Human Development & Fam Sci: Human Relationships &Sexuality

Sexual responsibility and the biological, social, psychological growth, and development of human beings in terms of sex role identity.

PACE student only even after level restrictions removed; Degree students register for HDF 1650 A; Colocated with HDF 1650 A; Total combined enrollment: 70

This is a general description for the course, based on what the course is expected to explore. This introductory survey course is expected to explore the diversity of sexuality and intimate relationships across psychosocial, cognitive and biological domains and through cross-cultural, historical, and systemic frameworks. Students are expected to learn how sexuality and intimacy develop, are experienced, and expressed across the lifespan. Overarching topics likely to be examined in this course include sexual anatomy and physiology, love and communication, gender and sexual identity, contraception and abortion, sexual health and sexual dysfunction, fetishism and paraphilia, sexual coercion and violence, and the commodification of sex.

This is a description of section expectations that have been employed in the past. But these ARE TENTATIVE as the instructor has not yet been identified and may have their own approach to teaching this course that is different than what is offered here. Students are expected to have the opportunity to engage in readings, reflections, discussions, and/or various activities to explore course concepts. Students are typically expected to attend class and to participate in contributing to a productive and safe learning environment. To facilitate such an environments, alll participants must commit to engage with one another and disagree in a civil and respectful manner. All opinions and perspectives will be given voice in this class, but intentionally malicious, bigoted, or degrading comments will not be tolerated. If you find yourself disagreeing with a perspective, take the time to “dig deeper” by asking yourself: Why do I believe this? What motivates this belief? Controversial subject matter may sometimes be distressing or uncomfortable. Some topics may be too personal given previous life experiences. If you ever have a serious reservation about a particular course topic or class discussion, please let me know. However, missing a class or assignment will not be excused because of discomfort (BUT you have 2 absences without penalty, no questions asked). To facilitate an open and honest dialogue about sexuality, which may include students revealing private experiences, personal information shared in class must remain confidential. Confidentiality means information cannot be shared outside of class in a way that would identify the student. In general, a 3-credit class requires about 9 hours of work per week, including class time. This class meets 2.5 hours per week, which leaves you 6.5 hours for reading and other assignments.

An instructor has not yet been identified for this course. That instructor will determine the specific course requirements and weighting of requirements for a final grade. The following describes one way this course has been taught in the past, with required assignments having included the following, with a possible weighting of each in parentheses: Class attendance/participation (~20%), Assigned readings and content checks (~20%), Weekly relationship & sexuality journal (~30%), and Critical Reflection Papers (~30%). Other instructors have employed more typical exams (typically multiple choice) to assess student understanding of course content.