PSY 217: Human Sexuality Syllabus
1
Colorado Community College System Syllabus
PSY 217 – Human Sexuality
Course Outline and Syllabus
Instructor:
Email:
Office Phone:
Division Phone:
Office Hours:
Course Description: Surveys physiological, psychological, and psychosocial aspects of human sexuality. Topics include
relationships, sexual identity, and sexual health. (PPCC Catalog).
Course Objective: Students should be able to demonstrate a thorough understanding of chapter concepts through successful
completion of assigned work exercises and examinations.
Course Competencies:
Competencies View:
I.
Name anatomical features and describe biological processes.
II.
Describe and explain the human sexual response.
III.
Describe sexual dysfunctions and causes and recognize treatment approaches.
IV.
Compare and contrast various sexual orientations.
V.
Identify and discuss various forms of sexual deviation.
VI.
Analyze social and legal trends.
(Community College Course Numbering System).
Course Topical Outline: Outline View:
I.
Anatomy and biology
II.
The human sexual response
III.
Sexual dysfunction
IV.
Sexual orientation
V.
Sexual deviance
VI.
Legal and social trends
(Community College Course Numbering System).
Prerequisites: This course requires the following prerequisites: 3 credits of General Psychology, completion of ENG 121 and REA
090 or placement at least at the next higher level on the Compass Test, SAT or ACT tests. In addition to the prerequisites listed
above, all transferable and Core courses require substantial independent reading of college level textbooks, course-based competencies
testing, a written component, and an oral participation and presentations. In order to be successful, you must meet the
prerequisites of completion of ENG 090 and REA 090 or placement at least at the next higher level on the Compass Test, SAT
or ACT tests. Students who attempt to take this class and have not met the prerequisites, fail the course! As an instructor, I know all
of us have experienced failure in the past, and psychologists have shown that repeated failure lowers self-esteem. If you do not meet
the prerequisites, you will be paying tuition, the cost of textbooks, attending the class, and fail the course. There is no need to have
this kind of failure experience. Everyone at Pikes Peak Community College wants you to succeed: that is why we have prerequisites
for courses. If you do not meet the prerequisites or don’t know if you do, you can go to the new student advising office, see your
academic advisor, or see me. We will be happy to look up your scores and assist you to select the classes where you can be
successful.
American With Disabilities Act (ADA): Any student eligible for and needing academic adjustments or accommodations because of
a disability is requested to speak with the instructor either before class begins or during the first week of class and contact the Office
of Accommodative Services and Instructional Support (OASIS) (540-7128). The following site will provide additional information
http://www.ppcc.edu/StudentServices/AccommodativeServicesAndInstructionalSupport/
* Syllabus may be adjusted during the class if necessary
PSY 217: Human Sexuality Syllabus
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Student Conduct Guidelines: You are expected to always do your own work. Academic dishonesty is defined as the unauthorized
use of assistance with intent to deceive a faculty member or another person assigned to evaluate work submitted to meet course and
program requirements. No food or drink is allowed in the classroom. Pagers/cell phones are a distraction to the learning environment
of others and must be turned off during class. Children are not allowed in the classroom. Review the policy on student conduct in the
college catalog or on the PPCC website http://www.ppcc.edu
Academic Rigor; Academic rigor means sustaining a learning environment that challenges students to attain high levels of
intellectual and technical skills in an ethical manner. Rigorous learning requires fortitude, persistence, preparation, hard work, and
zeal. Rigorous teaching requires a professional commitment to academic discipline and to inspiring students to develop their
knowledge and understanding. Such high performance at a demanding institution can lead to a successful and satisfying career.
Attendance and Participation
Participation in class activities is important. Class attendance is mandatory and will be taken at each class. Come, and come prepared.
I do not distinguish between excused and unexcused absences; therefore, a missed class is just that…a missed class. You cannot make
up this missed day. Any student who misses four classes may receive a failing grade. You are responsible for getting class notes
