34.270  Human Sexuality Education
Professor:        Susan J. Massad, H.S.D., R.D.
Course Hours:  Monday, Wednesday, 12:30-1:20, Thursday, 12:30-2:20
Office Hours HH 120:    Monday, Wednesday, 9:30-10:20 and 4:30-5:30, Friday 1:00-3:00
Telephone:      (508) 626-4743 (on campus, ext. 4743)
E-Mail:                         smassad@frc.mass.edu
My Web site:    www.framingham.edu/faculty/smassad
Blackboard.com account: http://framingham.blackboard.com/.  Create an account – in the course search box enter 34270 Human Sexuality page.  Check this daily for announcements.

Course description:  A combination of discussions, debates, and research regarding sexuality from a physiological, psychological, and sociological perspective. Topics include social and biological foundations of human sexuality, human reproduction and contraception, cross-cultural perspectives on sexual behavior and contemporary society, gender roles and stereotyping, current and controversial issues in sex education, and the effects of economics, class, public policy, and the political climate on expression of human sexuality.  Students develop expertise and teaching competency in human sexuality.

Course objectives:

1.       Develop a better understanding of human sexuality from a physiological, psychological, and sociological perspective.

2.       Discuss major historical research studies regarding human sexuality.

3.       Explain male and female sexual anatomy and physiology.

4.       Describe with example, the stages of psychosexual development.

5.       Describe, with example, major theories on gender role identity.

6.       Compare and contrast the influences of culture on sexual expression, gender
identity, and same-gender sexual behavior

7.       Compare and contrast the influences of socioeconomic class on sexuality education, gender identity, sexual expression, and accessibility to/affordability of contraception

8.       Explain social norms regarding effective communication in relationships.

9.       Describe recent developments in reproductive technology.

10.   Compare and contrast various contraceptive methods and their effectiveness.

11.   Debate various aspects in decision making about pregnancy and parenthood.

12.   Describe with example, the major research studies regarding sexual orientation.

13.   Define the various types of gender dysphoria. 

14.   Discuss cultural and religious practices that impact attitudes and behaviors regarding sexuality.

15.   Explain school policies regarding sex education.

16.   Discuss strategies for teaching controversial issues.

17.   Apply new understandings of human sexuality to help dispel current myths and
misunderstandings.

18.   Develop dialogue regarding current issues in human sexuality.

19.   Develop an understanding of the effects of public policy and the political climate
on expression of human sexuality.

20.   Examine the current Massachusetts Health Curriculum Frameworks

21.   Develop a health lesson plan utilizing the Massachusetts Health Curriculum Frameworks: Standard 4: Reproduction/Sexuality

Teaching methodology:
This course will consist of lecture, discussion, written assignments, formal debates and oral presentations.

Texts:
Kelly, Gary F. (2004). Sexuality today: The human perspective, (Updated 7th ed.) New York, NY McGraw-Hill

Taverner, W.J. (2004). Taking sides: Clashing views on controversial issues in human sexuality, (8th edition) New York, NY McGraw-Hill

 

Course requirements:

  1. Regular attendance.  Since this course is primarily based on in-class discussion and debates, regular attendance is required.  Greater than four unexcused absences will result in a 5-point deduction from your total number of points earned, for each class missed.  (See section on grading).  Notification from Deb Dalton, whose office is in Peirce Hall (CASA), is required for an excused absence.  If a class is missed, please see me about handouts you that may have been given out on the dates you were out.

  2. Active participation in class discussion and respect for each other’s opinions.

  3. Completion of three non-cumulative exams.

  4. Enrollment in student edition of on-line learning center.  Go to: http://www.mhhe.com/kelly7u and follow directions for enrolling. 

  5. Completion of all assignments, which include:

a.       Controversial issue in sexuality education, written & oral presentation Specific details will be provided on a separate handout.

b.       Participation in two debates.  You will be divided into groups of approximately 5 students.  Each group will choose two debate topics from the Taking Sides text, and will prepare and conduct a formal debate in class.  Specific details will be given on a separate handout.

c.       Completion of one health lesson plan utilizing the Massachusetts Health Curriculum Frameworks: Standard 4: Reproduction/Sexuality

d.      Selected assignments from on-line learning center (non-credit)

6.   Daily log-in to Blackboard.com website: http://framingham.blackboard.com/.  Link to 34270 Human Sexuality Education.


