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SMF 211Dynamics of Dating

Units
0.50
Faculty
Arts
Subject
Sexuality, Marriage and Family Studies

Not in the current Undergraduate Calendar. Shown as it appeared in 2024–25.

When it runs

  1. F24
  2. W25
  3. S25
  4. F25
  5. W26
  6. S26
  7. F26
  8. W27
  9. S27

Ran in 1 of the last 7 terms. Winter 2027: not on the schedule. Spring 2027: schedule not out yet.

This course examines the dynamics of intimate relationships in the context of the modern, Western construct of dating. Topics explored may include long-distance relationships, polyamorous relationships, online dating, hook-up culture, shifting romantic and family formation dynamics, modern communications and technology, and the role of pop culture in dating trends.

Prerequisites

None listed.

Antirequisites

None listed.

Leads to

No course lists it as a requisite.

Reviewed on UW Flow

94% liked it77% easy43% useful

From 17 ratings and 10 comments on UW Flow. The most helpful comments, quoted as written, without names. Read them all on UW Flow.

  • Very interesting and can be very fun but be warned: there is a big group project component that can make or break your grade!! I had members of my group refuse to contribute until the last minute and it completely screwed me over.

    Nov 2025 · liked itOn UW FlowRemove this

  • Felt pretty outdated - the dynamics of dating have definitely changed drastically recently, and I didn't feel like what I learnt reflected my experiences very well. The prof is very funny and very engaging. The people in the class yap a little too much sometimes (probably the only con of the course). Decent bird.

    Apr 2025 · liked itOn UW FlowRemove this

  • This course is fairly interesting and relatively easy to do well in. As long as you attend lectures, you can pass with a good grade. Prof. Serafini is really passionate about these topics and that makes the lectures really engaging.

    May 2022 · liked itOn UW FlowRemove this

  • This class didnt exactly teach anything new but the content was easy to follow and Toni made the class very interesting which was great for keeping me focused during night classes. There are two major tests that are all m/c, one major group assignment, and a final paper. Everything is pretty easy if you attend class and pay attention

    May 2022 · liked itOn UW FlowRemove this

  • As someone had described, the course really is research outside of STEM. Even given that, the course was really interesting, as it discussed a variety of different aspects about relationships and dating culture. The course itself is not necessarily easy. There are two papers, a presentation, two multiple choice tests and in class activities, the marking is fair and the variety in assignments can help ensure a satisfactory mark, but not necessarily a 100 if that's what you seek. Despite that, the course is really fun, and I would highly suggest it!

    Apr 2022 · liked itOn UW FlowRemove this

Discussed on r/uwaterloo

28 posts and comments in 26 threads mention SMF 211, April 2017 to December 2024. Quoted word for word, newest first; each reply sits under the post and the comment that started its branch. Search r/uwaterloo for newer posts.

Winter 2024

Fall 2023

Spring 2023

Winter 2023

BA in Sexuality, Marriage, Family Studies 28 points, 29 comments

“I’ve been out of high school 4 years this June, and haven’t done any post secondary, aside from minor online courses like Wedding Coordinator, flora arranging. …”

u/batson2002: “I took smf211 previously with Toni, and it was honestly a great class. The degree itself has a lot of variety with different forms of relationships and usually has a lot of writing or presentations to do for each class, but is generally a pretty chill course load. …”

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Winter 2022

What are the coolest/most interesting electives to take? 23 points, 30 comments

“What are some interesting electives to take. In high school my most memorable courses were drama and hospitality. What are some cool electives to take here. …”

u/jaydashnine: “Not sure how often it's offered, but SMF211: Dynamics of Dating is pretty interesting if you like relationship topics. That class used to get a lot of people from different programs. Quite a few interesting SMF courses (although I might be biased as an SMF major 🙃).”

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Fall 2020

Spring 2020

What are your top 5 courses at Waterloo? 29 points, 43 comments

“After 3 years of this place, these were my favourite courses that I found (no particular order): CS 341 CS 251 MATH 135 MATH 239 ENGL 332 (Comics) I liked CS 341, MATH 135, and MATH 239 because they …”

u/computerdl: “… Honourable mention to SMF 211 (Dynamics of Dating) for being the most unique course I've ever taken at Waterloo.”

u/QuoteMaker_: “I'm looking forward to CO 487 in the Fall, hear only good things about it. SMF 211 sounds really interesting, I've already read the "textbook" for the course”

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Check it elsewhere for Fall 2026

Calendar versions

Undergraduate Calendar