Psychology - PSYCH 206

Course Description

This course examines a variety of facets of human sexuality from the biological, psychological and social perspectives. We will investigate the intersections of sexuality and gender and survey the biological and psychological research concerned with constructs such as: anatomy, normative function, dysfunction and treatment, family planning methods, sexual communication, sexually transmitted diseases, sexual variation and attitudes toward one's body. Critical issues directly and indirectly associated with sexual behavior will also be addressed.

Prerequisites

(A requirement that must be completed before taking this course.)

Course Competencies

Upon successful completion of the course, the student should be able to:

• Compare and contrast the predominant theories in human sexuality.
• Evaluate research methods in the study of human sexuality.
• Explain the value of multicultural perspectives to the current study of human sexuality.
• Identify anatomical and physiological factors relating to the sexes.
• Evaluate gender: its definition and relationship to sexuality and society and the critique of gender as a construct.
• Compare and contrast the processes of sexual arousal and response.
• Identify methods of contraception, conception, pregnancy and childbirth.
• Differentiate between different types of sexually transmitted diseases, the behaviors leading to them and prevention methods.
• Identify paraphilias and the changing nature of social acceptance of sexual behaviors.
• Analyze how values and ethics influence human sexuality, choices and attitudes.
• Analyze power and sexual coercion.
• Evaluate the discourse on sexuality in the media and society.

Course Schedule