Catalog Description

An overview of the biological, psychological, and cultural aspects of human sexuality. Topics include historical influences and cultural variation, the development of sex roles and their influence on sexual behavior, the anatomy and physiology of the sexual organs and their response during sexual stimulation, the giving and receiving of sexual pleasure, methods of birth control, pregnancy and childbirth, sexually transmitted diseases, sexual dysfunctions, sexual variations, and coercive sexual behavior.

Course Objectives

Upon successfully completing this course, students will be able to:

1. Identify, describe, and explain how historical developments, social structures and cultural contexts shape human sexuality.
   

2. Describe and explain the biological, anatomical, and physiological aspects of both human sexuality and human reproduction.
   

3. Compare and contrast the research methods used in psychology for the study of human sexuality.
   

4. Identify, describe, compare and contrast the main theoretical frameworks in psychology for the study of human sexuality.
   

5. Analyze how gender influences sexual behavior.
   

6. Review and synthesize the current scientific literature on sexual orientation.
   

7. Evaluate current methods of contraception and other reproductive technologies.
   

8. Identify the symptoms, methods of transmission, and treatment of sexually transmitted diseases including AIDS.
   

9. Analyze current practices in sex therapy.
   

10. Review and synthesize the current research literature on rape and sexual assault.
    

11. Examine historical and cultural variations on sexual morality.