PSY 265-300:  Honors Human Sexual Behavior

 

 

Course Description and Purpose

 

     What can you study about human sexuality, anyway- isn't it just instinctive?  Right…!!  The purpose of this class is to explore concepts in human sexuality from a bio-psycho-social perspective.  This means that we will consider human sexuality from different but interrelated viewpoints:  interpersonal feelings, cultural beliefs and expectations, and biology.  Please note:  You’ll find that this class is less of a “how to” manual and more of a “why”, “how does that work”, “why’s it like that?” class.

 

     You should expect a lot of biology as well as psychology in this section of PSY 265.  Many of the exciting recent discoveries related to sexuality center around genetic and physiological findings that impact on the way that we understand and react to sexual feelings and behavior and many of today’s controversial topics (e.g., assisted reproduction, sexual orientation) hinge on our understanding of biology.

 

     Psychology is the scientific study of behavior. Thus, we will be studying sexuality from a scientific perspective- this means examining the sexuality research, not just sharing our own (or Oprah's or Howard Stern's or Jerry Springer’s) opinions with each other.  You will not agree with everything that you read in the text or that we discuss in class.  Everyone’s beliefs about human sexuality are shaped through experiences.  Because everyone has unique experiences, your classmates (and I) are very likely to have differing values and opinions.  I expect you to respect the opinions and values expressed by your classmates and I will do the same.  I have a policy of “what’s said here- stays here”; I hope you will feel secure enough in the class to voice your questions or comments so that we can have open and productive discussions about human sexuality. I usually try not to voice my opinion about various topics we cover in this class- regardless--- you do not need to agree with me if I do state my opinion.  On tests, papers or in class discussion--- if you present information and back it up, that is what I expect from you, not a certain belief or opinion.

 

Prerequisite

 

    Students taking this class have varying backgrounds in terms of the "basics" of human sexual behavior and formal sex education.  The required prerequisite for PSY 265 is at least 3 credit hours in psychology.  I expect you to be familiar with terms usually covered in a standard introductory psychology class.

 

Required Text

 

Hyde, J. S. and DeLameter, J. D. (2003).  Understanding human sexuality.  New York:  McGraw Hill.

 

Additional readings may be assigned for student-led discussions.  These will be available at reserve on on the web. 

 

Some Useful Information

 

1. Reading the assigned text material before coming to class will aid your understanding of the text materials. At UNCW, most courses are designed with the assumption that the "typical" student will spend approximately 2-3 hours per week studying outside the classroom for every hour in class. Thus, you should plan on approximately 6-9 hours per week outside class time for this course to review your notes, read assigned chapters and articles, work on assignments, discuss material with me, etc. Being a student really is a full-time job and academics are expected to be your highest priority.  Many students find it useful to schedule regular study times for each class or to study together.  If health or personal problems arise that necessitate your missing class, please contact me if needed.  You are responsible for finding out from me or a classmate any assignments, announcements, instructions, etc., that were discussed in class.

 

2.  Feel free to offer questions, honest reactions, and opposing viewpoints, always respecting the different opinions expressed by your classmates.   Be sure to come to class on time and stay until the end.  Remember that this class (well, any of your classes!) is not the place to sleep, read the newspaper, talk on your cell phone, or work on homework unrelated to this class.

 

3. Please attend to this sentence from the UNCW Student Handbook: "You are expected to be present at all regular class meetings and examinations for the courses in which you are registered". I will assume that everyone was present for every class meeting and test questions will reflect this. You will also find that class discussion will help your understanding of concepts in the text. I urge you to ask questions in class:  the only stupid question is the one you never asked.

 

4. Approximate test dates are identified on the course outline. The exact test date will depend on class discussion, etc. You will always have at least one week notice of an exact test date. You are expected to be present for all tests. If an emergency arises, you must contact me as soon as possible. Make-up exams are essay exams. Please note that faculty are required to administer the final exam at the time specified by the university. Your final exam is scheduled by the university as Thursday, April 28 at 11:30 am.  Please make a note now of that time.

 

5. Academic Honor Code at UNCW:  The University of North Carolina at Wilmington is committed to the proposition that the pursuit of truth requires the presence of honesty among all involved. It is therefore this institution's stated policy that no form of dishonesty among its faculty or students will be tolerated. Although all members of the university community are encouraged to report occurrences of dishonesty, honesty is principally the responsibility of each individual.  Academic dishonesty takes many forms, from blatant acts of cheating, stealing or similar misdeeds to the more subtle forms of plagiarism, all of which are totally out of place in an institution of higher learning. Reporting and adjudication procedures have been developed to enforce the policy of academic integrity, to ensure justice and to protect individual rights. Complete details may be found in the current Code of Student Life. In brief it says:  Cheating in any form is not tolerated by UNCW.

 

    Nota bene- Always use your own words to summarize and if you do quote, attribute the source (page numbers, authors).  This applies to the internet as well as other published material.

 

6.  Academic Expectations:

    In choosing UNCW, you have become part of our community of scholars.  We recognize that the UNCW learning experience is challenging and requires hard work.  It also requires a commitment to make time available to do that hard work.  The University expects you to make academics your highest priority by dedicating your time and energy to training your mind and acquiring knowledge.  Academic success in critical thinking and problem solving prepares you for the changes and challenges you will encounter in the future.  Our faculty and academic support resources are readily available as partners in this effort, but the primary responsibility for learning is yours.

 

7.  Disability Services: Instructors try to make appropriate accommodations for students with disabilities, as specified in federal regulations. If you have a disability and need accommodation, contact and register with the office of Disability Services (x 3746). Then we should talk about the recommendations for accommodations for this class.

 

8. Some important dates during the Spring 2005 semester:

 

Last day of Drop/Add	Wednesday, January 11.  4 pm!
Last day to Withdraw	Wednesday, February 23
Last day of Class	Monday, April 25                                 Reading Day:  Tuesday, April 26
Final Exam	Thursday, April 28 at 11:30 am.
Holidays	Monday Jan. 17; MLK Day
	Spring Break- Feb. 28- March 6
	March 24-25; Easter Break