Chapter One
Exploring Human Sexuality: Past and
Present
Agenda
 Review Syllabus
Course Goals
Assignments/Responsibilities
 Introductions
Factors for Consideration
Discuss Reasons to Study Sexuality
Review Syllabus
Course Goals
 To understand the influence of biological,
psychological, and social factors on human sexuality.
 To develop skills to discuss sexuality-related subjects
maturely in appropriate situations.
 To maintain an academic distance/tolerance toward
sexual behaviors different from your own.
 To distinguish science from rhetoric/ideology in the
field of sexuality.
 To learn skills for accessing sexuality-related
information from reputable sources.
 To recognize and appreciate the importance of
sexuality across the lifespan.
 To develop the skills and attitudes necessary for
building respectful, intimate, loving relationships.
Assignments
 Complete Three Exams
Exam 1: June 21 (Chap 1, 2, 3, 7, 6, 11,
17, 18)
Exam 2: June 29 (Chap 5, 4, 10, 13, 12)
Exam 3: July 6 (Chap 14, 15, 8, 9)
 Complete Two Assignments
Compare Scholarly Journal to Internet
Search (Due June 18)
Reflect on Course (Due July 6)
Responsibilities
 Ask questions
 Participate in class activities
 View and discuss sexually explicit material
 Be respectful
There will be differences of opinion on
sensitive topics, but you must always be
respectful of others.
Do not engage in disruptive behaviors
Turn off your cell phone
Turn off your I-Pod
No not arrive late/leave early
Introductions
Exercise One: Introduce Yourself
 Introduce yourself to at least three people
sitting near you. Possible topics:
Where are you from?
Why are you taking this course?
What is your favorite guilty pleasure?
Exercise Two: Desensitization
Structure: discuss in small groups (3-5 per
group)
To help you become comfortable talking about
sexuality and using sex-related terms, discuss
the following:
Technical
Terms
Anatomy
Sexual
Behaviors
Slang Terms “Pet” Names
Factors to Consider in
Human Sexuality
Biological
Psychological
Cultural
Factors to Consider in
Human Sexuality
Biological
Psychological
Cultural
Biological Factors
 Physical differentiation.
 Sexual arousal has a physical component.
 Hormonal changes and physical health
influence sexuality.
Psychological Factors
 Sexual self-concept and gender identification
influence behaviors based on perceptions of
appropriateness.
 Sexual feelings are influenced by life
experiences. There are conscious and
unconscious influences.
 Self-esteem: sense of personal value
influences sexual feelings and behaviors.
Cultural Factors
 Concepts of sexuality vary from culture to
culture and era to era.
 Cultural norms influence behavior.
Reasons to Study Sexuality
Reasons
 Obtain factual knowledge: provide tools to
judge the validity of sexual information;
identify myths.
 Develop a positive sexual self-concept:
factual information and personal integration of
factual material can promote greater
understanding and self-acceptance.
 Improve communication: increase
vocabulary; reduce embarrassment; reduce
anxiety; develop ability and confidence to
express all aspects of our sexuality.
 What do you think?