Historical and Scientific Perspectives on Homosexuality

Answer the following in 700 to 1,050 words, formatted consistent with APA guidelines:

•    How do you think historical and scientific perspectives on homosexuality may have shaped the way gay individuals perceive themselves? Address at least three perspectives discussed in the text.
•    Include in your analysis the experiences of coming out and adjusting as a gay individual.
•    Finally, how have historical and scientific perspectives reflected on your sexual orientation?

Course Description

This course is a comprehensive view of the psychosocial and physiological aspects of sexual health in our contemporary society. The student will have opportunities to explore numerous relevant topics including love, intimacy, and relationships; sex and marketing; sexual diseases; sexual abuse; gender identity and sex roles; and socio-cultural influences and values in decision making. The course is designed for the student to understand attitudes and behaviors as they relate to sexual well-being and integrity.

Policies

Faculty and students/learners will be held responsible for understanding and adhering to all policies contained within the following two documents:

•    University policies: You must be logged into the student website to view this document.
•    Instructor policies: This document is posted in the Course Materials forum.

University policies are subject to change. Be sure to read the policies at the beginning of each class. Policies may be slightly different depending on the modality in which you attend class. If you have recently changed modalities, read the policies governing your current class modality.

Course Materials

Rathus, S. A., Nevid, J.S., and Fichner-Rathus, L. (2011). Human sexuality in a world of diversity (8th ed.) Boston, MA: Allyn and Bacon.

All electronic materials are available on the student website.

Week One: Human Sexuality

Objectives    1.1    Relate various value systems to sexual decision making.
1.2    Discuss the critical thinking involved in sexual decision making.
1.3    Explain the functions of male and female external and internal sex organs.
Course Preparation    Read the course description and objectives.
Read the instructor’s biography and post your own.
Readings    Read Appendix A.
Read Ch. 1 (pp. 1-10), Ch. 3 (pp. 59-81), and Ch. 4 (pp. 101-115 & 119-126) of Human Sexuality in a World of Diversity.
Read this week’s Electronic Reserve Readings.
CheckPoint
Sexuality and Value Systems    Answer the following: Which value system or systems discussed in the text do you most relate to? Explain your answer.
Day 3
Aug. 7    30
CheckPoint
Critical Thinking and Sexual Decision Making    Answer the following: How do you use the principles of critical thinking in making sexual decisions? Give an example from your own life in which you would use critical thinking to make a decision about sex.     Day 4
Aug. 8
30
Individual
The Sperm and the Egg    Describe the life of a sperm and the life of an egg from start to finish in a 700- to 1,050-word story based on this week’s reading and formatted consistent with APA guidelines. Cover the following points in your story:

•    Trace the movements of the sperm and the egg from their development to fertilization.
•    Describe the function of each of the male and female internal and external sex organs in relation to the sperm and the egg.
•    Describe the role of the sex organs in fertilization.
•    Be creative. Consider giving the sperm and egg personalities as you describe their traveling adventures.    Day 7
Aug. 11    70

Objectives    2.1    Give examples of the role of the senses in sexual arousal.
2.2    Summarize the role of the brain, neurochemicals, and sex hormones in sexual arousal.
2.3    Compare and contrast the stages of sexual response cycles for males and females.
Readings    Read Ch. 5, Ch. 6 (pp. 168-193), & Ch. 15 of Human Sexuality in a World of Diversity.
Participation    Participate in class discussion.        10
Discussion Questions    Respond to weekly discussion questions.    Day 2 and Day 4    10
Nongraded Activities and Preparation    View the Conquering Performance Anxiety video. The video can be found in the Week Two Electronic Reserve Readings link.
CheckPoint
The Sexual Response    Resource: Appendix B
Complete the table in Appendix B with the four phases of the sexual response cycle developed by Masters and Johnson.

•    Write a brief description in your own words of the male experience and a brief description of the female experience for each phase.
•    Include the changes in sexual anatomy of males and females during the different stages.

Week Three: Sexual Dysfunctions and Gender Identity
Details    Due    Points
Objectives    3.1    Summarize possible causes and treatments of various sexual dysfunctions.
3.2    Discuss various factors in the determination of gender identity.
3.3    Discuss the continuum of masculinity-femininity.
CheckPoint
Sexual Dysfunction    Summarize the effects of one type of sexual dysfunction that can affect both men and women. What are some factors that may cause this type of dysfunction? What treatments may help individuals who experience this type of dysfunction?     Day 4
Aug. 22    30
Individual
Gender Identity    Write a 700- to 1,050-word paper, formatted according to APA standards, on the determining factors of gender identification and gender roles. Include the following in your paper:

•    State the factors that determine gender identity.
•    Explain how a person’s masculine and feminine traits can be described using the continuum of masculinity-femininity.
•    Describe three factors in your own life that have helped determine your gender identity.
•    Discuss the masculine and feminine traits that you attribute to yourself using the continuum of masculinity-femininity.

