Overview

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Introductory information about human sexuality across a broad spectrum of topic areas. Sexual function is a fundamental part of a full and healthy life, but misinformation, concerns, problems, and dysfunctions are prevalent. An evidence-based introduction to human sexual function and dysfunction, and normal psychosexual development across a range of sexual behaviors. A perspective on the effects of socialization on sexual attitudes and behavior. Breadth-Social Sciences.

COURSE DETAILS:

Sexuality lies at the core of our identities as human beings, and though we use the terms, “sex, gender, and sexuality” all the time, we rarely stop to think about what they mean and how important they are for advancing health and well-being. This course will provide an introduction and overview of the complexities of human sex, gender, and sexuality across a broad spectrum of topic areas, including biology, public health, and sociology. We will explore some of the diversity of sex, gender, and sexuality in both historical and cross-cultural contexts. Our approach will be social constructionist and intersectional. We will move beyond outdated theories like essentialism and biological determinism to examine the social effects of sex, gender, and sexual categorizations on individual and population health. In doing so, we will also consider how other social factors, such as racialization, social class, age, and ability, relate to and shape our understandings of human sexuality. Our aim is to deepen our knowledge about sex, gender, and sexuality in order to imagine more equitable ways of approaching issues related to sexual health in research and public health practice.

In addition to rethinking conceptualizations of sex, gender, and sexuality and the interconnections between them, our focus will be on addressing some of the sexual health concerns considered important for advancing sexual health (WHO 2016). These include:

• knowledge about the body, as related to sexual responses and pleasure
• contraception and pregnancy options
• gender equality and freedom from all forms of discrimination based on gender
• freedom from discrimination based on sexual and affectional orientations
• freedom from exploitative, coercive, violent or manipulative relationships
• knowledge about sexually transmitted infections
• promotion of communication skills that enhance personal relationships
• informed and responsible choices about reproductive health

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

Upon completion of this course, students should be able to:

1. describe the function of external and internal genital organs and the role they play in sexual response
2. describe the importance of hormones in sexual development, sexuality, and reproduction
3. explain some of the key developments in the history of birth control and the legalization of abortion, and evaluate the pros and cons of various contraceptive methods
4. explain the concept of sexual coercion, and describe risk factors for exploitative, coercive, violent or manipulative relationships and the health consequences of sexual violence
5. demonstrate an understanding of the prevalence, routes of transmission, symptoms, consequences, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of major STIs
6. demonstrate an understanding of the importance of communication about sex, gender, and sexuality
7. demonstrate an understanding of the rich diversity of human sexes, genders and sexualities in both historical and cross-cultural contexts
8. appreciate the complex interconnections between sexuality and other social factors, such as racialization, social class, age, and ability
9. identify key features that need to be considered in developing sexual health interventions

Grading

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

We will be using the Top Hat classroom response system in this course. You will be able to submit answers to in-class questions using Apple or Android smartphones and tablets, laptops, or through text message. Please visit the Student Orientation where you can find information for setting up and using a Top Hat account.

ISBN# 9780986615108

REQUIRED READING: