20809201Human Sexuality
Course Information
Description
Use empirical research to examine the biological, psychological, and social aspects of human sexuality. Investigate how culture and history shape our understanding, alongside contemporary social, ethical, and political issues. Topics include sexual anatomy, gender development, love, relationships, sexual orientation, expression, sex work, and education. Covers practical aspects like consent, sexual health, contraception, and pregnancy, and how sexuality evolves through the lifespan.
Total Credits
3
Course Competencies
  1. Explore sexual anatomy and function
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral, Written, Graphic and/or Skill Assessment
    Criteria
    identify external and internal structure and function of male and female anatomy
    identify the physiology accompanying stages of the sexual response cycle
    compare the contribution of hormones and the senses to sexual arousal and response

  2. Investigate the development of and success strategies for intimate relationships
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral, Written, Graphic and/or Skill Assessment
    Criteria
    identify various types of love and intimate relationships
    explore the development of intimate relationships
    analyze the basis for effective communication
    evaluate strategies for developing healthy relationships
    recognize what is and is not consent in sexual relationships

  3. Describe sociocultural and historical factors that affect our attitudes and understanding of human sexuality
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral, Written, Graphic and/or Skill Assessment
    Criteria
    explore the diversity of how sexuality is expressed in different cultures
    investigate the variety of attitudes and values that exist in different cultures
    identify the key historical events that affected research on human sexuality in the United States
    discuss how attitudes and values around sexuality change through time

  4. Evaluate the effectiveness and usability of various contraceptive and protective methods
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral, Written, Graphic and/or Skill Assessment
    Criteria
    identify various methods of contraception
    differentiate between contraception and protection
    evaluate the effectiveness of various methods
    explore the pros and cons of each method

  5. Outline human sexual development across the lifespan
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral, Written, Graphic and/or Skill Assessment
    Criteria
    evaluate types of sexual education and their effectiveness
    examine how children at different ages understand sexuality
    contrast health and unhealthy sexual behavior during adolescence
    compare diverse sexual lifestyle choices in adulthood
    identify psychosocial and physiological factors affecting sexual functioning in older adults

  6. Identify the factors that affect sexual health
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral, Written, Graphic and/or Skill Assessment
    Criteria
    examine how various chronic illnesses and disabilities affect sexual functioning
    differentiate between various sexually transmitted infections
    explore effective treatment and prevention methods
    analyze the sociocultural factors that affect sexual health

  7. Question understandings of sex and gender
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral, Written, Graphic and/or Skill Assessment
    Criteria
    differentiate between sex and gender
    explore typical and atypical sexual development, including Disorders of Sexual Development
    examine how notions of gender roles have changed and stayed the same through history
    explore how sex and gender interact with one another
    recognize the diverse variations that exist in both sex and gender

  8. Evaluate how human sexuality is examined empirically
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral, Written, Graphic and/or Skill Assessment
    Criteria
    evaluate different research methodologies used to study human sexuality
    draw conclusions and make inferences from readings and discussions
    argue conclusions from an empirical perspective
    differentiate between primary and secondary source materials

  9. Examine varieties of sexual orientation and expression
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral, Written, Graphic and/or Skill Assessment
    Criteria
    recognize the diverse variety of ways in which sexuality can be expressed behaviorally
    outline sexual behaviors that exist along with their risks and benefits
    differentiate between healthy and unhealthy sexual behaviors
    differentiate between different sexual orientations
    outline the physiological and psychosocial factors that contribute to sexual orientation

  10. Outline the stages and processes that occur during prenatal development and childbirth
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral, Written, Graphic and/or Skill Assessment
    Criteria
    differentiate between stages of prenatal development
    identify what developmental changes occur in each stage
    compare different childbirth experiences and choices
    explore techniques for overcoming infertility

  11. Explore ways in which sex is combined with commerce
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral, Written, Graphic and/or Skill Assessment
    Criteria
    contrast different types of sex work along with the risks and benefits
    compare cultural/historical differences in how sex work has been viewed
    identify how policies affect the lives of sex workers

  12. Apply concepts around human sexuality to personal/professional life
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral, Written, Graphic and/or Skill Assessment
    Criteria
    connect issues about human sexuality to your own experiences
    develop your own attitudes and values around human sexuality
    outline how you will use knowledge of human sexuality in your personal or professional life