PSYC 393
Psychology of Human Sexuality
Catalog Entry
PSYC 393
Psychology of Human Sexuality
Three hours lecture (3)
Prerequisites: PSYC 121
Brief Description of Course: Students will study psychological theory regarding human sexuality. They will develop research skills in order to be informed consumers of sex research, to think critically about arguments proposed in the field of sexology using psychological theories, to identify their values and beliefs surrounding sexuality, and to develop knowledge and skills surrounding social justice and human sexuality.
Detailed Description of Course
This course sequence may include the following topics:
The role of language in sexuality
Psychology theories of sexual behavior and motivations
The role of beliefs and values in human sexuality
The human body: anatomy, physiology, hormones
Women, psychology and sexuality: the role of society, hormones, and socialization on sexual behavior
Research methods in human sexuality
Developmental psychological perspective of sexuality in the life-cycle
Attraction
Variations on human sexuality: orientation
Variations on human sexuality: coercion
Variations on human sexuality: sex work
Sex Disorders and the DSM
Treatment of Dysfunction(s)
Religion, Spirituality, and Sexuality
Ethics and Sexuality
Public Policy, Social Justice, Equity, and Advocacy
Detailed Description of Conduct of Course
This course is intended to provide an introduction to the psychology of sexuality. Emphasis will be placed on competing psychological theories of sexuality and explanations of sexual behaviors. Students will learn how to critique articles--both popular and scholarly--to determine accuracy of information. Students will learn to identify their values and beliefs about sexuality and determine how their beliefs have emerged and how they have been shaped by their environment. Students will also learn about the creation of laws and policies surrounding human sexuality.
Goals and Objectives of the Course
Course Objectives:
1. To help facilitate awareness of the diversity of human sexuality along many dimensions and domains including age, race, sexual orientation, and ethnicity within the United States (multiethnic), and culture around the world (multicultural)
2. To engender comfort about sexuality. This includes being able to recognize and admit a lack of knowledge regarding some aspects of human sexuality, to ask questions, and to tolerate uncertainty and ambiguity.
3. To facilitate free choice about human sexuality. This includes identifying and exploring one's own attitudes and values. Free choices are based on the following: a) correct/scientific information; b) tolerance and respect for those who disagree with one's values and beliefs (i.e., respecting differences and diversity); and c) an accurate perception of oneself and others.
4. To facilitate the development of critical, analytical skills when faced with sexual issues in popular media and in scientific research.
5. To develop an understanding of the psychological perspective of human sexuality and how this perspective differs from others
Assessment Measures
Students will be assessed using several measures which may include grades on written assignments, participation in group discussion and performance on exams and quizzes.
Other Course Information
None
Review and Approval
November 2008
