Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2025 - PSYC 367 OL01

Psychological Perspectives on Human Sexuality (3)

Class Number: 2198

Delivery Method: Online

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Online

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Aug 19, 2025
    Tue, 12:00–3:00 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Instructor:

    Rebecca Cobb
    rcobb@sfu.ca
    Office: RCB 8304
    Office Hours: TBA

  • Prerequisites:

    PSYC 201, PSYC 260, PSYC 362.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Examines human sexuality from a psychological perspective. Focuses on the empirical research on a variety of topics such as gender differences in sexuality, sexual orientation, models of sexual arousal, erotica, the interplay between sexual and relationship functioning, sexual problems and treatment. Students with credit for PSYC 391 Psychological Perspectives on Human Sexuality may not take PSYC 367 for further credit.

COURSE DETAILS:

This is a fully online course but the MIDTERM AND FINAL EXAM WILL BE HELD IN PERSON ON THE SFU BURNABY CAMPUS; the PSYC 367 midterm exam will take place in-person on July 22nd, from 2:30pm-5:20pm at the Burnaby campus. We will examine human sexuality from a psychological perspective. Topics will include history of sex research, attitudes about sex, sexual orientation, communication about sex, sex motives, sexual fantasy and pornography, the interplay between sexual and relationship functioning, sexual problems and treatment.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

1. To learn about the major theoretical and empirical research related to the psychological understanding of human sexuality
2. To critically evaluate claims about sexuality
3. To apply knowledge about theories and empirical research to understand relational and sexual dynamics in intimate relationships

Grading

  • Module quizzes: 20%
  • Midterm exam: 28%
  • Final exam: 28%
  • Peer feedback: 6%
  • Final paper: 18%
  • *Grading is tentative and will be confirmed in the first week of the term.

NOTES:

Lectures:
This is an online course and weekly modules will consist of videorecorded lectures, podcasts, readings and other materials that you will complete on your own.

Topics:
History of sex research; Sociocultural Influences & Sexual Scripts; Gender, sexual desire, & sexual plasticity; Sexual arousal & motivation; Sexual Fantasy; Sexual Orientation; Sexuality within established relationships; Sexual Communication; Erotica; Non-monogamous alternatives; Masturbation; Sexual Dysfunction and Treatment

REQUIREMENTS:

There are no synchronous elements of the course with the exception that the midterm and final exam are scheduled in person on the Burnaby campus.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

No textbook is required for this course. You will be assigned articles and chapters to read that will be posted on Canvas or available for download through PsycInfo.

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.