PSYCHOLOGY OF HUMAN SEXUALITY (PSY 205-002)
Second Eight Week Session - Spring 06
March 11th – May 5th
12 - 1:50 MWF
Dr. Paul Bishop
OFFICE: 369 BEP
PHONE NUMBER: 859 572-5312
EMAIL ADDRESS:
WEB PAGE:
TEXTBOOK: Robert Crooks, and Karla Baur. Our Sexuality, 9th Edition (Wadsworth, 2002)
Study Guide: Sold in Bookstore (optional)
LECTURE NOTES: Sold in bookstore (required)
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This is an introductory course in human sexuality. It counts as an elective in psychology, fulfills a general studies requirement, and is part of the women’s studies curriculum. It will focus on information, values, and attitudes of a variety of sex related topics and view these from biological, psychological, and cultural perspectives. An empirical approach will be used, drawing on current research data. The course will be a mixture of lecture, discussion, films, speakers, and structured, small group activities.
The course is organized topically and will include subjects such as anatomy, physiology, the sexual response cycle, hormones, sexual differentiation, sexual reproduction, contraception, and sexually transmitted diseases. Other topics include sexuality across the life cycle, gender differences, sexual orientation, sexual variations and deviations, sexual victimization, and sexual problems and their treatment.
Because of the condensed nature of the class (a semester’s work completed in half a semester), and because in-class activities and discussions can not be made up, class attendance will be important. Attendance policies are outlined below.
As a General Studies course, Psy 205 will:
•Require sufficient readings (in terms of volume and content) to provide
fundamental knowledge
•Emphasize critical thinking and problem-solving skills
•Foster independent, creative, and interactive learning
•Provide students with ample opportunities to discuss course topics and material
•Include opportunities for students to work effectively and responsibly in
collaboration with others
•Encourage students to learn to access information and use the information
effectively and ethically
As a General Studies Behavioral Science course, Psy 205 will address the understanding of human behavior, interactions and environments within social structures and forums.
Students will:
•Learn important concepts in the psychology of human sexuality and apply them to current
issues through lecture, class discussion, and reading assignments
•Understand how scientific principles and standards of evidence apply to the study
of individuals/or groups with emphasis on issues and problems in human sexuality
•Consider ethical issues relevant to research and applications in the area of human
sexuality
•Examine diversity issues such as how gender, race, ethnicity, stage of life, and
sexual orientation impact human sexuality
•Communicate an understanding of human sexuality issues using formats appropriate
to the discipline of psychology.
PREREQUISITES: Introductory Psychology (Psy 100)
SPECIFIC GOALS: By the end of the course, hopefully students will develop an
understanding for, or appreciation for, the following:
1. An awareness of how human sexuality is studied scientifically, the methods that are used, the
methodological and ethical issues involved, and types of conclusions that can be drawn from
different types of research (e.g., correlational vs. experimental).
2. The difference between attitudinal and value statements, and statements of fact.
3. An increase in the amount of factual information on the topics covered in the course.
4. An increase in awareness of their own sexual attitudes, values and feelings, and an
acceptance of these.
5. An enhanced awareness of individual differences in values, attitudes, and behavior among
different people and an increased ability to accept (not necessarily condone) these differences.
6. An increased awareness of cultural, racial, ethnic, and gender differences in sexuality.
7. An increased ability to communicate about sexual topics including an increased knowledge of
sexual terms and concepts.
ATTENDANCE:
Because this class involves activities, discussion, films, and panels that are an integral part of the learning experience, attendance is deemed very important. Attendance will be taken during each class. Missing any part of a session will result in an absence being counted. Using this system, more than two absences will result in a reduction of a full letter grade, and more than four absences will result in a failing grade. Documentation (e.g., a Drs. note) will be necessary for any absence to be excused, and absences will generally not be given for work related or other non-medical reasons. Medical, dental, and work related appointments should be scheduled for non-class times and will not count as an excused absence. Absences will be also be counted for:
1 - Coming late to class
2 - Leaving class early
3 - Getting back from break late
4 - Leaving during class for a phone call or bathroom break
5 - Leaving class during a structured exercise, film, or class discussion!!
