of each other as potential monogamous life partners and when they solemnify their bond, either with an engagement leading to a wedding or through some other step. Typically the word 'courtship' refers to a relationship that is known to the community, as opposed to an illicit affair."

"Courtship traditions differ in different societies. In ancient times, marriage by kidnapping was the norm. A hunter would simply walk up to a group and grab the young woman who most appealed to him, and she was his wife if he got her home and to the marriage bed safely. Later, parents and other elders selected for arranged marriages -- as they still do in certain South Asian cultures -- and the couple were consulted only for a token consent. This began to change in late medieval times, when the concept of romantic love was glorified. However, it was several hundred more years before romantic love was seen as the most important element in a marriage, rather than a happy coincidence. And even now, there's data suggesting arranged marriages to which both participants agreed are as happy or happier than love marriages."

"Modern courtship -- or, again, dating -- takes several forms. A traditional first date is coffee or dinner and a movie, and a normal modern courtship in the U.S. takes roughly a year to five years to get to the point of engagement. Most couples meet through friends, work, social activities such as religious services or community groups, but personal ads and online matchmaking services are growing in both popularity and acceptability. Also, many people, myself included, eschew traditional dating in favor of other arrangements that don't include the expectation of marriage as a goal. And, of course, gay couples also court and date."

"You've been assigned to pairs, and I would like for each pair to participate in some sort of mock courtship exercise to report back on during the next class. Dean, I assigned you a partner as well to make the numbers even. Your dates can range from a token gift or conversation during this class period to a full date to any of the tactics described in your handout. I know some of you may be otherwise committed or paired outside your normal gender preference. If you cannot do the assignment for personal reasons, please see me after class to discuss alternate work, though there is nothing in this that should threaten your boyfriends or girlfriends."

"Also, please don't assume that the person in your pairing who is physically male has to play the male role for the purposes of this assignment, or the same for the physically female. This is a class exercise, not a true courtship; play the roles with which you are most comfortable."

"You have the rest of the class period to find each other and discuss how you wish to fulfill the assignment. Also, if you anticipate needing me this week, I'm going out of town and won't be in my office on Friday. Talk to me after class or send an email."
bitten_notshy: ([neu] talking)

Re: DATES!

[personal profile] bitten_notshy 2009-07-27 05:30 pm (UTC)(link)
"I'm used to the cold," Jack said, shrugging a little. "This is a nice change, at the least. But if you prefer this weather, would you like a walk on the beach for our 'date'?"

Re: DATES!

[identity profile] elephantgadget.livejournal.com 2009-07-27 05:34 pm (UTC)(link)
She ducked her head again. "That would be fine. Anything would be fine. But... I know you don't particularly like me, so if you'd rather just say this was it... well, I would understand."
bitten_notshy: ([neu] vaguely bemused)

Re: DATES!

[personal profile] bitten_notshy 2009-07-27 05:38 pm (UTC)(link)
"Helen, I've talked to you once. It didn't go well, no, but it's hardly enough to like or dislike you," Jack pointed out. "Though if that's our way of saying you would rather not do it with me, that's certainly your prerogative."
Edited 2009-07-27 17:39 (UTC)

Re: DATES!

[identity profile] elephantgadget.livejournal.com 2009-07-27 05:39 pm (UTC)(link)
She looked surprised. "No. I'd be glad to."
bitten_notshy: ([pos] 'cause I'm cute)

Re: DATES!

[personal profile] bitten_notshy 2009-07-27 05:43 pm (UTC)(link)
Jack's smile verged on a smirk. "That's settled, then. When?"

Re: DATES!

[identity profile] elephantgadget.livejournal.com 2009-07-27 05:51 pm (UTC)(link)
"Any evening would be fine," Helen said. "I don't have a very busy schedule."
bitten_notshy: ([neu] walking away)

Re: DATES!

[personal profile] bitten_notshy 2009-07-27 05:59 pm (UTC)(link)
"Thursday, after classes?" Jack asked. "It tends to be an easy day for me. I could pick you up in your room or meet you on the beach, whatever you'd prefer."

Re: DATES!

[identity profile] elephantgadget.livejournal.com 2009-07-27 06:04 pm (UTC)(link)
Helen nodded. "Thursday would be fine. I work at The Gig, but if you gave me a half hour or so to clean up after work... Yes, either the beach or my room would be fine. The beach, perhaps?"
bitten_notshy: ([neu] looking off to the side)

Re: DATES!

[personal profile] bitten_notshy 2009-07-27 06:09 pm (UTC)(link)
"I shall wait for you there," Jack promised.

Better she didn't show up smelling like horses.

Re: DATES!

[identity profile] elephantgadget.livejournal.com 2009-07-27 06:13 pm (UTC)(link)
"I... well, I will look forward to it. Thank you." And this time her smile was shy, but real.
bitten_notshy: ([pos] cheeky monkey)

Re: DATES!

[personal profile] bitten_notshy 2009-07-27 06:26 pm (UTC)(link)
"Thank you," Jack returned, with a real smile of his own.

Re: DATES!

[identity profile] elephantgadget.livejournal.com 2009-07-27 06:31 pm (UTC)(link)
Helen blushed and ducked her head. "Till Thursday, then."