Psychology 393

I. Course Title: Psychology of Human Sexuality

II. Course Number: PSYC 393

III. Credit Hours: 3 credits 

IV. Prerequisites: PSYC 121

V. Course Description: 

This course is intended to help students become informed consumers of research on human sexuality, to think critically about arguments relating to sexuality, to identify their values and beliefs about sexuality, and to develop knowledge and skills about social justice and sexuality. Topics include the formation of sexual attitudes and myths, the physiology of human sexual systems, psychological aspects of sex roles, love and human sexuality, sexual minorities, and the legal aspects of sexuality.

Note(s): Cultural or Behavioral Analysis designated course. This course may be used to meet requirements for the minor in Women’s Studies.

VI. Detailed Description of Content of the Course:

Major topics to be covered in a typical semester will include: 

  1. Sexuality research, methods, and problems
  2. History of sexual practices and attitudes in western society and other cultures
  3. Female and male sexual anatomy and physiology
  4. Love and the development of sexual relationships
  5. Sexual behavior patterns
  6. Communication in sexual behavior
  7. Sexual orientation: heterosexuality, homosexuality and bisexuality
  8. Contraception, fertilization, and infertility problems
  9. Sexuality during childhood, adolescence, the adult years, and the older years
  10. Nature and origin of sexual difficulties and sex therapy
  11. Sexually transmitted diseases
  12. Sexual victimization
  13. Commercialization of sex
  14. Paraphilias

VI. Detailed Description of Conduct of Course:

A number of instructional strategies will be employed to enhance student engagement, and may include any or all of the following general strategies.  

  • Lecture
  • Online content, activities, and assignments
  • Individual and group presentations 
  • Community-based projects
  • Video instruction
  • Instructor-led class discussions
  • Small-group discussions
  • Informal writing activities
  • Group activities
  • Case studies
  • Guest speakers

VII. Goals and Objectives of the Course:

Having successfully completed this course, the student will be able to:

  1. Describe and evaluate information relating to various physical aspects of sexual functioning, including sexual anatomy, contraception, sexually transmitted infections, and sexual problems.
  2. Identify and discuss the diversity of human sexuality along a number of dimensions and domains, including age, race, sexual orientation, and ethnicity, both within the United States and in different cultures around the world.
  3. Discuss topics relating to sexuality in ways that minimize their and others’ discomfort, and support open and honest discussions of sexual topics and responsible decision-making.
  4. Judge and evaluate strengths and weaknesses of methods used in sexuality research to become more critical consumers of research on sexuality.
  5. Identify their personal values and beliefs relating to sexuality.

VIII. Assessment Measures:

Assessment measures may include any combination of the following strategies:

  • Examinations (Objective and essay questions)
  • In-class or out-of-class quizzes
  • Student presentations
  • In-class discussion and participation
  • Written assignments/projects
  • Evaluation of research
  • In-class application assignments
  • Online assignments
  • Group participation
  • Class attendance

 

Other Course Information: None

 

Review and Approval

November 2008

March 01, 2021