SW/PSY 356: Perspectives on Human Sexuality
University of Portland
Social Work Program
Fall 2013
Email: rogers@up.edu
Dr. Anissa Rogers, L.C.S.W., M.A.
BC 140 x7304; e-mail: rogers@up.edu
Office Hours: M 12-2; T 10-11; or by appt.
Course Resources : Moodle and
http://wordpress.up.edu/rogers/
Course Description
This course will provide students with varying perspectives on human sexuality. Through film, reading,
class discussion, and guest lecturers, students will explore sexuality from historical, biological, psychological,
developmental, sociological, and cultural contexts. Attention will be given to how different perspectives on sexuality
may affect individuals and the larger society.
Course Objectives By the conclusion of this course, students will be able to:
1.) Articulate various perspectives, including those based on empirical research, on human sexuality.
2.) Recognize and manage personal values about sexuality in a way that allows professional values to guide
work with people around sexuality issues. (Program Objective 2, Competency 2[a])
3.) Demonstrate effective oral and written communication. (Program Objective 2, Competency 3[b])
4.) With regard to bodily difference, recognize the extent to which a culture’s structures and values may shape
life experiences as well as oppress, marginalize, alienate, or create or enhance privilege and power.
(Program Objective 3, Competency 4[a])
5.) Identify ways in which forms and mechanisms of oppression and discrimination are perpetuated through
perspectives on human sexuality. (Program Objective1, Competency 5[a])
Required Texts
Human Sexuality: Diversity in Contemporary America (8 th ed.) (2013). Yarber, W. L. & Sayad, B. W. M.
McGraw-Hill Publishers: NY.
Middleton, D. R. (2002). Exotics and erotics: Human cultural and sexual diversity. Prospect Heights, IL:
Waveland Press. (Middleton)
Selected required, recommended, and resource readings on reserve. (reserved)
Course Requirements
1. Short Papers (Course Objectives: all)
Students will write two short papers (3-4 pages) integrating course readings with their personal reactions and
experiences. One paper will be guided by a question given by the instructor, and one paper will be written on an
outside activity chosen by the student. These papers will allow students to critically think about course content.
Examples of activities include films, seminars, presentations, or community events that relate to course content (a
list of events and films are posted on the course web site). Papers will be graded on the following:
-Exploration and depth of student’s reactions to the topic (25 points)
-Quality and thoroughness of integration of course material with reactions (25 points)
2. Research Paper (Course Objectives: all)
Students will write an eight to ten page research paper that will be due toward the end of the semester. This
paper will focus on the exploration of an area of sexuality. The content of the paper should include a scholarly,
objective discussion of the topic (e.g., what is known about the subject, what are the facts, statistics, etc. on the
subject), which will be contrasted by a discussion of “popular” views, myths, or stereotypes of the topic. The latter
part of the discussion can be based on personal experiences, observations, media messages, etc. Finally, the paper
should include an analysis of how well the research coincides with popular knowledge and what may be accounting
for discrepancies or similarities. For example, if popular beliefs dictate that sexual dysfunction is shameful, but
research posits that dysfunctions are easily treated and should not involve shame for the patient and his/her loved
one, what may account for the weight that popular knowledge carries, particularly in light of the increasing numbers
of ads shown for products such as Viagra? What aspects of our culture (past or present) might be contributing to the
perpetuation of views that problems such as impotence should be embarrassing? Another approach could be to ask
and explore why impotence is even viewed as a “problem” or a “dysfunction.” A total of ten references must be
included in the paper; at least five of these references must be from scholarly journals. No more than three
(reputable) Internet sources will be accepted. Papers will be graded according to the following:
-depth and quality of research covered (75 points)
-discussion of popular attitudes and beliefs (50 points)
-analysis of discrepancies between research and popular views (50 points)
-quality of writing (grammar, clarity, organization, etc.), citations, bibliography (25 points)
This assignment must be submitted using Turnitin. To do this, you can upload your paper through Turnitin on
Moodle. No need to turn in a hard copy.
