Summer 2026 - PSYC 367 OL01
Psychological Perspectives on Human Sexuality (3)
Class Number: 1609
Delivery Method: Online
Overview
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Course Times + Location:
Online
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Exam Times + Location:
Jun 1, 2026
Mon, 5:30–7:20 p.m.
BurnabyJun 24, 2026
Wed, 5:30–7:20 p.m.
Burnaby
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Instructor:
Rebecca Cobb
rcobb@sfu.ca
Office: RCB 8304
Office Hours: (Mon in person: 12:30pm - 1:20pm) and (Tues Zoom: 2pm - 3pm)
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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. 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.
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
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:
REQUIREMENTS:
The midterm and final exams will be held IN PERSON at the Burnaby campus.
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.
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
MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:
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:
- SFU’s Academic Integrity Policy: S10-01 Policy
- SFU’s Academic Integrity website, which includes helpful videos and tips in plain language: Academic Integrity at SFU
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.