What is Romance, Really?

What is Romance?: Liberating Ourselves from the Romance Myth w/ Jordan DuPont

6 Sundays, Feb 15th - Mar 22nd, 4-6pm UK via Zoom

Pricing:

Tickets are available at three price points, each with a 3-month payment plan option.

Accomplice Tickets are for individuals with some disposable income who wish to help fund a subsidised ticket.

General Admission represents the true cost of a course place.

Subsidised Tickets are for those who are unable to afford the GA ticket or payment plan. 

Accomplice: £189 (or 3 monthly payments of £63)

General Admission: £150 (or 3 monthly payments of £50)

Subsidised: £111 (or 3 monthly payments of £37)

VIEW PAYMENT PLANS

Through film, music, books, and all manner of media as well as institutions such as marriage and the Nuclear Family, we have become enmeshed in a cultural mythology that teaches us romantic relationships are the most important relationships, should be put before all else, and will complete us. Under the influence of the romance myth, we often leave behind ourselves, our other relationships, our communities, and the fullness of life. The hierarchy and scarcity inherent to the romance myth conceals and justifies coercion, abuse, isolation, individualism, and disposability: behaviors that legitimize and reproduce the oppressive power structures of both the State and Capital. 

In this course, we will interrogate the dominant myths of romance and construct new ways of relating, rooted in liberation, radical care, and defiant aliveness. If you find yourself unsatisfied with the romance myth or in need of more fulfilling, expansive, and loving relationships, then this course is for you.

Over six two-hour sessions, we will use readings and other materials as jumping-off points for examining concepts like intimacy, mutuality, interdependence, sex, eroticism, and love. Sessions will be heavily focused on discussions rooted in the given reading, because I believe that learning is relational and emotional; a new understanding of romance and relationships is best created in community.

To facilitate open and respectful discussion, we will abide by the following guidelines for discussion:

• Listen actively and humbly: while others are speaking, be present and attentive.

• Speak from your own experiences and avoid generalizing while still being open to learning new information and shifting perspectives; respect others' experiences

• Lean into discomfort: Learning happens when we leave our comfort zone. Try to translate discomfort into constructive questions

• Commit to learning, not debating. Speak in order to share information, not to persuade

  
  

Please note this course is structured around reading and discussion. Students will be expected to complete weekly readings before coming to class as discussion will build off of the readings. All readings will be supplied in advance and serve as the basis for our discussion. Additional further readings will be suggested. The sessions will not be recorded.

What is included:

• Discord Server: Every attendee will be invited to an optional Discord server. This is a mostly unmoderated space where you can share resonances and questions from the readings and sessions or simply connect with one another outside of sessions.

• Study Hall: 30 minutes before each session starts, I'll open the zoom room as a space to quietly read together.

• Guiding Questions & Summaries: Each week's reading will be accompanied by guiding questions and summaries to facilitate your understanding

• Proton Drive Folder: Attendees will access all course materials via a Proton Folder, a secure alternative to Google

• Emergent Themes: At least 48 hours after each session, a collection of knowledge, themes and epiphanies generated in discussion will be uploaded to the Proton Folder

  
  

Who is this for?

• People of all relationship styles and sexual orientations, including asexual and aromantic folks

• People who have experienced romance and people who have not

• People who are excited to read the course materials prior to the session

• People comfortable with being challenged and open to discussion 

  
  

Who is this not for?

• People who are unwilling to interrogate commonly held beliefs about romance or be challenged

• People who are unwilling or unable to complete weekly readings prior to class discussion

About Jordan:

Jordan DuPont is a student of transformation, experiential and embodied living, and liberatory politics. She teaches high school English and is certifying to be a Focusing professional. She has facilitated a variety of containers ranging from People's Assemblies and Tenant 101 trainings to literary salons and grief circles. Jordan spends her time writing synthesis and research essays, theorizing about fanfiction and smut, and being with her significant others.

Refund & Cancellation Policy:

No refunds or cancellations will be possible for this course. If you have questions or concerns about this, please contact kr@neuroqueercreative.com before booking.

We reserve the right to cancel the course if we do not meet a minimum number of registrants. In this instance, all tickets will be fully refunded, minus payment processing fees.