Psychology Department
State University of West Georgia
M, W2:00 p.m. – 3:15 p.m.
Spring, 2003
Instructor: Daniel A. Helminiak, Ph.D., Ph.D.
Office: Melson 203 Phone: 838-3035 (404-581-0500)Email: dhelmini@westga.edu
Office hours: M, W: 11 a.m. – 1:45 p.m., 5:15 – 7 p.m.; and by appointment
The topic of this course includes a large number of issues: physical aspects of sex, psychological matters of emotions and attachments, and interpersonal or spiritual matters of shared meaning, purpose, and values in intimate community and family. Said otherwise, sexuality involves "making love" (physical), "being in love" (psychological), and "loving and caring" (spiritual). Although these three coincide, they are not the same thing because, for better or worse, they can be separated. Yet all are part of human sexuality, for in humans the spiritual and the psychological dimensions of sexual sharing give the biological dimension broader meaning. The topic is intricate.
Moreover, the needs of the students are varied. The course material is very personal, so people's opinions, beliefs, values, and feelings must be respected. But opinions are only as valid as the evidence that supports them, so personal positions must also be questioned. Besides, the topic involves many concepts, theories, and research results, and these must be mastered. Moreover, the material involves serious health concerns — physical, emotional, and also spiritual — so pertinent information must be learned and wholesome attitudes formed. Finally, the topic opens onto the mysteries of interpersonal relationship and the meaning of life, and these must be reverenced and pondered. The humanistic emphasis in the Psychology Department at UWG recognizes that all these matters are pertinent to psychology.
As a result, in a short time the course will survey much information and address important and deeply felt issues. A combination of lecture, class discussion, videos, guest speakers, and personal study will allow this course to treat all these issues to some extent. The end result will be a solid introduction to human sexuality in contemporary society.
1. Study of assigned readings and reflection on the issues. The course text is Janet Shibley Hyde and John D. DeLamater (2003), Understanding Human Sexuality (8th edition). The Course Outline below provides an approximate list of the daily assignment of readings. As the course progresses, the time allotted each topic may need to be adjusted, and the schedule of topics may be changed to accommodate class discussion and exercises, guest speakers, and other relevant events. Emphases within the assigned chapters will be noted in class lectures.
2. Active participation in class through attendance and discussion.
3. Four non-cumulative exams. Exams will be objective (multiple choice) and will be based on the textbook, class presentations, and discussions. For each exam students will need a “General Purpose Answer Sheet # 229633” (large, purple/orange sheet). Students are responsible for textbook material whether or not it is covered in class. Use of the textbook’s CD-ROM Study Guide is strongly encouraged for preparation for exams.
Final grades will depend on class attendance and four exams. The exams will each constitute 1/4 of the grade. Class attendance will be scored as extra points, a maximum of 3 points, to be added to the exam average. Letter grades will be assigned as follows: A=90+%; B=80-89%; C=70=79%; D=60-69%; F=<60%.
In addition to attendance extra credit, in two different ways students may earn up to four more extra credit points to be added to their final percentage grade. First, by making a class "comment." A comment is a brief report about some experience (book, movie, TV show, magazine or newspaper article, conversation, event, etc.) that is relevant to the course and would be useful for the class to hear about. One point may be gained for sharing the experience, and a second point for explaining how the issue relates to a specific topic on a specific page in the textbook. Alternatively, two points may be gained for another type of comment, a report back to the class about some question that arose and needed follow-up research. Comments must be prearranged with the instructor. Second, by participation in campus activities (lectures, theatre, workshops, etc.) that relate to the course. These will be announced as the course progresses, and students are encouraged to alert the class to such events on or around campus.
Jan.6Introductions to the class and course
8Overview Discussion
13Ch. 1: Sexuality in Perspective
15Ch. 3: Sex Research (pp. 54-59, 64-66)
20Martin Luther King, Jr., Holiday: No Classes
22Perspective & Research (continued)
27Ch. 14 (pp. 360-374): Gender Roles
29Ch. 13: Attraction, Intimacy, Love
Feb.3Ch. 21: Ethics, Religion, and Sexuality
5Exam #1
10Review of Exam #1 & Ch. 4: Sexual Anatomy (female)
12Anatomy and Physiology (female continued)
17Anatomy and Physiology (male)
19Anatomy and Physiology (male continued)
24Ch. 5: Sex Hormones and Sexual Differentiation
26Exam #2
(27Last day to withdraw from courses with W)
Mar.3Review of Exam #2 & Ch. 9: The Physiology of Sexual Response
5Ch. 10 (pp. 249-268): Techniques of Arousal
10Ch. 16: Variations in Sexual Behavior
12Techniques & Variations (continued)
17Spring Break: No Classes
19Spring Break: No Classes
24Ch. 14 (pp. 374-380): Transsexualism & Guest Panelists
26Ch. 15: Sexual Orientation
31Exam #3
Apr.2Honors Day Convocation: No Classes
7Review of Exam #3 & Ch. 7: Conception, Pregnancy, Childbirth
9Pregnancy & Childbirth (continued)
14Pregnancy & Childbirth (continued) & Ch. 20: Abortion
16Ch. 8: Contraception & Ch. 20: Sexually Transmitted Diseases: Guest
Lecturers
21 Ch. 20 (pp. 527-539): AIDS & Guest Panelists
23Wrap-up, good-byes, and evaluations
28 Exam #4