from another student. Under no circumstances will the instructor provide you with class notes. You can however come to office
hours to have material explained to you after you have gotten the class notes from another student and have read the material.
Snow Policy:
In the event that PPCC is officially closed due to weather, please call 576-7711 and press option #9 for closure confirmation; you can
assume that papers or presentations will be due the next time class meets after PPCC reopens.
Withdrawals:
Drop with a refund is possible during the first 15% of the semester. An official withdrawal may also be initiated by the student
through 80% of the term resulting in a grade of “W”. A “W” grade has no credit and is not computed in the GPA. If you simply stop
attending without officially withdrawing, a grade based on the total points earned will be assigned to you at the end of the semester as
per the grading policy listed in the syllabus. This will usually result in an F on your grade report and may not be changed to a W once
it is issued. Consult a current class schedule or the PPCC calendar http://www.ppcc.edu/AdmissionsEnrollment/CollegeCalendar/
for the exact dates.
Incomplete: An incomplete will be issued only if the student has completed more than 75% of the course requirements, and has an
emergency that cannot be resolved prior to the end of the semester. An incomplete is rarely issued and may pose some risk to your
GPA. ALL remaining work must be satisfactorily completed prior to the end of the next semester or a grade of F will be issued for the
course.
Keeping Copies: You are advised to make a copy of everything that you submit for evaluation in the event your materials are lost,
stolen or misplaced. You are also advised to keep everything that has been graded and returned to you.
Grading Procedure and Scale
Students’ accumulated points will be calculated relative to the number of points possible and grades will be assigned based on the
following grade scale. This is a noncompetitive grading scale that allows each and every student an equal opportunity to earn an “A”
in the class.
* Syllabus may be adjusted during the class if necessary
PSY 217: Human Sexuality Syllabus
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Assignments
Points
Percentage
6 Exams @ 25 points each
150
37%
Chapter Quizzes 13 @ 10 points each
130
32%
Writing Assignment
60
15%
3 Critical Thinking Assignments @ ~14 points
each
Oral Presentation
40
10%
25
6%
Total Points
405
100%
Letter Grade
A
B
C
D
F
Total Points
405 – 364
363 – 324
323 – 283
282 – 243
263 and below
TOTAL Polished Writing Assignments: 25%
Grade Points:
150 Points (37%): Six Exams @ 25 points each:
There will be six (6) exams during this course that will be taken using WebCT on the internet. You may test at your home computer
or in the computer lab. Classroom instruction will be given on how to use blackboard. Each exam must be taken as outlined in the
course schedule. Exams may consist of vocabulary words to be defined, multiple choice, true/false and/or essay questions.
Make-up Exams will only be offered under extenuating circumstances with PRIOR notification to the instructor and may be
essay format. If you do not contact the instructor prior to the administration of the exam and you are permitted to take a
make-up exam, 2 points will be deducted from your exam grade for each weekday day until you contact the instructor.
130 Points (32%): 13 Quizzes @ 10 points each:
For each chapter you are required to complete a chapter quiz. You will be allowed to complete the quizzes as many times as
necessary to obtain the grade you desire. The last attempt is the grade recorded in the grade book.
50 Points (15%): Writing Portfolio
1. Assignment:
A. Write a 5 to10 pages paper (not including the title page and reference page). Your task is to analyze and synthesize four peerreviewed journal articles with special attention paid to learning, cognition, human development and cultural
frameworks regarding human sexuality. Tell me if appropriate scientific methods and procedures were used, what
assumptions were made, what was the relevance (importance) of the study, if it will impact the knowledge base of the topic, on
the strengths and weaknesses of the article, how it might be improved, your analysis of the study, etc.. Do NOT use any quotes,
instead summarize the material.
B. Remember to use the American Psychological Association (APA) style.
2. This assignment is to be submitted on the date indicated on the “Course Calendar” form. Additionally, your paper will be graded
with respect to the following:
.
Mechanics:
 Style and composition - Is there an outline or design? Avoid too many qualifiers? Are sentences clear? Are margins correct?
Are needless words omitted?

