PSY 486 —Fall 2013
Texas A&M University Central Texas
Department of Psychology & Counseling
PSY 486.115 Psychology of Human Sexuality
Instructor: Mee-Gaik Lim, Ph.D. LMFT, LPC
Office: Offsite
Phone: 830-620-7142
Email: Meegaik.lim@park.edu
Offsite Office Hours: Monday-Thursday, 9:00-2:00pm
Class Times: Online
Dates: Aug 26-Oct 18, 2013
Mode of instruction and course access:
This course will be conducted using a variety of instructional methods and learning activities,
including but not limited to discussion boards, exams, written activities, assigned readings,
online activities, and virtual lectures.
This course is a 100% online course and uses TAMUCT/Tarleton State University’s Blackboard
system: http://blackboard.tarleton.edu. You will use your University ID (UID) and the 6-digit
University PIN to logon to this system.
Student-instructor interaction:
I generally log into Blackboard daily from Monday to Friday to respond to your posts. Feel free
to ask class related questions via the courseroom email or you can reach me at
meegaik.lim@park.edu or by phone 830.620.7142.
Check the course website at least four times per week. Students are expected to spend 6-8 hours
per week for successful completion of course requirements.
UNILERT:
Emergency Warning System for Texas A&M University – Central Texas
UNILERT is an emergency notification service that gives Texas A&M University-Central Texas
the ability to communicate health and safety emergency information quickly via email and text
message. By enrolling in UNILERT, university officials can quickly pass on safety-related
information, regardless of your location. Please enroll today at http://TAMUCT.org/UNILERT
1.0
Course Overview and description: Psychology of sexual behavior as related to social
conduct. This course explores the field's diversity, controversy, and newest research-helping students to evaluate and understand their own unique experiences in sexuality.
Topics are presented in a manner that is accurate, accessible, balanced, and nonjudgmental. This course thoroughly explores the historical, biological, psychosocial,
behavioral, and cultural aspects of human sexuality.
2.0
Course Objective:
By the end of this course, students should be able to:
1. Discuss historical and cultural influences on contemporary sexual attitudes. [Mod 1]
2. Discuss methodology and ethical issues in sex research. [Mod 1]
3. Differentiate between sex and gender and explain how perceptions of gender affect
sexuality. [Mod 2]
4. Discuss "nature versus nurture" as it relates to gender identity and sexual orientation.
[Mod 2]
5. Identify basic aspects of male and female sexual anatomy and sexual arousal. [Mod 2]
6. Discuss cross-cultural perspectives on homosexuality and outline how attitudes toward
homosexuality have evolved over time. [Mod 3]
7. Explain the importance of communication in sexual relationships and identify helpful
communication techniques. [Mod 3]
8. Discuss infertility, reproductive alternatives, and compare advantages and
disadvantages of available contraceptives. [Mod 4]
9. Discuss sexual behavior in childhood, adolescence, and adulthood. [Mod 4]
10. Discuss various sexual problems among men and women, including a discussion of
how common they are, and distinguish between generalized and situational sexual
problems. [Mod 5]
11. Discuss types of sexually transmitted diseases and identify effective methods to
reduce the likelihood of contracting a STD. [Mod 5]
12. Distinguish between noncoercive and coercive paraphilias. [Mod 6]
13. Discuss false beliefs regarding rape. [Mod 6]
Required Reading and Textbook:
3.0
Required Reading and Textbook(s):
Crooks, R.L. & Baur, K. (2014). Our Sexuality (12th Ed.). Cengage
ISBN: 9781133943419
4.0
Course Requirements:
4.1 Online Discussions (20 pts each wk; 140 pts total)
Students will complete two online discussions each week. Students are expected to check
the online class at least three to four times each week and complete weekly assignments.
This averages out to be about10-12 hrs per week of online activities, navigating and
conducting research over the web. All initial posts have to be submitted by noon each
Friday and responses to other students be submitted by noon each Sunday.
Note: Students will receive 10 pts for completing the Discussion Questions and 10 pts for
complete the Journal Review (7 pts for initial responses and 3 pts for responding to other
students).
4.2 Self-reflection Paper (50 pts)
Students will write a self-reflection paper. The length of the paper may range from 3-5
pages. These papers should focus on your position on the issue and you can support your
position with citation sources. Topics for self-reflection:
 Dating bill of rights
 Portraits of healthy sexuality
 Building blocks of healthy relationship
 Intimacy 101
 ABCs to healthy sexual etiquette
 Topic of choice
4.3 Power Point or Prezi Presentation (100 pts)
Select a topic of interest from the list below. Put together a power point or Prezi
presentation that will help educate a community group or non-profit organization or a
group of high school students about the selected topic. Ensure that there are at least 20
slides in the presentation. Remember to give credit to sources used.