Objectives    4.1    Discuss the components that affect attraction.
4.2    Compare and contrast the various styles of love.
4.3    Identify communication techniques that improve sexual and emotional relations.
Readings    Read Ch. 7–10 of Human Sexuality in a World of Diversity.
Participation    Participate in class discussion.        10
Discussion Questions    Respond to weekly discussion questions.    Day 2 and Day 4    10
CheckPoint
Styles of Love    Review the styles of love covered in the text beginning on p. 211 (Ch. 7).
Compose two scenarios, each depicting a different style of love between two people. How are these two styles of love similar? How are they different?
Tell which style or styles of love have been prevalent in your life. Provide examples.    Day 5
Aug. 30
30

Week Five: Relationships and Homosexuality
Details    Due    Points
Objectives    5.1    Discuss various sexual techniques.
5.2    Summarize the historical and scientific perspectives on homosexuality.
CheckPoint
Sexual Techniques    Answer the following questions:

•    What sexual techniques are discussed in the chapter readings?
•    What are the roles and connections between kissing, touching, and foreplay?
•    What are some of the different viewpoints and levels of acceptance regarding masturbation?     Day 4
Sept. 5    30
Individual
Historical and Scientific Perspectives on Homosexuality    Answer the following in 700 to 1,050 words, formatted consistent with APA guidelines:

•    How do you think historical and scientific perspectives on homosexuality may have shaped the way gay individuals perceive themselves? Address at least three perspectives discussed in the text.
•    Include in your analysis the experiences of coming out and adjusting as a gay individual.
•    Finally, how have historical and scientific perspectives reflected on your sexual orientation?

Format your paper consistent with APA guidelines.
Post your paper as an attachment.    Day 7
Sept. 8    100

Week Six: Contraception, Abortion, and Adult Lifestyles
Details    Due    Points
Objectives    6.1    State the advantages and disadvantages of various contraceptive methods.
6.2    Describe psychological effects women may experience before and after an abortion.
6.3    Analyze trends related to singlehood, cohabitation, and marriage.
Readings    Read Ch. 12–14 of Human Sexuality in a World of Diversity.
Participation    Participate in class discussion.        10
Discussion Questions    Respond to weekly discussion questions.    Day 2 and Day 4    10
CheckPoint
Methods of Contraception    Read the scenarios and answer the questions that follow.

•    Tina and Dan are considering various birth control methods. They are a newly married couple who practiced abstinence before marriage and plan on starting their family within a year.

o    Choose possible methods of contraception for the couple and discuss the advantages and disadvantages they would need to consider at this point in their lives.

•    Linda is a young single woman with an active dating life. She chooses to be intimate only with long-term committed partners. She is wary of the risks associated with sexually transmitted infections and has decided that she does not want to be a single parent.

o    Choose possible methods of contraception for Linda and discuss the advantages and disadvantages she should consider at this point in her life.

Describe the male partner’s role in choosing birth control in both of these scenarios.     Day 5
Sept. 13    30

Week Seven: Sexuality at Different Life Stages
Details    Due    Points
Objectives    7.1    Describe sexual behaviors associated with various stages of childhood development.
7.2    Discuss adolescent sexual decision making.
7.3    Outline physical and psychological changes that affect sex later in life.
7.4    Discuss sexuality and people with disabilities.
CheckPoint
Childhood Development and Sexual Behavior    Post your answers to the following: Many parents do not have a background in childhood development and may not recognize that there are normal childhood sexual behaviors. In 200 to 300 words, review sexual behaviors associated with the stages of childhood development. Include in your discussion examples of behavior related to the following stages of development: infancy, early childhood, preadolescence, and adolescence.    Day 4
Sept. 19    30
Individual
Sexuality at Different Life Stages    Outline, in a paper, the main points that a therapist might cover in a counseling session to help each individual for each scenario. Your paper should be 700 to 1,050 words in length.

•    Anna, an adolescent girl, is very much in love with her boyfriend who is three years older than she. He is putting a lot of pressure on her to have sex. At the same time, she is anxious about her parents’ attitude towards her boyfriend. Her mother constantly warns her about dating an older boy and assumes that he intends to take advantage of her.

o    In your paper, be sure that the therapist coaches Anna on the sexual decision-making process, including addressing her feelings and recommendations related to her mother’s anxiety.

•    Tom and Susan are an elderly couple. Tom has been retired for several years, and Susan is more recently retired. She has shown a renewed interest in sexual activity. Tom has not reciprocated Susan’s interest as he is anxious about his sexual ability at this age.

o    In your paper, be sure that the therapist addresses the physical and psychological changes that affect sexuality at this point in Tom and Susan’s life.

•    Bill has been paralyzed from the waist down since he was a child. He is involved in a romantic relationship and wishes to be intimate with his partner but is unsure how to express his interest. Bill becomes very nervous and uncomfortable when talking about this subject.

o    In your paper, be sure that the therapist addresses Bill’s feelings and offers him information on sexuality and his disability.

