Module Description:
For all lectures, there will be audio recordings available on Listen Again, but due to copy right concerns there will be not visual recordings of presentations with photographs and videos. Handouts of powerpoint presentations will be on Moodle. This module aims to give an in-depth overview of the science of human sexuality. The emphasis is to explain and interpret systematic research and thereby touch on findings that might be different from the views that people have about their sexual desires in their every day lives. Thus, the goal of this module is to enhance critical thinking about a crucial feature of human life.
Sexuality is a fundamental function of human nature. This course will focus on the science of sex and thereby highlight several important areas. We will examine how our sexuality is shaped by nature and nurture. We will investigate why and how men and women differ in their sexuality. We will discuss how homosexuality can exist and we will explore less understood sexual desires. We will discuss the mechanisms behind sexual arousal and sexual dysfunctions. We will examine the causes and consequences of both sexual assault and harassment. Finally, we will discuss the prevalence and consequences of sexually transmitted diseases.
It is possible that some students will be uncomfortable with certain topics (for example sexual assault or harassment). In general, however, the possibility that students will be uncomfortable is low. Students who participate in surveys on trauma and sexuality do not find their involvement in these surveys more distressing than regular life events, and can find it emotionally rewarding to take part in these surveys (Yeater et al., 2012). This module will not go as far as asking you about your traumatic experiences, but rather inform you about findings related to this topic. From my experiences it is unlikely that students will be uncomfortable with being part of this module and consider it beneficial. However, in order to avoid discomfort I suggest the following:
- Read the below Syllabus very carefully. If there is a topic that you consider too uncomfortable to hear about I encourage you to NOT take the module.
Syllabus (chapters refer to the suggested reading below):
Week 1 - The Evolution of Sex (Chapters 1 & 2) I will explain why two sexes have evolved in most species and why, from an evolutionary point of view, this has been more successful than one sex, or more than two sexes. I will also discuss which strategies are, evolutionary, the best for mating and reproduction.
Week 2 - Sex Differences (Chapters 7 & 8) Males and females clearly differ in their sexual interests. I will contrast theories based on evolution with social theories and pitch them against each other. I will highlight whether the sex differences found in our cultures are true for other cultures if not for other species.
Week 3 - Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (Chapter 14) Some people are homosexual, which is a puzzle both from an evolutionary and social constructionist's perspective. We will discuss how homosexuality is expressed, how early signs of homosexuality may develop, and the possible causes are.
Week 4 - Atypical Sexuality (Chapter 15) Besides their sexual orientation, some people have strong but less commonly understood sexual preferences. We will discuss the ethology of these preferences and their consequences for the person who has them and those around him or her.
Week 5 - Sexual Harassment (Chapters 18 & 13) Amongst the most problematic sexual behaviours are sexual assault and harassment. We will discuss the prevalence of these behaviours, who is most likely a victim or perpetrator, to what degree society has an influence on these behaviours, and how they affect the psychological well-being of the people involved.
Week 6 - Sex and Culture (No Specific Chapter) Human cultures can differ tremendously in the ways they express their sexuality. We will discuss to what degree these differences are based on different desires or on the rules and obligations that specific societies bring with them.
Week 7 - Attraction and Attractiveness (Chapter 8) To be a successful sex partner, you must, in most instances, attract a person. This lecture will explore the different biological, physical, and psychological ingredients that make us and our potential partners more or less attractive, and point to where men and women differ in these preferences.
Week 8 - Sexual Arousal and Dysfunctions (Chapters 3, 4, & 16) Our sex drive and sexual orientation have, on a physiological level, the purpose to enhance sexual arousal and prepare for reproduction. We will discuss how sexual arousal develops and is differently expressed in men and women, and the many ways in which arousal can be interrupted or enhanced.
Week 9 - Sexually Transmitted Diseases (Chapter 17) - When humans seek physical contact for sex, other organisms exploit the opportunity to spread their own genetic make-up. We will discuss several sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV, and point to their prevalence and mechanisms for preventions and cures.
Week 10 - Conclusion & Discussion - This lecture will be used to give an overview of what has been taught and to informally wrap up, either by showing a documentary on a topic discussed in class on by bringing in a guest speaker (e.g., a transgender man or woman) who will share his or her sexual experiences and desires with the class.
