Spring Semester, 1997
Human Sexuality, PSYC 240
Thursday 6:30 - 9:00 PM
May Hall 301
Professor: Andrew McGarva, Ph.D.
Office phone: 227-2519, e-mail: amcgarva@eagle.dsu.nodak.edu
Office Hours: Kleinfelter 227, see attached for hours (or by appointment)
Required Text:
-- Dimensions of Human Sexuality, 4th Edition; Byer & Shainberg (WCB Brown & Benchmark, 1994).
Course Information
This course will cover a variety of topics relating to human sexuality, including sex research, sexual anatomy and physiology, sexually transmitted disease, sexuality across the lifespan, reproduction, relationships, homosexuality, love and intimacy, pleasuring, alternative sex practices, pornography, prostitution, pregnancy and birth control. Special attention will be given to the presentation of factual information with the intent to provide students with the ability to make informed decisions about their own sexual behavior and ethical values.
Lecture material will often be supplemental to what you will find in the text. That is, since there will be little overlap between lecture and text materials, you will need to understand both lecture notes and readings in order to well in this class.
Course Goals and Requirements
This course is intended to provide a foundational understanding of human sexuality. It should foster the ability to think critically about psychological issues as they pertain to sexual behavior. Students are expected to put in two hours of out-of-class study for every hour of in-class time. Because this is a 3 credit hour class you should spend about six hours each week outside of class reading, reviewing lecture notes, and working on papers for this course. Some students may need more, some less to do well in this course.
From time to time I will begin class by asking questions of randomly chosen students based on the reading due for that day. The purpose of this is to enforce your reading of the text; it is for your own good.
I will not take roll BUT tests will be composed of questions about material not only from readings but also from lectures. Therefore, your grade for the course will indirectly reflect your attendance.
Grading
Final grades will be based on an overall point system where:
280-300 = A 220-230 = C (average)
270-280 = A- 210-220 = C-
260-270 = B+ 200-210 = D+
250-260 = B 190-200 = D
240-250 = B- 180-190 = D-
230-240 = C+ 179 or lower = F
Your total at the end of the semester will be the summation of points earned on four exams and three papers.
Exams
Four (4) noncumulative tests, each counting for sixty (60) points, will be given on material presented in class and in the assigned readings from the text. These tests will be made up of multiple choice, short-answer, and essay questions. Be sure to bring a #2 pencil and a pen.
The fourth exam will be administered during finals week.
Paper
A single 5-10 page paper will be assigned, counting for sixty (60) points. It will be graded on content as well as on writing quality. The details of this paper will be discussed in class.
Papers must be either typed or word processed. Also, because I believe that adhering to deadlines is a skill that one should aquire in the course of earning a college degree, late papers will be penalized.
Cheating
Students caught cheating on tests or plagiarizing on papers will receive a zero for that test or paper. Bottom line: DON'T CHEAT!
Course Calendar Topic Text (pages) January 8 Introduction -- Jan. 15 Sex Research & Values 2 - 47 Jan. 22 Communication and Love 48 - 101 Jan. 29 Exam 1 & Biological Development 322 - 339 February 5 Male and Female Sexual Anatomy 102 - 153 Feb. 12 Sexually Transmitted Diseases 154 - 189 Feb. 19 Sexual Response & Pleasuring 190 - 261 Feb. 26 Exam 2 & Sexual Therapy 292 - 321 March 5 Sexual Disability & Gender Rolls 262 - 291, 340 - 367 March 12 Sexual Orientation & Sexual Development 368 - 425 March 19 Spring Break (no class) March 26 Adult Sexuality & Aging 426 - 477 April 2 Exam 3 & Contraception 478 - 517 April 9 Pregnancy & Parenthood 518 - 565 April 16 Variant Sexual Behavior & Media 566 - 613 April 23 Sexual Violence & Power 614 - 644 April 30 Paper Presentation Exam 4 -- date to be announced