Format your paper consistent with APA guidelines.
Post your paper as an attachment.    Day 7
Sept. 22    100

Week Eight: Paraphilias and Sexual Abuse
Details    Due    Points
Objectives    8.1    Summarize theoretical perspectives on paraphilias.
8.2    Discuss perspectives on treatments of people with paraphilias.
8.3    Discuss the consequences of childhood sexual abuse and rape.
8.4    State possible treatments for sexual offenders.
Readings    Read Ch. 17 & 18 of Human Sexuality in a World of Diversity.
Read this week’s Electronic Reserve Readings.
Participation    Participate in class discussion.        10
Discussion Questions    Respond to weekly discussion questions.    Day 2 and Day 4    10
Nongraded Activities and Preparation    View Objects of Desire: The Psychology of Sexual Fetishes video. The video can be found in the Week Eight Electronic Reserve Readings link.
CheckPoint
The Effects of Sexual Abuse    Envision that you are presenting to a college campus on the effects of sexual abuse.
Outline for the students the short-term and long-term effects of rape and childhood sexual abuse in 5 to 7

Objectives    9.1    Appraise the effect of the media on the sexual education of adolescents.
9.2    Prepare a report on the factors that contribute to one’s sexuality.
Capstone CheckPoint    Answer the following questions, in 400 to 500 words, regarding the media’s portrayal of sexuality and adolescents.

•    What are the effects of the media’s portrayal of sexuality on adolescents’ sexual lives?
•    What are some negative and some positive effects of the media’s portrayal of sexuality?
•    How has the media’s portrayal of sexuality affected your life?     Day 4
Oct. 2    30
Final Project
Personal Response on Sexuality Identity    Review the instructions for the final project in Appendix A.
Construct a 1,400- to 1,750-word personal response, analyzing the development of your own sexuality. Address the following topics in your paper:

•    Relate value systems and critical thinking to your sexual decision making before and after this course.
•    Describe the effect of environment and historical perspectives on your sexuality.
•    Discuss the development of your gender identity.
•    Analyze the effect of attraction and love in your relationships.
•    Discuss another topic of this course that is interesting and useful to you. Relate this topic to your life.

Week Two Discussion Questions

•    Consider that you are having an informative discussion with your adolescent child about sex. Your goal is to explain to your child that sexual arousal is a normal sensation attributed to the brain, neurochemicals, and sex hormones all working together. Describe, in language that a teen would understand, how the brain, neurochemicals, and sex hormones work together during sexual arousal.

Consider, as you respond to your classmates’ posts, that the adolescent has questions about how the brain, neurochemicals and sex hormones are affecting him or her at this point in life.

•    Consider a couple that has been married for over ten years and is experiencing a lack of romance and sexual interest in one another. What might be some of the causes of the decrease in sexual interest? Do you think the lack of sexual interest might stem from mental causes, physical causes, or both? How might this couple use their senses to enhance and increase their sexual relationship? In your participation, choose responses described by others in class and state whether you agree or disagree with their answers and to what extent. Explain why.

Week Four Discussion Questions

•    Read the scenario and answer the questions following it. Jill and Joe have been in a relationship for four months. Their time together mostly revolves around sports and enjoying time with friends. They are very much attracted to each other and have had an active sex life from the first month of their relationship.

Recently, Jill has been facing some difficulties at work as well as financial hardships. She has begun to notice that when she talks about her problems, Joe becomes frustrated. Joe tells her not to worry too much and offers suggestions for solving the problem. He still enjoys being intimate with her and being in social settings together, but it has become harder for Jill to enjoy these experiences.

Refer to the section covering communication skills that begins on p. 240 (Ch. 8) of your text. What are some communication techniques that both Jill and Joe can implement to improve their relationship?

•    What are three components of attractiveness? Which of the three is most important to you? Why did you choose this factor? Consider, as you respond to your classmates’ posts, how their responses have had an effect on your views about attractiveness.

Week Six Discussion Questions

•    Imagine you are talking to a friend who is having a hard time considering the abortion of an unwanted pregnancy. What are the various emotions your friend may experience before and after an abortion?

Ask questions when responding to your classmates’ posts that highlight some of the concerns the young woman might have about her decision.

Consider also conducting a Web search to find a site that may be of help to your friend if she does proceed with an abortion. Why do you think the site you chose may be particularly helpful to her?

•    Choose two of the following three questions about lifestyles to answer. Reference trends related to the lifestyles in your answers.

o    What are healthy versus unhealthy reasons to marry?
o    What are healthy versus unhealthy reasons to cohabitate?
o    What are healthy versus unhealthy reasons to stay single?

Respond to a classmate who chose the lifestyle that you did not discuss. State why you agree or disagree with his or her analysis of that lifestyle.

Week Eight Discussion Questions

•    Your instructor will divide the class into four clusters and assign each cluster a theoretical perspective on paraphilias. Look for a post containing the roster list for the discussion clusters and the thread-starter posts from the instructor. Join your designated threads to discuss the assigned theoretical perspective.

Post your response to the following: Summarize the theoretical perspective on paraphilias assigned by your instructor. How would this theoretical perspective approach possible treatment of paraphilias?

Respond to your classmates’ posts by stating whether you think a particular treatment would be effective. Why or why not?

•    Identify four possible treatments for sex offenders. Answer the Critical Thinking question on p. 594 (Ch. 18).

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