Week of:                      Topic and Reading Assignment:
8/30      History: from Victorian era to contemporary sexuality
            Cross-cultural perspectives on human sexuality
            Research methods in human sexuality
            Reading: Kelly, Ch.1
            Issue 4: Should all female circumcision be banned? Taverner pp. 48-67
            Massachusetts Health Curriculum Frameworks
            http://www.doe.mass.edu/frameworks/health/1999/


9/6        (Monday 9/6: Labor Day, no classes)
            Reproductive anatomy and physiology, human sexual response
            Cross-cultural perspectives: celebrating menarche across cultures
            Male circumcision decision
            Reading: Kelly, Ch.2-3

9/13      Human sexual response

Models (Masters and Johnson, Kaplan)

Hormonal regulation

Cross-cultural perspectives: Sexuality and spirituality: The relevance of Eastern traditions

Reading: Kelly, Ch 4
Issue 3: Does the G-spot really exist?  Taverner pp. 28-37

9/20      Developmental/social perspectives on gender
Gender roles/identification, stereotyping
Cross-cultural perspectives: Gender role

Reading: Kelly Ch. 5
Video: Is it a boy or is it a girl? (Intersex Society of North America)
Issue 6: Do schools perpetuate a gender bias?  Taverner, pp 82-93

 

9/27      Debate 1:         Choose from Taverner Issues 1-10
Video: Tough Guise (Media Education Foundation, 2001)
Sexuality throughout the life cycle
Cross-cultural perspective: Adolescent sexual attitudes and behaviors across
cultures

Reading: Kelly, Ch. 6

10/4      Exam I  (Thursday 10/7)
Sexuality, communication and relationships
Cross-cultural perspective: “Sexual revolution” in China

Reading: Kelly Ch. 8

            Issue: 13: Is cohabitation before marriage a bad idea?  Taverner, pp. 178-201

 

10/11    (Monday, 10/11 Columbus Day, no classes)

            Reproduction, birthing, contraception, reproductive technology, decision making about pregnancy/parenting
Contraception: Affordability/ accessibility.  Neighborhood health centers, access to free reproductive health care
Reading: Kelly Ch. 9-10

 

10/18    Solitary sex and shared sex
Same gender orientation and behavior
Kelly, Ch. 11-12
Reading: Issue 15: Should same sex marriage be legal?   Taverner. Pp. 222-231

 

10/25    Debate 2:         Choose from Taverner, issues 11-19
The spectrum of human sexual behavior
Reading: Kelly, Ch 13
Cross-cultural perspectives: Same gender sexual orientation

11/1      Sex, art, the media, and the law
Influence of socioeconomic class and expression of sexuality
Reading: Kelly Ch. 14
Video “Dream Worlds” (Media Education Foundation)

11/8      Exam 2 (Wednesday 11/10)
Sexual coercion, rape, and abuse
Reading: Kelly Ch 15
Issue 8: Is pornography harmful to women?  Taverner, pp. 108-121
Issue 10: Does recent pedophilia research threaten accepted moral standards?  Taverner, pp. 138-151
Cross-cultural perspectives: The sex trade in Thailand

11/15    Sexually transmitted diseases
H.I.V./A.I.D.S., compassion for the infected, social implications
U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) statistics and surveillance reports:
Incidence of HIV exposure category, geographic location, race, gender, and age group
Free and confidential HIV testing
Reading: Kelly Ch. 16-17

11/22    Issues in sexuality education:     Selected readings from SIECUS reports (TBA)
Issue 1: Should sexuality education be comprehensive? Taverner, pp. 2-11
Issue 2: Should schools make condoms available to students? Taverner, pp. 12-27
Issue 19: Should schools pay damages for student-on-student sexual harassment? Taverner, pp.  264-275
Teaching skills, sex education in the schools
Influence of property taxes, school budget and economic status on health and human
sexuality education
(Supplemental handouts)
Begin oral presentations

11/29    Continue oral presentations

12/6      Sexual dysfunctions and their treatment
Reading: Kelly Ch. 18

12/13    Last class, review for final exam
            Final exam is Monday 12/20 at 1:00

Exam dates:
Exam 1:            Thursday October 7th
Exam 2:            Wednesday November 10th
Final Exam:       Monday December 20th, 1:00 p.m.

Assignment due dates:
Controversial issue, paper & presentation: Various dates by arrangement - 50 points
Debate 1: Thursday, 10/21/04 - 25 points
Debate 2: Thursday 11/18/04 - 25points
Lesson Plan Mass. Curriculum Frameworks Standard 4 (50 points): Monday 11/22/04

Grading, based on total points:
Controversial issue, paper & presentation: 50 points
Debates (2): 25 points each, 50 points total
Lesson Plan Mass. Curriculum Frameworks Standard 4 (50 points)

Exams (3) 100 points each, 300 points total
Total points: 450


Grading scale:
A          420-450
A-         405-419
B+        390-404
B          375-389
B-         360-374
C+        345-359
C          330-344
C-         315-329
D+        300-314
D          285-299
D-         270-284
E          <270

Other pertinent information: