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Course Syllabus

HFST 2800 Human Sexuality

  • Division: Social and Behavioral Science
  • Department: Education and Family Studies
  • Credit/Time Requirement: Credit: 3; Lecture: 3; Lab: 0
  • Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring
  • Semester Approved: Spring 2025
  • Five-Year Review Semester: Fall 2029
  • End Semester: Fall 2030
  • Optimum Class Size: 20
  • Maximum Class Size: 35

Course Description

Human Sexuality is an inter-disciplinary course exploring topics in biology, health, family studies, psychology and sociology. It provides an introduction to basic concepts of human sexuality, including anatomy, reproduction, and sexual response across the life-cycle.

Justification

Human Sexuality is a required course for major pathways including Human Development and Family Studies, Psychology, Marriage and Family Therapy and is an elective or suggested course for many biology, health/medical and life science major pathways.

Student Learning Outcomes

  1. Identify sexual anatomy and response patterns of adult males and females.
  2. Articulate the process of human reproduction as well as changes in sexuality across the life-cycle.
  3. Demonstrate knowledge of methods of contraception as well as prevention and treatment of STIs.
  4. Describe how gender roles influence human sexuality, and identify the variety of sexual orientations and identities.
  5. Analyze causes and treatments of sexual dysfunction.
  6. Articulate best practices in teaching human sexuality in the family, school, and community.

Course Content

Human Sexuality is an interdisciplinary course exploring topics in biology, health, family studies, psychology and sociology. It provides an introduction to basic concepts of human sexuality, including anatomy, reproduction, and sexual response across the life-cycle, sexual satisfaction in committed relationship, sexual functioning and dysfunction, gender roles, sexual orientation, and sexually transmitted disease with a strong emphasis on teaching sex education in the school systems, in the home, and in the community. Students will also examine sexuality from the perspective of ethics, committed relationships, religion, the law, the family, and education. Students will assess their own sexual attitudes and acquire information that should enable them to view their own sexuality and sexual intimacy as healthy and beneficial, make responsible sexuality decisions and, ultimately, prepare for or continue to have healthy sexual lives.