What does it mean to call someone a friend? How are friendships different from other types of relationships? This course will explore these questions through a study of short stories, novels, and films that all consider the meaning of friendship. While philosophers, psychologists, and sociologists have long recognized the importance of friendship for human happiness, romantic partnerships and parent-child relationships often receive more attention as formative relationships in people’s lives than the bonds between friends. Through discussions of literature, film, and supplementary readings, we will consider questions such as: How do our friendships enrich and complicate who we are as individuals? How do people become friends, and why are some people better at making friends than others? What makes certain friendships last a lifetime and others fall apart? Why is the pain of losing a friend often less acknowledged than the pain of losing a partner or a family member? What are the ethics of ending a friendship? How does friendship offer alternatives to biological notions of family? And what would it mean for societies to recognize friendship, rather than marital or kinship bonds, as the defining relationships in people's lives?

Books to Purchase: TBD

Please note that this course has a maximum enrollment of 16 students and that TMI does not allow participants to audit courses for free.

Location: Atwater

First Session: Tuesday, January 14, 2025

Course Length: 12 weeks, Tuesdays, 6:15 to 8:15 p.m.

Discussion Team: Valerie Amyot, Charlotte Boatner-Doane

Degree Credit: 3 credits

Total Course Fee: 
$140.00 (New Students)
$140.00 (Special Bring-A-Friend Promotion: For Returning Students who bring a New Student to TMI. Register by phone.)*
$200.00 (Returning Students)**

*Note on Bring-A-Friend Promotion for Returning Students: The special 140.00 price is applied immediately if the friend, the New Student, registers first. If the New Student has not yet registered, the regular 200.00 will be charged, and the discount will be refunded when the New Student registers. The discount can also be turned into a credit for a future course.

**Includes Standard Tuition + Admin Fee.

For 12-week courses, fees are refundable in full before the second session. If the participant withdraws after the second course, they will be charged a $50 fee. There is no refund after the third course has passed. Please note that non-attendance does not constitute a withdrawal.

Students pursuing studies for credit are encouraged to consult with their advisers as they register for courses.

Course leaders, and students wishing to use credit vouchers, should call (514) 935-9585 to pay by phone or to schedule an appointment to pay in person.