2020-2021 Catalog 
    
    Apr 19, 2024  
2020-2021 Catalog [PREVIOUS CATALOG YEAR]

PSY 277 - Human Sexuality


Description: Introduction to the physical, social, cognitive and cultural issues to human sexuality, including sexual health, gender, orientations, pathology and treatments. Examination of the facts and myths, current literature, and changing norms regarding human sexuality.

Prerequisites: ANT 102  or PSY 101  or PSY 245  or SOC 101 . Reading Proficiency.

Credits: 3
Lecture: 3
Course Content:
  1. Perspectives on human sexuality
  2. Research methods
  3. Sexual anatomy
  4. Conception, pregnancy and childbirth
  5. Contraception and abortion
  6. Sexually transmitted infections
  7. Sexual arousal, response and technique
  8. Human sexuality throughout the life span
  9. Psychological theories of human sexuality
  10. Sexual orientation
  11. Sex roles, sex differences and sexism
  12. Sexual relationships
  13. Sexual dysfunctions and therapy
  14. Atypical sexual behavior
  15. Sexual coercion and violence
  16. Commercial sex
  17. Sexual laws and ethics

Learning Outcomes:
  1. Explain the importance of the social psychological influences on human sexuality. (1, 5, 6, 8, 10-12, 14)
  2. Identify the cognitive approaches to the study of human sexuality and identify conditions under which cognitive sexual maps are formed. (2, 7, 9)
  3. Describe the structure and function of male and female reproductive organs. (3) 
  4. Analyze issues relating to conception (abortion), pregnancy, and childbirth. (4, 5)
  5. Describe the transmissions, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of sexually transmitted infections. (6)
  6. Investigate social psychological issues and media imagery surrounding different sexual orientations, sexual physiology, sexual communication and sexual health. (10) 
  7. Evaluate social attitudes and the psychology that facilitate or inhibit healthy sexual development. (7, 8, 12) 
  8. Describe common sexual dysfunctions and associated therapies. (13)
  9. Identify common atypical sexual behaviors with reference to the clinical diagnoses and distinguish between the relativity of abnormal versus normal in human sexual behaviors. (14, 15) 
  10. Explain the relationships between religious, ethical, legal and moral concerns (roots) relating to human sexual behavior. (1, 15-17)

Required Assessment:
  1. Demonstrate thoughtful and precise writing skills by completing at least 1500 words of monitored writing.