(Note: You are not required to present the ppt to any group unless you want to do so)
Topic List:
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Building blocks to nurture children’s questions about sex and sexuality
Creating a sexually healthy society
Effective ways to discuss sex with children and teens
ABCs to setting healthy sexual boundaries
Keys to creating healthy dating practices for teens
Straight talk to teens about sexting
Roadmaps to maintaining sexual vitality in relationships
Strengthening a differentiated sexual identity
Self-portrait of a healthy sexual self
Strategies to build intimacy in relationships
Sensate focus 101
Healthy dating and safe sex practices for seniors
Topic of choice
4.4 Examination (100 pts)
Students will complete a final exam that will cover relevant content from the assigned
readings listed in the syllabus. Questions will be drawn from textbook readings. The exam
will be an open book and notes, but must be completed independently.
5.0
Grading Rubric and Scale:
A 100-90 points
B 89-80
C 79-70
D 69-60
F 59-0
Criteria
Poor (0-80)
Good (80-90)
Excellent (90-100)
Format/Layout
Presentation of the text;
Structuring of text;
Follows requirements of
length, font and style.
Fails to follow
requirements related to
format and layout.
Somewhat follows the
requirements related to
format and layout. Some
requirements are not
followed.
Closely follows all the
requirements related to
format and layout.
Content/Information All
elements of the topics are
addressed.
The essay is not objective
and fails to address the
issues referred in the
proposed topic.
Information provided is
not sufficient to discuss
these issues.
The essay is objective and
addresses an in- depth
analysis of all the issues.
Information provided is
sufficient to discuss these
issues.
Quality of Writing
Clarity of sentences and
paragraphs; Accurate
spelling and grammar;
Logical and coherent flow
of ideas.
The essay is not well
written, and contains many
spelling errors and/or
grammar errors. Essay
lacks organization, clarity,
and ideas are not presented
in a coherent manner.
Fails to use scholarly
references. References are
not effectively used and/or
correctly cited according
to APA format.
The essay is objective and
for the most part addresses
with an in depth analysis
most of the issues referred
in the proposed topic. The
provided information is,
for the most part,
sufficient to discuss these
issues.
The essay is well written
for the most part, with
minimal spelling and/or
grammar errors. Essay is
somewhat organized, clear
and ideas are presented in
a coherent manner.
Most of the references
used are scholarly
references. Most of the
references are effectively
used and/or correctly cited
according to APA format.
References and use of
references Scholarly level
of references;
Effective use of references
and/or correctly cited
according to
APA format.
The essay is well written
without spelling and/or
grammar errors. The essay
is well organized, clear
and ideas are presented in
a coherent manner.
All the references used are
scholarly references. All
the references are
effectively used and/or
correctly cited according
to APA format.
6.0
Posting of Grades:
Grade book will be updated each Monday morning. Grades for Weekly Assignments and
Papers will be posted the Monday following the due date
7.0
TECHNOLOGY REQUIREMENTS AND SUPPORT
7.1
Technology Requirements
For a guide to use Blackboard, refer to
http://online.tarleton.edu/fac_dev/applications/student_blackboard. If this is the first time
you are taking a course that uses Blackboard, I recommend you complete all topics in this
tutorial. The first week of the course includes activities and assignments that will help
you get up to speed with the navigation, sending and receiving messages and discussion
posts, and submitting an assignment. Your ability to function within Blackboard system
will facilitate your success in this course.
Upon first logon to Blackboard, run a browser check
http://online.tarleton.edu/Dual/computersettings.htm to be sure that your computer and
browser settings are correct for Blackboard to function well. This is a CRITICAL step as
these settings are important for when you take an exam or submit an assignment.
Technology issues are not an excuse for missing a course requirement – make sure your
computer is configured correctly and address issues way before deadlines.
7.2
Technology Support
For technological or computer issues, students should contact the Online Instructional
Support Desk:
Email: support.citde@tarleton.edu
Phone: 254-968-1960 or
Toll Free: 866-744-8900 - Option 3
For issues related to course content and requirements, contact your professor..