Attendance will be recorded by having you sign an attendance roster or by a roll call at the beginning of class. Note that amissing signature for any reason indicates you were not there. Attendance will be posted along with grades throughout the semester. Any dispute over attendance should be resolved within two or three days of the missed class, not at the end of the semester. Note also that I plan on giving a number of quizzes and/or take home tests and missing these means they will need to be made up at the time of the final (and only at that time). Finally, if you have to be absent from class for any reason, you should let me know the reason.
OTHER CLASS “RULES”:
1. Turn off your cell phones during class!!!
2. During the viewing of films, there should be no discussion or talking of any kind.
3. Jokes and inappropriate comments or behavior are annoying to others and will not be tolerated.
If you are aware this is occurring, please let me know and I will take care of it.
4. No person or student may attend the class, watch films, or participate in activities unless they
are enrolled in the class.
5. Do not wear hats/caps during class.
EXAMS:
There will be 5 regular course exams and a cumulative final. Each exam will be worth approximately 65 points and the final will be worth 100 points. Exams will probably be mostly of the multiple choice or true/false variety. If there are take home exams, they must be completed independently. I will watch this carefully and have ways of determining if tests have been completed independently. Failing to complete take home tests independently will be considered cheating and will result in a failing grade for the course. Be forewarned!! Also, tests not returned by the beginning of the class they are due will be penalized 15 points!!
QUIZZES AND HOMEWORK
There will be a some quizzes given throughout the semester. These may or may not be announced but will cover the assigned material for the day on which they are given. They will probably be between 15 and 30 points apiece. Students may make up one missed quiz (at the final) but a zero will be received for each quiz missed beyond one. Homework may occasionally be assigned. Points will be given for each assignment and assignments will be graded using the same scale as for tests and quizzes (see grading procedure below)
GRADING PROCEDURE:
Semester grades will be computed on a percentage basis of the total points accumulated from all sources using the scale of A=90% or more, B=80-89%, C=70-79%, D=60-69%, F=59% or less. An approximation of total points and their sources appears below:
Grading Scale
5 regular course exams at 65 points each=300-325 pointsA=90% or more
Cumulative Final Exam of 100 points= 100 pointsB=80%
5 Quizzes at about 20 points each=100 pointsC=70%
D=60%
Total Points=500-525 pointsF=59% or less
There may be occasional opportunities for extra credit. These will likely come in the form of participating in research conducted by departmental faculty or psychology students. Any extra credit points accumulated are simply added on to your total points.
OFFICE HOURS: My office hours are 11-12 a.m. on MWF and 1 - 2 p.m. TuTh. If you have any questions about material covered in class or want to discuss your progress in the course, feel free to stop by during those times. If you have trouble contacting me, or can’t meet during my regular office hours, you may phone me (572-5312) or email me () and set up an appointment at your convenience.
WITHDRAWALS AND INCOMPLETES: The last day enter this class is Wednesday, March 15th. The last day to drop the course without it showing on your transcript is Wednesday, March 22nd. You may also withdraw any time up to and including Thursday, April 13th, and it will show on your transcript as a “W” (withdrawal). After that time you may not withdraw except under very exceptional circumstances which will require the approval of the departmental chairperson and the dean of the college. Requests for incompletes will only be approved for compelling reasons (e.g., serious illness). The registrar converts outstanding incompletes to F’s if they are not completed in the specified time.
STUDY GUIDE / COMPANION INTERNET WEB SITE: Some students find the study guide to be quite helpful. In order to encourage it’s use, I will occasionally take some items for tests or quizzes from the practice tests in the study guide.
There is also an excellent web site associated with your textbook. You can reach this by accessing your instructors web site () and then clicking on the textbook web site for Psy 205. That will take you to the textbook site. Especially useful are the segments using flashcards and practice tests. Other web links and resources will be discussed in class.
