Chapter One Exploring Human Sexuality: Past and Present

Agenda  Review Syllabus  Course Goals  Assignments/Responsibilities  Introductions  Factors for Consideration  Discuss Reasons to Study Sexuality

Review Syllabus

Course Goals  To understand the influence of biological, psychological, and social factors on human sexuality.  To develop skills to discuss sexuality-related subjects maturely in appropriate situations.  To maintain an academic distance/tolerance toward sexual behaviors different from your own.  To distinguish science from rhetoric/ideology in the field of sexuality.  To learn skills for accessing sexuality-related information from reputable sources.  To recognize and appreciate the importance of sexuality across the lifespan.  To develop the skills and attitudes necessary for building respectful, intimate, loving relationships.

Assignments  Complete Three Exams  Exam 1: June 21 (Chap 1, 2, 3, 7, 6, 11, 17, 18)  Exam 2: June 29 (Chap 5, 4, 10, 13, 12)  Exam 3: July 6 (Chap 14, 15, 8, 9)  Complete Two Assignments  Compare Scholarly Journal to Internet Search (Due June 18)  Reflect on Course (Due July 6)

Responsibilities  Ask questions  Participate in class activities  View and discuss sexually explicit material  Be respectful  There will be differences of opinion on sensitive topics, but you must always be respectful of others.  Do not engage in disruptive behaviors  Turn off your cell phone  Turn off your I-Pod  No not arrive late/leave early

Introductions

Exercise One: Introduce Yourself  Introduce yourself to at least three people sitting near you. Possible topics:  Where are you from?  Why are you taking this course?  What is your favorite guilty pleasure?

Exercise Two: Desensitization Technical Terms Slang Terms“Pet” Names Anatomy Sexual Behaviors  Structure: discuss in small groups (3-5 per group)  To help you become comfortable talking about sexuality and using sex-related terms, discuss the following:

Factors to Consider in Human Sexuality Biological Psychological Cultural

Factors to Consider in Human Sexuality Biological Psychological Cultural

Biological Factors  Physical differentiation.  Sexual arousal has a physical component.  Hormonal changes and physical health influence sexuality.

Psychological Factors  Sexual self-concept and gender identification influence behaviors based on perceptions of appropriateness.  Sexual feelings are influenced by life experiences. There are conscious and unconscious influences.  Self-esteem: sense of personal value influences sexual feelings and behaviors.

Cultural Factors  Concepts of sexuality vary from culture to culture and era to era.  Cultural norms influence behavior.

Reasons to Study Sexuality

Reasons  Obtain factual knowledge: provide tools to judge the validity of sexual information; identify myths.  Develop a positive sexual self-concept: factual information and personal integration of factual material can promote greater understanding and self-acceptance.  Improve communication: increase vocabulary; reduce embarrassment; reduce anxiety; develop ability and confidence to express all aspects of our sexuality.  What do you think?