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:
- Sexuality research, methods, and problems
- History of sexual practices and attitudes in western society and other cultures
- Female and male sexual anatomy and physiology
- Love and the development of sexual relationships
- Sexual behavior patterns
- Communication in sexual behavior
- Sexual orientation: heterosexuality, homosexuality and bisexuality
- Contraception, fertilization, and infertility problems
- Sexuality during childhood, adolescence, the adult years, and the older years
- Nature and origin of sexual difficulties and sex therapy
- Sexually transmitted diseases
- Sexual victimization
- Commercialization of sex
- 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:
- Describe and evaluate information relating to various physical aspects of sexual functioning,
including sexual anatomy, contraception, sexually transmitted infections, and sexual
problems.
- 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.
- 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.
- Judge and evaluate strengths and weaknesses of methods used in sexuality research
to become more critical consumers of research on sexuality.
- 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