Jul 13, 2025  
2024-2025 Course Catalog 
    
2024-2025 Course Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

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PSY 261 - Human Sexuality

Credits: 3
Lecture Hours: 3
Lab Hours: 0
Practicum Hours: 0
Work Experience: 0
Course Type: Core
This course provides students with definitive and precise information about the nature of human sexuality and gender roles. An interdisciplinary approach will be used to present a more comprehensive view, stressing the biological, social, and psychological aspects of sexuality and gender roles.
Competencies
  1. Distinguish key concepts, principles, and perspectives in the biological approach to understanding human sexuality.
    1. Describe sexual and reproductive anatomy and physiology, and sexual arousal.
    2. Describe sexual behavior and expression, and sexual orientation.
    3. Describe sexual and reproductive health concerns, including sexually transmitted infections.
    4. Explain the methods of contraception, conception, pregnancy, and childbirth.
  2. Distinguish key concepts, principles, and perspectives in the psychological and social approaches to understanding human sexuality.
    1. Describe current, historical, and cultural perspectives regarding human sexuality.
    2. Describe sexual development and sexuality throughout the lifespan.
    3. Describe gender, gender roles, and gender identity.
    4. Describe sexual attraction, relationships, and communication.
    5. Describe social, political, and legal issues related to gender identity, sexual orientation, and sexuality.
  3. Apply scientific reasoning to examine phenomena in human sexuality.
    1. Describe major research methods in the study of human sexuality.
    2. Give examples of the affective, behavioral and cognitive components of sexual health.
    3. Apply concepts in human sexuality and critical thinking to explain human experiences.
  4. Use concepts in human sexuality to strengthen personal and professional relationships and build community.
    1. Identify potential prejudice and discrimination based on sex, gender, and sexual orientation in oneself and others.
    2. Review ethical standards in the study of human sexuality.
  5. Develop competence in writing and/or verbal communication skills.
    1. State ideas in written formats that reflect basic concepts and principles in human sexuality.
    2. Describe how culture, values, and biases may produce misunderstandings in sexual communication as well as communication about human sexuality.
    3. Construct questions about content in human sexuality.
  6. Apply content in human sexuality to personal and professional goals.
    1. Identify a range of possible factors that influence beliefs and conclusions.
    2. Develop an understanding of the value and application of scientific research and problem-solving skills in providing evidence beyond personal opinion to support proposed solutions.
    3. Relate content in human sexuality to personal, educational, and work place settings.

Competencies Revised Date: 10/23/2020



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