Forget about what has been portrayed in books and movies, there is now a new way to find out how people actually fall in love.

Ball State University is offering a new class that teaches students about dating and love, called Cardinal Chemistry.

The course is meant to analyze if two classmates are able to find love and make a genuine connection, according to ballstatedaily.com.

During the course, six random students enrolled in the class try to create a connection by analyzing aspects of relationships such as romance, storytelling and psychology.

The class is offered within the Department of Communications, but can be interesting for those studying psychology because of its connection to the field.

Annette Vaillancourt, a psychotherapist and counselor practicing in Carbondale, said the course is a great idea.

“It would be really wonderful to have a class to teach people what brain chemistry is involved in love,” Vaillancourt said. “But it should also teach them that there are skills that teach you how to maintain love.”

She said there is an element of biochemistry that goes into love, and being attracted to someone releases hormones in the brain, for example, serotonin, dopamine, oxytocin and vasopressin.

She recommends people to live the life they choose and not change their lifestyle just to search for a potential soulmate.

“The thing you have a passion for, is the path you are supposed to follow in life,” Vaillancourt said. “And your soul mate will be on a similar path, and they will help you move toward that higher purpose and support you, rather than allow there to be barriers in your path.”

Even though a professional believes the class would be beneficial for those taking the class, the ones potentially paying for the class had mixed emotions.

Anton Sandgren, a senior from Sweden studying business finance, said the class could be a waste of time for students.

“I don’t understand what I could get out of it as a student,” Sandgren said. “Students pay a lot of money for each class, and I think paying for one on this topic would be pointless.”

Alaina Boudreau, a freshman from Kankakee studying advertising, said she would definitely take the class.

“That sounds really interesting,” Boudreau said. “I think it would be beneficial to students because of the research that must be involved, but I also think the subject matter is something that is prominent in the lives and minds of students, and when you can relate a class to your life or what interests you, it’s more enjoyable.”

Although there is plenty of money spent on college classes, love is an essential lesson.

Divorce, unplanned pregnancy and the growing epidemic of poverty has changed the idea of what love looks like to society.

These issues could cause couples to fight and distance themselves from the emotions that brought the couple together initially. Life’s stresses can become an escape for people who willfully release themselves from responsibility to maintain a relationship.

The data collected by BSU may help the relationship-challenged.

Today’s society is rife with unrealistic expectations of love and has a negative impact on youth.

Teenagers being subjected to unrealistic couples on television, movies and music videos makes a difference in society as to how people fall in love.

Taking a course like this will educate people more than shows like “The Bachelor” and “The Bachelorette” do, and actually teach people about falling in love with someone.

Gabriella Scibetta can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @gscibetta_DE.