PSYC& 180 - Human Sexuality

Credits: 5
Variable Credit Course: No

Lecture Hours: 55
Lab Hours: 0
Worksite/Clinical Hours: 0
Other Hours (LIA/Internships): 0

Course Description: The study of human sexuality including anatomy, physiology, intimate and sexual behavior, sexually transmitted diseases, pregnancy & childbirth, birth control, love and relationships, sexual orientations, prostitution, pornography, sex and violence, sexual variations, legal and social issues. Students will examine these issues within cultural and subcultural contexts, and will look at the influences of media and technology.

Prerequisite: ENGL 099 with a C or higher (or placement into ENGL& 101).
Distribution Requirements:

Social Sciences Distribution Requirement

Meets FQE Requirement: No
Elective Requirements: Fulfills Academic Electives
Integrative Experience Requirement: No

Student Learning Outcomes

Discuss current sociocultural attitudes about sexuality including what has affected the development of these attitudes throughout history.
Give examples of sexual behaviors and attitudes which fall within the spectrum of normal human functioning.
Describe sexual functioning, contraception, pregnancy, and childbirth in humans from the perspective of anatomy and physiology.
Describe sexual behavior and response in humans from the perspective of psychology and sociology, including sexual violence.
Identify the causes, symptoms, and treatments for sexually transmitted infections (STI) and the behaviors that affect the risk of contracting an STI.
Identify strategies for effective communication in relationships.
Social Sciences Outcome: Identify social variables, structures, and experiences that shape individual perspectives.

Course Contents

Sexual anatomy and physiology
Sexual reproduction (fertilization, pregnancy and childbirth)
Contraception and birth control
Sexually transmitted diseases
Sexual feelings and responses
Sexual dysfunction
Sexual orientation and gender identity
Sexual behavior variations (paraphilias, sexual victimization, etc.)
Sexual attraction, love and relationships
Communication
Cultural, subcultural, social and legal issues

Instructional Units: 5