Overview
Explore your experiences with dating, relationships, marriage, singlehood, and/or experiences you imagine having in these areas in the future. Write a 500- to 825-word reflection (2 to 3 pages) comparing your own experience and/or imaginings to both the history and contemporary trends in dating, relationships, marriage, and singlehood from the module’s readings. Make sure to cite at least one part of the reading for this module. Also, connect to two sources from outside of the course. (One may be the source you used in the discussion forum.) Other sources may include podcasts, books, news articles, journal articles, magazine articles, and/or reports and studies. Cite all references using APA style. See Written Assignment 1 for guidance on how to find outside sources. [MO 3.2] Requirements:
- 500–825 words
- Reflection essay written in first person ("I")
- At least one citation from the course reading
- At least two outside academic or credible sources
- APA 7th edition format with in-text citations and references
- Natural, realistic college-level English
- Avoid overly formal or AI-sounding language
- Include introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion
- Personal Background:
- I was born and raised in Turkey.
- I come from a traditional Turkish family culture.
- Dating was not a significant part of my life before marriage.
- My marriage was influenced by traditional family values and family involvement rather than a long-term Western-style dating relationship.
- I married in Turkey and had two children before moving to the United States.
- During my years in Turkey, family involvement and family expectations created many challenges and stresses in my marriage.
- After immigrating to the United States, my wife and I became more independent from extended family influences.
- Our marriage and family relationships improved significantly after moving to the United States.
- Living in America helped us develop a stronger partnership, make our own decisions, and focus on our children and family goals.
- Please compare these experiences with both historical and contemporary trends in marriage, relationships, and family life discussed in the course materials.