PSYC 333/3.0 Human Sexuality

Anna M. Taylor

Human sexuality plays a major role in our lives. Next to sleeping and eating, it seems to be one of the most important drives we have to deal with as humans! Irrespective of whether we are young or old, man or woman, American or Japanese, it is an integral part of what we do and who we are. Human sexual behaviour is in many ways very different from the sexual behaviour of other mammals and decades of research have given us a better understanding of the complexities of human sexual behaviour.

The purpose of the Psyc 333 course is to provide students with an overview of typical sexual behaviour and its variations. In this course, we will cover topics such as the history of sex research, the sexual response cycle, sexual dysfunction, gender identity, gender differences in sexuality, and sexual orientation. Particular attention will be paid to current research on sexual psychophysiology and sexual functioning, maintaining a rigorous yet broad-minded scientific framework.

Through this course, students are expected to gain the following skills: knowledge of human sexuality within an academic/research framework and how science has expanded our understanding of sexuality, the ability to differentiate between variations in human sexual and sexual disorders. Understand the cultural influence on “normal” sexual variation and understand more generally how societal influences shape our sexuality and familiarity with research methods, including applied research, ethical considerations, etc...

Here is a provisional overview of the topics we will be covering

• History of human sexuality
• The sexual response cycle
• Attraction and intimacy
• Gender
• Additional perspective
• Sexual dysfunction

The course is assessed by a variety of individual and group work, including an essay, a group presentation and a short exam. Throughout the term, participation in discussions and debates will be assessed using a participation assessment scale (available via Moodle). Exact expectations will available on the full syllabus and will be discussed in class.