COURSE SYLLABUS

Purpose and Aim:

1. To acquire practical information (e.g. on anatomy, contraception, and disease) in the area of human sexuality.

2. To account for varying theoretical perspectives regarding sexual behavior, and analyze when sexual dysfunctions and/or variations stem from psychological causes (e.g. sex guilt, inhibited sexual desire, etc.) or physical reasons (e.g. hormones, disease, etc.).

3. To help students feel more comfortable discussing sexual matters, including how to communicate one's own needs, and listen to those of a partner.

4. To familiarize students with sex research techniques, while challenging them to become critical thinkers and knowledgeable consumers of findings in this area.

5. To encourage students to gain awareness of both: 1) the limiting effects of traditional gender roles; and 2) the differences between healthy and unhealthy ways of loving and sexually relating to others.

6. To expose students to a feminist analysis of sexuality.

Methods:

The above will be accomplished through the use of (a) lectures (b) class discussion; (3) textbook readings and handouts; and (d) videos.

Text:

Rathus, S., Nevid, J. F., & Fichner-Rathus, L. (1997) Human Sexuality in a World of Diversity, 3rd Ed., (Needham Heights, MA.: Allyn & Bacon).

Grading:

Evaluation will be based on your performance on three exams, each counting 1/3 of your final grade. The exams will be comprised of multiple choice items and identification items and/or definitions of key terms. (If you have a history of performing poorly on multiple choice tests, you may arrange with me at least one class prior to the scheduled test day to take an essay style exam instead.)

Attendance will not be taken, but I think it is safe to say that if you fail to come to class, your grade, as well as your general educational experience, will suffer accordingly. There are no extra credit options. However, if you are having a problem understanding course matter, or feel that you did not do as well on a test as you could have, please come see me for assistance. Nobody should fail or do poorly in this course!

Office Hours:

I am usually accessible during the following hours, although an advance phone call will help to ensure my availability. Despite our brief time together in this class, I do try to get to know students and provide individual attention where needed. Please feel free to introduce yourself to me, either after class or during office hours.

Lincoln Park Campus, Byrne Hall, Room 535. Phone: (773) 325-4258
Tues./Thurs. 9:30 - 10:00 am
Wed. 10 am-noon
Thurs. 1-2:00 pm

I check my e-mail regularly, so if you like to communicate that way, I can be reached at mwilson@wppost.depaul.edu.

Additional Comments:

There is no laboratory for this course!!!

TOPICS & DATES                     READINGS               VIDEOS

1.  Introduction                                pp. 1-33
     (9/10)

2.  Theoretical Perspectives              pp. 34-59         CNN on sex survey
     Research Methods
     (9/15)

3.   Research Methods                      pp. 60-99
      Female Anatomy
      (9/17)

4.   Female Sexual Anatomy                                          CNN on FGM
      Male Sexual Anatomy                 pp. 100-123
      (9/22)

5.    Male Sexual Anatomy
       Arousal & Response                  pp. 124-151
       (9/24)

6.    Arousal & Response
       Gender Identity                          pp. 152-183
       (9/29)

          EXAM I         Thursday    OCTOBER 1        CHAPTERS 1 - 6

7.   Attraction & Love                        pp. 184-205
      (10/6)

8.    Sexual Techniques                       pp. 232-259
       Sexual Orientation                       pp. 260-291       CNN on gay asylum
       (10/8)                                                                    & lesbian parenting

9.    Sexual Orientation
       Conception, Pregnancy &            pp. 292-329
       Childbirth
        (10/13)

10.  Conception, Pregnancy &                                        CNN on Russian
       Childbirth                                                                 birthing
       Contraception & Abortion           pp. 330-371
        (10/15)

11. Contraception & Abortion
       (10/20)

      EXAM II     THURSDAY   OCTOBER 22   CHAPTERS 7,  9 - 12

12.  Childhood & Adolescence          pp. 372-401           My First Time
       (10/27)

13.   Adulthood                                  pp. 402-437
        Dysfunction                                pp. 438-469
        (10/29)

14.  Dysfunction
       Transmitted Diseases                   pp. 470-499
       (11/3)

15.  Transmitted Diseases
       AIDS                                         pp. 500-533         Guest Lecturer: Gary
       (11/5)                                                                      Wild

16.  Atypical Variation                       pp. 534-559
       (11/10)

17.  Sexual Coercion                         pp. 560-597
       (11/12)

18.  Sexual Coercion                                                      CNN on rape
       Summing Up                                                            reporting
       (11/17)

                  EXAM III   NOVEMBER 23rd (from 11:45 AM- 1:30 PM)
                                              CHAPTERS 13 - 19