Grammar and spelling - Are basic rules of grammar followed consistently? Are tenses of verbs used correctly? Are words
spelled correctly?

Language usage - is mature language used consistently? Are there any ideological clichés or jargon words to be avoided?

Punctuation - Does each sentence have correct punctuation?
* Syllabus may be adjusted during the class if necessary

PSY 217: Human Sexuality Syllabus
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Documentation of sources - Is the documentation form correct for sources? Are quotations correct? Does bibliography
support research? Is there any indication of plagiarism? To plagiarize means to “use and pass off as one’s own (the ideas
or writings of another)” (The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 1992).
Content:
 Topic/Theme/Question: Is it clear, concise, and specific, rather than global and generalized?

Development of ideas: Develop your thoughts clearly, logically, and specifically. Don't ramble and avoid being vague or
verbose. There should be evidence of responsible research.

Specific points made: Give reasons for your views, rather than making several unsupported statements.

Form and organization: Your paper should demonstrate a continuity of thought. It should include a short introduction,
central paragraphs, that expand your theme, and a concluding/integrating paragraph.

Depth of thinking: Write a paper showing that you have devoted adequate time and thought to its content, rather than
throwing it together at the last minute.
Critical Thinking Assignments (10%): Below you will find the critical thinking assignments. The paper should be typed,
doubled spaced and submitted in APA format. All other submissions will be given a grade of zero. Again let me remind you that
you that you will be graded in regard to mechanics and content:
Mechanics:
 Style and composition - Is there an outline or design? Avoid too many qualifiers? Are sentences clear? Are margins correct?
Are needless words omitted?

Grammar and spelling - Are basic rules of grammar followed consistently? Are tenses of verbs used correctly? Are words
spelled correctly?

Language usage - is mature language used consistently? Are there any ideological clichés or jargon words to be avoided?

Punctuation - Does each sentence have correct punctuation?

Documentation of sources - Is the documentation form correct for sources? Are quotations correct? Does bibliography
support research? Is there any indication of plagiarism? To plagiarize means to “use and pass off as one’s own (the ideas
or writings of another)” (The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 1992).
Content:
 Topic/Theme/Question: Is it clear, concise, and specific, rather than global and generalized?

Development of ideas: Develop your thoughts clearly, logically, and specifically. Don't ramble and avoid being vague or
verbose. There should be evidence of responsible research.

Specific points made: Give reasons for your views, rather than making several unsupported statements.

Form and organization: Your paper should demonstrate a continuity of thought. It should include a short introduction,
central paragraphs, that expand your theme, and a concluding/integrating paragraph.

