PSYC 399 Outline 2013/14 Fall

COURSE NUMBER:

PSYC 399

COURSE TITLE:

Special Topics in Psychology - 2013/14 Fall - Human Sexuality

NAME OF INSTRUCTOR:

Dr Heather Looy

CREDIT WEIGHT AND WEEKLY TIME DISTRIBUTION:

credits 3(hrs lect 3 - hrs sem 0 - hrs lab 0)

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

A course on a topic of figure of special interest to a member of the psychology faculty and offered on a non-recurring basis.

Prerequisites: PSYC 250 or 251

2013/14 Fall

This course explores psychological perspectives on human sexuality, including personality, social psychology, and biopsychology. A brief historical and cultural overview of how sexuality has been understood and studied will provide a context for examination of sexual identities and behaviours, and the roles that sexuality and gender play in relationships. While the emphasis is on psychology, we will of necessity also draw on anthropology, sociology, history, philosophy and theology. We will also critically consider what it means to be sexual beings in a good yet broken creation, and how we can be agents of sexual reconciliation and transformation in our culture.

REQUIRED TEXTS:

Golanty, E. & Edlin, G. (2012). Human sexuality: The basics. Sudbury, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning.
Whitehead, E. E. & Whitehead, J. D. (2001). The wisdom of the body: Making sense of our sexuality. New York, NY: The Crossroad Publishing Company.
Other required readings will be posted on the Moodle course page or handed out in class.

MARK DISTRIBUTION IN PERCENT:

Participation	10%
Reflections	20%
Presentation/Discussion Leading/Focus project	20%
Reading Quizzes	20%
Final Exam	30%

	100%

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

Become familiar with the basic terms and concepts used in the study of human sexuality
Develop a sense of the “mainstream” research on the psychology of human sexuality
Examine the history, context, assumptions, and implications of this literature, through a Christian worldview
Learn to speak and write more clearly, critically, and effectively, to engage the literature and one another
Have an opportunity to explore personally important questions surrounding human sexuality in a respectful, safe, confidential context: “generous spaciousness”
Learn to engage in respectful and fruitful debate and dialogue, to listen well, to disagree effectively, to maintain a constructive dialogue with those with whom you disagree
Begin to develop thoughtful, informed responses to issues of sexuality, in ways that lead to reconciliation and transformation.

Required texts, assignments, and grade distributions may vary from one offering of this course to the next. Please consult the course instructor for up to date details.