VALUES, MORALITY, LANGUAGE, USE OF EXPLICIT FILMS: In recent years, human sexuality courses, even at the college level, have become somewhat more controversial. Because of this, it has become important for the instructor to obtain informed consent. Students enrolled in these courses need to know exactly what the course entails and what they might expect. In reference to psychology 205, relevant issues include the following:
1. Language: The students are likely to be exposed to a wide range of sexual words and language. Some exercises specifically solicit “dirty words” and analyze language usage. In general, however, socially appropriate technical and non-obscene language will be used and encouraged.
Your instructor tends to use a direct and sometimes explicit approach in discussing sexual topics.
2. Values and Morality: No specific values or value system will be used or encouraged, except that widely accepted cultural values such as tolerance for others different from oneself, respect and non-exploitation of others, and equality between the genders, will be promoted. Students should not expect the instructor to reflect or reinforce their own personal value systems.
3. Use of Explicit Films: Explicit films and slides will be used in this course, and a wide range of subject matter may be depicted. Explicit nudity and a wide range of sexual activity (intercourse, oral sex, masturbation) will likely be viewed on film at some point in the course. Additionally, less common and even more controversial forms of sexual behavior may also be depicted, such as homosexual interaction or sadomasochistic behavior. The instructor will make every effort to be sensitive to potential personal reactions to explicit media by indicating before hand what will be seen. If students feel, for whatever reason, they might have an adverse reaction to a film (or topic), they may choose not to attend class on that particular day (contact the instructor and an assignment will be made to allow for participation credit for that class). Also, students should feel free to leave class if they find a film to be distressful or upsetting, and of course simply “looking away” is always an option.
4. Small Group Discussions/Exercises: Small group discussions, full-class structured exercises, and class discussions are sometimes conducted by the instructor. Participation in these activities is always voluntary, and although expression of personal attitudes and values will be encouraged, there will be no obligation to self-disclose personal sexual behavior. In small group discussions, students may choose to “pass” if they do not wish to be part of the discussion of a particular topic. Every effort will be made to inform students ahead of time of what to expect, and withdrawal from the activity will always be an option.
5. Sexuality Surveys: Students may be asked to fill out sexuality surveys or scales that are designed to indicate personal attitudes or personal sexual behavior. Those scales that ask about personal sexual behavior will always be confidential and are generally used to gain normative information about the class or will be used as a didactic tool. Occasionally, scales that measure specific attitudes (e.g., homophobia) or personal reactions (e.g., to explicit media shown in class) will be be used in class for discussion and
students may be asked about their scores on these scales (e.g., the homophobia scale) or their reactions to explicit media. Again, participation will always be voluntary. Every effort will be made to inform students how the surveys and scales will be used prior to their completion.
6. “Advocacy” of Specific Topics: It should be noted that presentation of a particular topic or its inclusion in the textbook does not imply advocacy. For example, inclusion of the topic of necrophilia does not imply that your instructor or the authors of the text are suggesting you seek your nearest mortuary to have coitus with a corpse. As funny as this sounds, it is very common
for students to assume covering a topic implies advocacy.
In addition to the above, it should also be noted that this course is an elective and not required for graduation or completion of the psychology major.
PERSONAL REACTIONS TO COURSE CONTENT OR ACTIVITIES:
Because sexuality is a highly personal and sensitive topic, and because some students have had specific past negative experiences, reactions to course content and activities will vary and sometimes be unpredictable. Students are encouraged to communicate any concerns or reactions they may have with the instructor about the course or subject matter. Often, adjustments can be made to alleviate students concerns and to avoid potential problems. Also, communication can be a helpful in resolving any negative reactions to class experiences that may have occurred. If a student knows in advance there is a topic that will be difficult for him/her, they should let the instructor know and an accommodation can be made.
