PSYC C251 – Human Sexuality
Summer 2010 Class Syllabus
PSYC C251 Human Sexuality – CRN# 50445
Instructor: Bianca Andersen
Required Text: Sexuality Today, 9th
edition by Kelly
Location: Room 236 (Main Building)
Course Description: PSYC C251
partially fulfills the social science general
Time: Tuesdays & Thursdays, 5:00-8:10
education requirement for an Associate
degree and will transfer to a four-year
Email: bianca.m.andersen@gmail.com
college or a university. This course covers
Phone: 760/977-7831
the complex and diverse physiological,
psychological, and socio-cultural aspects of human sexuality. Discussions include evaluation of
prominent theories, examination of academic research and exploration of current issues pertaining to
human sexuality. Issues in research methodology and applications will be addressed. Advisory:
Level 1 Reading, Level 1 Writing.
Course Objectives: Upon successful completion of the course, the student will be able to:
1) Identify and analyze personal beliefs and values about human sexuality.
2) Identify and describe sexuality and gender differences within physiological, psychological, and
social-cultural contexts.
3) Distinguish between physiological universals and cross-cultural variations in beliefs and
practices surrounding human sexuality.
4) Describe common reasons for misunderstandings and discomfort surrounding controversial
sexual issues.
5) Explain current research and issues in human sexuality while using appropriate language and
terminology.
6) Compare and contrast controversial issues relevant to human sexuality.
Student Evaluation Criteria
Journals
Midterm
Final
Paper
Group Project
150
200
200
250
200
Points
There’s a total of 1000 points possible in this class. Students have the opportunity to earn up to 100
extra credit points which is the equivalent of one whole letter grade.
Journals
Students are to provide a notebook in which they will reflectively respond to an assigned topic. Each
entry is worth 10 points, with the lowest score dropped at the end of the class.
Exams
There will be two take home exams, each worth 200 points. They will consist of 100 multiple choice
questions, 10 vocabulary questions and 10 short answer questions. Students will be given one week
to complete the test.
Paper
The paper is to be no less than 10 pages, must be APA formatted and include at least 3 scholarly
references. More details will be given in class. The paper is worth 250 points.
Group Project
Students will be assigned to a small group in which they will work together to prepare a group
presentation that will be shared with the rest of the class. More details will be given in class. The
group project is worth 200 points.
Plagiarism: The Academic Senate of Cerro Coso Community College enforces the District Policy
4F8G as the following:
Every instructor has the responsibility and authority for dealing with such instances of cheating
and plagiarism as may occur in class. An instructor who determines that a student has cheated
or plagiarized has a range of many option, which may be as severe as giving the student a
failing grade for the course. Furthermore, the student may face other penalties as stated in the
college’s Student Conduct Policy. Finally, it must be understood that a student who knowingly
aids in another student’s cheating e.g., permitting the other student to copy a paper or
examination question, is as guilty as the other of the offense. A student charged with cheating
or plagiarism is entitled to appeal that charge by means of the college’s Student Conduct
Policies and Procedures. (http://www.cerrocoso.edu/studentservices/steps/step03.htm)
Drop Dates: It is the student's responsibility to drop the course or for that matter any course. June 22
is the last day a student may request a refund. The final day to drop this course without any entry on
permanent record is by June 29. The last day to withdrawal with a W (Withdrawal) on permanent
record is by July 15. After this date, the student will receive the grade earned in the course.
Disclaimer: The instructor reserves the right to change this syllabus (including timeline of scheduled
assignments, readings, discussions and point break-down) due to the needs of the students and
unforeseen circumstances which may arise throughout the semester.
Disability Statement: If you have a learning disability which may require classroom or test
accommodations, please contact Cerro Coso's Special Services - Disabled Student Program and
Services (DSPS) by calling 760-384-6250. You will need to provide written documentation of your
disability. If you think you have a disability but currently have no documentation, DSPS may be able
to help you. All information will be kept confidential.
Proposed Class Outline
Dates
Topics
June 15, 2010
More than the Birds and the Bees (Ch. 1, 5)
Assignments
June 17, 2010
June 22, 2010
Sex: The Nuts and Bolts (Ch. 2, 3, 4, 18)
June 24, 2010
June 29, 2010
Sexual Development (Ch.6, 17, 8)
Paper Outline & Annotated
Bibliography Due
Sexuality in Adulthood (Ch. 7, 9, 10, 11)
Paper First Draft Due/In
class Peer Evaluation
Sexual Diversity (12, 13, 14)
Midterm Due
Sexuality in Society (14, 16)
Group Project Outline Due
Sexuality is Everywhere: Any questions?
Papers Due
Wrap up!
Final Due
July 01, 2010
July 06, 2010
July 08, 2010
July 13, 2010
July 15, 2010
July 20, 2010
July 22, 2010
July 27, 2010
July 29, 2010
August 03, 2010
August 05, 2010
Group Projects