3. Exams (Course Objectives 2, 3, 4)
Three exams will be given throughout the semester. The format for these exams will be multiple choice and
essay. The third is a take home exam. Study guides will be posted on the course web site.
4. Participation (Course Objectives: all)
The learning process for the above objectives will take place in a seminar format augmented by guest
Speakers, films, and in-class exercises. I expect you to prepare for class; be present in class both in mind and body;
act respectfully towards your peers, instructor, and guest speakers (both verbally and nonverbally); turn off and put
away all phones, computers, iPads, etc.; and contribute to the learning process and environment by actively
participating in class discussions and by treating ideas that challenge you as opportunities to learn. Should you need
to use a computer in class, please ask for permission. Students who have more than one unexcused absence and/or
who do not participate in class can expect lower grades. If students need to be excused from class, they are
encouraged to contact the instructor.
Statement of Inclusion
Dr. Rogers values diversity, inclusion, and integrity. For everyone to thrive and excel, classroom communities
must preserve the freedom of thought and expression of all its members. A culture of civility and mutual respect that
honors the rights, safety, dignity, and worth of every individual is essential to preserve such freedom. Dr. Rogers
affirms respect for the rights and well-being of all members including a commitment to:
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respect the dignity and essential worth of all individuals
promote a culture of respect in the classroom and throughout the university community
respect the privacy, property, and freedom of others
reject bigotry, discrimination, violence, or intimidation of any kind
practice personal and academic integrity and expect it from others
promote the diversity of opinions, ideas, and backgrounds that is the lifeblood of the university
Policy on Late Work
Points will be deducted from papers and other work for each day they are late. After three days, NO work will
be accepted. Students will not be allowed to make up work unless arrangements are made ahead of time or an
emergency has occurred that prevents students from completing work. In cases of emergencies, students must
contact the instructor as soon as possible to make appropriate arrangements.
Grading
Grade Scale
Take Home Short Papers (2)
12%
100 points (50 each)
100-93 A
79-77 C+
Research Paper
25%
200 points
92-90 A76-73 C
Exams (3)
38%
300 points (100 each)
89-87 B+
72-70 CParticipation
25%
200 points
86-83 B
69-67 D+
Total
100%
800 points
82-80 B66-63 D
62-60 DTentative Class Schedule
8/26
Course Overview
Class Exercises
Discussion on perspectives on sexuality
8/28
Reading:
Human Sexuality, Chpt 1, Perspectives on Human Sexuality
Class Exercises
9/2
Reading:
Human Sexuality, Chpt 2, Studying Human Sexuality
9/4
Reading:
Guest:
Human Sexuality, Chpt. 3, Female Sexual Anatomy, Physiology, and Response
Dr. Marzucco
9/9
Reading:
Guest:
Human Sexuality, Chpt 3 continued
Dr. Marzucco
9/11
Reading:
Guest:
Human Sexuality, Chpt 4, Male Sexual Anatomy, Physiology, and Response
Dr. Marzucco
9/16
Reading:
Middleton:
Reserved:
Human Sexuality, Chpt 4 continued
Sex Patterns
Fixing Broken Masculinity
9/18
Reading:
Human Sexuality, Chpt. 14, Sexual Function Difficulties, Dissatisfaction,
Enhancement, and Therapy
9/23
Exam #1
9/25
Film:
Reading:
Middleton:
Southern Comfort (90 minutes)
Heterosexism in America
Sexual Issues
9/30
Reading:
Middleton:
Film:
Human Sexuality, Chpt 5, Gender and Gender Roles
Culture, Self, and Sex
My Body, Myself (15 mins)
10/2
Reading:
Film:
Human Sexuality, Chpt 5 continued
He/She (10 mins)
Short Paper #1 Due (Turn in on Moodle by 6:00 pm)
10/7
Film:
Options: Changing Sexes (52 mins) /Multiple Genders: Mind and Body in
Conflict
10/9
Guest:
Dr. Tuan Nguyen, Surgeon