MAKE-UP EXAMS
Make-up tests for regular course exams will generally not be given. They will be given only if the student is physically ill and can document this with a Dr.'s note, or if some very unusual circumstance arises (e.g., death in the family). If something unusual does come up, students should contact me by telephone before the time of the test, or the same day of the test at the latest. My office phone is 572-5312. If students fail to do this, they will receive an “F” for the test.
For any quizzes that are missed, students will be allowed to make up 1. A zero will be given for any quizzes missed beyond 1. Allmake-ups(both regular exams and quizzes)willbegivenatthesametimeastheFinal.
STUDENT HONOR CODE
The work you do in this course is subject to the Student Honor code. The Honor Code is subject to the highest degree of ethical integrity in academic conduct, a commitment that, individual and collectively, the students of Northern Kentucky University will not lie, cheat, or plagiarize to gain an academic advantage over fellow students or avoid academic requirements. The full text of the Student Honor code can be found at .
STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES
Students with disabilities who require accommodations (academic adjustments, auxiliary aids or services) for this course must register with the Disability Services Office. Please contact the Disability Service Office immediately in the University Center, suite 320 or call 859-572-6373 for more information. Verification of your disability is required in the Disability Services Office for you to receive reasonable academic accommodation. You can visit their web site at
COURSE OUTLINE AND READING ASSIGNMENTS
3/13Overview of Course / Perspectives on Sexuality
Assignment: None
3/15Sex Research: Methods and Problems
Assignment: Ch.1
3//17Male and Female Anatomy and Physiology
Assignment: Ch. 2
3/20Male and Female Anatomy and Physiology
Assignment: Ch. 4 (pp. 81-93); Ch. 5 (pp. 121-138).
TEST 1 (Chpts. 1 and 2, and assigned parts of Chpts. 4 and 5)
3/22Sexual Arousal and Response
Assignment: Ch. 6 (pp. 146-151; 158-179)
3/24Gender Issues: Sexual Differentiation, Gender Identity, and Intersex Conditions
Assignment: Ch. 3 (pp. 45-61)
3/27Transsexuality and Other Transgendered Conditions
Assignment: Ch. 3 (pp. 61-68)
3/29Hormonal Influence on Reproduction and Sexual Orientation
Assignment: Ch. 4 (pp. 94-107)
TEST 2 (Assigned parts of Chpts. 6, 3 and 4)
3/31Conception, Pregnancy, and Childbirth
Assignment: Ch. 12 (pp. 336-340, 353-367)
4/3Contraception
Assignment: Ch. 11
4/5Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Assignment: Ch. 17
TEST 3 (Assigned part of Ch. 12, and Chpts. 11 and 17)
4/7Gender Differences in Sexuality
Assignment: None
4/10Sexuality Across the Lifecycle: Childhood and Adolescence
Assignment: Ch. 13
4/12Sexuality Across the Lifecycle: Adulthood and Aging
Assignment: Ch. 14
4/14Sexual Variations: Normality and Abnormality
Assignment Ch. 9, Ch. 18 (pp. 527-528)
TEST 4 (Chpts. 13, 14, 9, and assigned part of Ch. 18)
4/17Sexual Orientation: Homosexuality and Bisexuality
Assignment: Ch. 10 (pp. 267-284)
4/19Sexual Orientation: Homosexuality and Bisexuality
Assignment: Ch. 10 (pp. 284-297)
4/21Sexual Variations: Coercive and Non-Coercive Paraphilias
Assignment: Ch. 18
TEST 5 (Chpts. 10 and 18)
4/24Sexual Victimization: Rape and Child Sex Abuse
Assignment: Ch. 19 (548-573)
4/26Sexual Dysfunctions and Their Treatment
Assignment: Chpts. 15 and 16
4/28Sexual Dysfunctions and Their Treatment
Assignment: Chpts. 15 and 16
5/1TEST 6 - FINAL EXAM (Assigned part of Ch. 19, and Chpts. 15 and 16)
REVISION OF THE COURSE OUTLINE
The course outline below should be viewed as a working plan for the semester. Unforeseen circumstances sometimes require changes to be made. If necessary, all such changes will be made in consultation with the class.