8.0
Course Calendar
Wk 1
Ch 3 Female Sexual Anatomy and Physiology
Aug 26-Sept 1 Ch 4 Male Sexual Anatomy and Physiology
Wk 2
Sept 2-8
Ch 5 Gender Issues
Ch 6 Sexual Arousal and Response
Wk 3
Sept 9-15
Ch 7 Love and Communication
Wk 4
Sept 16-22
Ch 8 Sexual Behaviors
Ch 9 Sexual Orientations
Wk 5
Sept 23-29
Ch 10 Contraception
Ch 11 Conceiving Children
Wk 6
Sept 30-Oct 6
Ch 12 Sexuality During Childhood and
Adolescence
Ch 13 Sexuality and the Adult Years
Wk 7
Oct 7-13
Ch 14 Sexual Difficulties and Solutions
Ch 15 Sexually Transmitted Infections
Wk 8
Oct 14
Final Due by NOON MONDAY, Oct 14TH
Self-Reflection Paper
Power Point or Prezi
Presentation
Final Exam
COURSE AND UNIVERSITY PROCEDURES AND POLICIES
9.0
Drop Policy
If you discover that you need to drop this class, you must go to the Records Office and
ask for the necessary paperwork. Professors cannot drop students; this is always the
responsibility of the student. The record’s office will provide a deadline for which the
form must be returned, completed and signed. Once you return the signed form to the
records office and wait 24 hours, you must go into Duck Trax and confirm that you are
no longer enrolled. Should you still be enrolled, FOLLOW-UP with the records office
immediately? You are to attend class until the procedure is complete to avoid penalty for
absence. Should you miss the deadline or fail to follow the procedure, you will receive an
F in the course.
10.0
Academic Integrity
Texas A&M University - Central Texas expects all students to maintain high standards of
personal and scholarly conduct. Students guilty of academic dishonestly are subject to
disciplinary action. Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, cheating on an
examination or other academic work, plagiarism, collusion, and the abuse of resource
materials. The faculty member is responsible for initiating action for each case of
academic dishonestly. More information can be found
at www.tamuct.org/studentconduct.
11.0 Disability Support Services
Texas A&M University – Central Texas complies with Section 504 of the
Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.
TAMUCT promotes the use of the Principles of Universal Design to ensure that
course design and activities are accessible to the greatest extent possible.
Students who require reasonable accommodations based on the impact of a
disability should contact Gail Johnson, Disability Support Coordinator at
(254) 501-5831 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (254) 501-5831
end_of_the_skype_highlighting in Student Affairs, Office 114E. The Disability Support
Coordinator is responsible for reviewing documentation provided by students
requesting accommodations, determining eligibility for accommodations,
helping students request and use accommodations, and coordinating
accommodations.
Gail Johnson
Disability Support Coordinator - Office 114E Texas A&M University - Central
Texas Student Affairs
1001 Leadership Place
Killeen, Tx. 76549
Office: (254)501-5831 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (254)501-5831
end_of_the_skype_highlighting
Fax: (254)519-5797
Email: g.johnson@ct.tamus.edu
Website: http://www.ct.tamus.edu/departments/academicsupport/disability.php
12.0 Smarthinking
Online tutoring platform that enables TAMU-CT students to log-in and receive FREE
online tutoring and writing support. This tool provides tutoring in Mathematics, Writing,
General and Organic Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Introduction to Human Anatomy and
Physiology, Accounting, Economics, Introductory Finance, Spanish, and Statistics.
Students will have access to Smarthinking after 5:00pm on the 4th class day. Students
may gain access by going to smarthinking.com and entering in their University Student
ID as their username and Birthday (mmddyyyy) as their password. Once you log-in, you
have the option to change your log-in information. If you have difficulties contact
Student Affairs at 254-519-572110.
13.0 Library Services
Information literacy focuses on research skills which prepare individuals to live and
work in an information-centered society. Librarians will work with students in the
development of critical reasoning, ethical use of information, and the appropriate use of
secondary research techniques. Help may include, yet is not limited to: exploration of
information resources such as library collections and services, identification of subject
databases and scholarly journals, and execution of effective search strategies. Library
Resources are outlined and accessed at.
http://www.tarleton.edu/centraltexas/departments/library/
14.0
Any instructor policies related to absence, grading, etc.
1. Students are expected to check the online class at least 4 times each week and
complete weekly assignments. Be sure to POST YOUR RESPONSES BY NOON OF
EACH FRIDAY.
2. Students are to complete 6-8 hrs per week of online activities, including posting
responses, sending/receiving email and navigating and conducting research over the web.
3. Student participation is critical to the success of this class. To be a successful online
learner, you must be highly self-motivated. You will be graded on your meaningful
contributions to the discussion boards. The discussion board is where you and the
instructor make the class come alive, so be sure to participate early and often. . Simply “I
agree” or “I disagree” is not meaningful. Be sure to carefully read and follow the
instructions posted with each discussion. These will relate to the textbook that you will
be reading.
4. Do check your grades regularly to track your progress in class.
5. Conventions of "on-line etiquette" which include courtesy to all users will be observed.
15.0
The Operation of the Online Course and Being an Online Student
Online learning requires students to be very self-disciplined, be sure you understand and
are prepared to comply with all required class assignments and deadlines. Weekly
Discussions runs from Monday morning through Sunday midnight.