Depth of thinking: Write a paper showing that you have devoted adequate time and thought to its content, rather than
throwing it together at the last minute.
Critical Thinking Assignment 1
Read one of the recent articles critiquing the sex-reassignment case previously reported by John Money (you will need to look for a
1997 issue of Time, Newsweek or Rolling Stone). Write a two to three page summary of the original case, the reports by Money, and
the current re-thinking, ending with their thoughts as to what the case has taught us about sex-reassignment AND research. You will
need to turn in a copy of your article(s) with your paper.
* Syllabus may be adjusted during the class if necessary
PSY 217: Human Sexuality Syllabus
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Critical Thinking Assignment #2
In the library you will find research articles that were cited in the “Ethnic Variations in Intimate Communications” article given out in
class. Read one of the articles, summarize the findings, then analyze and synthesize the information. In a one to two page papers tell
me how this information might affect you if you were in a relationship with someone from that culture.
Critical Thinking Assignment #3
Choose a topic of research relating to Human Sexuality that could be studied using the experimental method. In a one to two page
paper, provide a brief proposal for how you would set up an experiment on this topic: state a hypothesis, list IVs and DVs, and how
they would be controlled or measured, how many subjects and where would you get them.
Late Papers: Assignments are due at the beginning of class on the specified due date. No assignments will be accepted after that
time. If there are special circumstances surrounding an assignment and you feel that the assignment must be late, you must plead your
case PRIOR to the deadline. While it is unlikely that I will refuse an extended deadline (unless this is a pattern), late papers always
fail -- no questions asked or excuses accepted. In order to get an extension, you must provide to me, via email or voicemail, a
message asking for the extension and a new deadline you set for yourself. The message will serve as a record of request and approval
for both of us.
10 points (6%): Oral Presentation: Prepare a 20-minute presentation on your paper and your assigned chapter section. Review
the “Course Calendar” form to see when your chapter is to be covered in class. Your presentation is to be done on the day we
cover your chapter section in class.
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Oral Presentation of Group Project Grading Criteria
Criteria
Communicates Content
Are you prepared and well organized with accurate information?
Do the rules make sense?
Does the material flow or is it hard to follow?
Reaches Audience Through Media
Creativity
Uses multimodal media (2 or more) – charts, models, handouts, overheads, 3D objects, role
playing…
Uses technologically advanced media
Quality/readability (large BOLD font on charts…)
Materials integrated into presentation
Effective Delivery
10
Engages audience in a variety of styles (at least 2) – lectures, ask questions, directs exercises…
Distinguishes own ideas from reported information
Shows awareness of audience’s knowledge and values
Avoids use of speech fillers (ah, uh, you know, like…)
Avoids physical distracters (finger tapping, shuffling…)
Speaks on his/her feet (does not read, recite, hold papers)
Uses voice variety (enthusiasm, volume, speed)
Uses body responses appropriately (eye contact, smile…)
Uses appropriate linguistics (pronunciation, grammar)
Total Possible Points
Points
3
3
* Syllabus may be adjusted during the class if necessary
PSY 217: Human Sexuality Syllabus
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Legend:
Yellow = Exams
Pink = Writing Assignments
Blue = Unit Assignments
Human Sexuality Course Outline, Spring 2007
Month
January
January
January
February
February
Date
16
19
26
2
7
Day
M
R
R
R
T
Topic and Reading Assignment
Course Begins on Blackboard
Course Introduction
Chapter 1: Sexuality: Yesterday and Today
Chapter 2: Research Methods in Sexuality
Unit 1 Due by 11: 00 a.m.
Chapter 1 & 2 Quizzes
Discussion Unit 1
Exam 1
February
9
R
Chapter 3: Sexual and Reproductive Anatomy
February
14
T
Writing Portfolio - Assignment #1 Article Approval by 11:00 a.m.
February
16
R
Chapter 4: Physiology of Sexual Arousal and Response
February
21
T
Unit 2 Due by 11:00 a.m.
Chapter 3 & 4 Quizzes
Discussion Unit 2
Critical Thinking #1
Exam #2
February
23
R
Chapter 5: Gender Roles and Sexuality
March
2
R
Chapter 6: Sexual Orientation
March
7
T
Unit 3 Due by 11:00 a.m.
Chapter 5 & 6 Quizzes
Discussion Unit 3
Critical Thinking #2
Exam #3
March
9
R
Chapter 7: Intimacy and Love
March
14
T
Writing Portfolio - Assignment # 2 Paper Due due by 11:00 a.m.
March
16
R
Chapter 8: Sensual Communication and Techniques
March
21
T
Unit 4 Due by 11:00 a.m.
Chapter 7 & 8 Quizzes
Discussion Unit 4
Critical Thinking #3
Exam #4
March
23
R
Chapter 9: Conception, Pregnancy, and Childbirth
March
30
R
Spring Break - No Class
April
4
T
Oral Presentation Day
April
6
R
Chapter 10: Contraception and Abortion
April
11
T
Unit 5 due by 11:00 a.m.
Chapter 9 & 10 due
Discussion Unit 5
Exam #5
April
13
R
Chapter 12: Sexual Development in Adulthood
April
20
R
Chapter 13: Sexual Dysfunctions
April
27
R
Chapter 14: Sexually Transmissible Infections
April
4
R
Unit 6 Due by 11:00 a.m. No class
Chapter 12, 13 & 14 Quizzes
Discussion Unit 6
Exam #6
* February 6, 2007 is the last day to drop with a refund
* April 20, 2007 is the last day to withdraw
For more information please consult a current class schedule or the PPCC calendar
http://www.ppcc.edu/AdmissionsEnrollment/CollegeCalendar/
* Syllabus may be adjusted during the class if necessary