10/14-16
Fall Break
10/21
Film:
Reserved:
Daddy and Papa (57 mins)
Sissy Boy, Progressive Parents
Becoming a Heterosexual Adult: The Experiences of Young Women
“Dude, You’re a Fag”
10/23
Reading:
Reading:
Reserved:
Human Sexuality, Chpt 6, Sexuality in Childhood and Adolescence
Human Sexuality, Chpt 7, Sexuality in Adulthood
Making Her Invisible: Cultural Representations of Lesbianism
10/28
Guest:
GLBT panel from Gay & Grey
10/30
Film:
Still Doing It (54 mins)
11/4
Reading:
Human Sexuality, Chpt 8, Love and Communication in Intimate Relationships
Human Sexuality, Chpt 9, Sexual Expression
11/6
11/11
Exam #2
Reading:
Human Sexuality, Chpt 10, Variations in Sexual Behavior
Human Sexuality, Chpt 18, Sexually Explicit Materials, Prostitution, and Sex
Laws
11/13
Guest:
Reserved:
Middleton:
Jeri Williams
Sex as a Social Problem
The Sexual Body
Regulating Sex: Incest Taboos, Marriage, and Descent
Short Paper #2 Due (Turn in on Moodle by 6:00 pm)
11/18
Reading:
Human Sexuality, Chpt 11, Contraception and Birth Control
11/20
Film:
Guest:
The Business of Being Born (84 mins) or
Holly Schulles, founder, Birthingway College of Midwifery
11/25
Reading:
Human Sexuality, Chpt 12, Conception, Pregnancy, and Childbirth
11/27
Reading:
Human Sexuality, Chpt 13, The Body in Health and Illness
Research Paper Due (Turn in on Moodle by 6:00 pm)
12/2
Reading:
Human Sexuality, Chpt 15, Sexually Transmitted Infections
Human Sexuality, Chpt 16, HIV and AIDS
12/4
Reading:
Human Sexuality, Chpt 17, Sexual Coercion: Harassment, Aggression, and
Abuse
12/12
Finals Week
Exam #3
Thursday, 1:30-3:30
UP’s Code of Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is openness and honesty in all scholarly endeavors. The University of Portland is a scholarly
community dedicated to the discovery, investigation, and dissemination of truth and to the development of the whole
person. Membership in this community is a privilege, requiring each person to practice academic integrity at its
highest level, while expecting and promoting the same in others. Breaches of academic integrity will not be tolerated
and will be addressed by the community with all due gravity.
Assessment Disclosure Statement
Student work products for this course may be used by the University for educational quality assurance purposes.
Disabilities Statement
If you have a disability and require an accommodation to fully participate in this class, contact the Office for
Students with Disabilities (OSWD), located in the University Health Center (503-943-7134), as soon as possible. If
you have an OSWD Accommodation Plan, you should make an appointment to meet with me to discuss your
accommodations. Also, you should meet with me if you wish to discuss emergency medical information or special
arrangements in case the building must be evacuated.
The Learning Resource Center
The Learning Resource Center, located in Franz 119 and 120, houses the Writing Center, Math Resource Lab,
Speech Resource Center, and the International Language Lab. The Writing Center is open by appointment and
works to support professors and students as they write across the disciplines. To schedule an appointment, call (503)
943-8157 or email writing@up.edu. The Math Resource Lab offers tutoring to students studying mathematics
Sunday through Thursday. Help with math is available on a walk-in basis or, to schedule an appointment, call (503)
943-8157. The Speech Resource Center is open by appointment to assist students who wish to fine-tune their public
speaking skills. To schedule an appointment, call (503) 943-7229. The International Language Lab offers computers
and software for language learning supported by international language and cultures courses. Language Lab
computers are available on a drop-in basis during regular LRC hours. For information about the Language Lab, call
(503) 943-7239 or email looney@up.edu. For International Language & Cultures tutors, call (503) 943-8342 or
email inanb@up.edu.