For all lectures, there will be audio recordings available on Listen Again, but due to copy right concerns there will be not visual recordings of presentations with photographs and videos. Handouts of powerpoint presentations will be on Moodle. This module aims to give an in-depth overview of the science of human sexuality. The emphasis is to explain and interpret systematic research and thereby touch on findings that might be different from the views that people have about their sexual desires in their every day lives. Thus, the goal of this module is to enhance critical thinking about a crucial feature of human life.
Sexuality is a fundamental function of human nature. This course will focus on the science of sex and thereby highlight several important areas. We will examine how our sexuality is shaped by nature and nurture. We will investigate why and how men and women differ in their sexuality. We will discuss how homosexuality can exist and we will explore less understood sexual desires. We will discuss the mechanisms behind sexual arousal and sexual dysfunctions. We will examine the causes and consequences of both sexual assault and harassment. Finally, we will discuss the prevalence and consequences of sexually transmitted diseases.
It is possible that some students will be uncomfortable with certain topics (for example sexual assault or harassment). In general, however, the possibility that students will be uncomfortable is low. Students who participate in surveys on trauma and sexuality do not find their involvement in these surveys more distressing than regular life events, and can find it emotionally rewarding to take part in these surveys (Yeater et al., 2012). This module will not go as far as asking you about your traumatic experiences, but rather inform you about findings related to this topic. From my experiences it is unlikely that students will be uncomfortable with being part of this module and consider it beneficial. However, in order to avoid discomfort I suggest the following:
- Read the below Syllabus very carefully. If there is a topic that you consider too uncomfortable to hear about I encourage you to NOT take the module.
Syllabus (chapters refer to the suggested reading below):
Week 1 - The Evolution of Sex (Chapters 1 & 2) I will explain why two sexes have evolved in most species and why, from an evolutionary point of view, this has been more successful than one sex, or more than two sexes. I will also discuss which strategies are, evolutionary, the best for mating and reproduction.
Week 2 - Sex Differences (Chapters 7 & 8) Males and females clearly differ in their sexual interests. I will contrast theories based on evolution with social theories and pitch them against each other. I will highlight whether the sex differences found in our cultures are true for other cultures if not for other species.
Week 3 - Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (Chapter 14) Some people are homosexual, which is a puzzle both from an evolutionary and social constructionist's perspective. We will discuss how homosexuality is expressed, how early signs of homosexuality may develop, and the possible causes are.
Week 4 - Atypical Sexuality (Chapter 15) Besides their sexual orientation, some people have strong but less commonly understood sexual preferences. We will discuss the ethology of these preferences and their consequences for the person who has them and those around him or her.
Week 5 - Sexual Harassment (Chapters 18 & 13) Amongst the most problematic sexual behaviours are sexual assault and harassment. We will discuss the prevalence of these behaviours, who is most likely a victim or perpetrator, to what degree society has an influence on these behaviours, and how they affect the psychological well-being of the people involved.
Week 6 - Sex and Culture (No Specific Chapter) Human cultures can differ tremendously in the ways they express their sexuality. We will discuss to what degree these differences are based on different desires or on the rules and obligations that specific societies bring with them.
Week 7 - Attraction and Attractiveness (Chapter 8) To be a successful sex partner, you must, in most instances, attract a person. This lecture will explore the different biological, physical, and psychological ingredients that make us and our potential partners more or less attractive, and point to where men and women differ in these preferences.
Week 8 - Sexual Arousal and Dysfunctions (Chapters 3, 4, & 16) Our sex drive and sexual orientation have, on a physiological level, the purpose to enhance sexual arousal and prepare for reproduction. We will discuss how sexual arousal develops and is differently expressed in men and women, and the many ways in which arousal can be interrupted or enhanced.
Week 9 - Sexually Transmitted Diseases (Chapter 17) - When humans seek physical contact for sex, other organisms exploit the opportunity to spread their own genetic make-up. We will discuss several sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV, and point to their prevalence and mechanisms for preventions and cures.
Week 10 - Conclusion & Discussion - This lecture will be used to give an overview of what has been taught and to informally wrap up, either by showing a documentary on a topic discussed in class on by bringing in a guest speaker (e.g., a transgender man or woman) who will share his or her sexual experiences and desires with the class.
- Module Supervisor: Gerulf Rieger