Human Sexuality

Catalog description

Psychological influences on human sexual behavior such as love, sexual orientation, gender, intercourse, contraception, sexually transmitted diseases, dysfunctions, and paraphilias. PSYCH 422 Human Sexuality (3) PSYCH 422 , Human Sexuality, is intended to examine the influence of psychological factors on human sexual behavior. Information on male & female anatomy, on the roles/influences of hormones, and on conception/pregnancy will be covered as well as information on gender, sexual orientation, communication, love, sexual harassment, paraphilias, sexually explicit material, and sexual dysfunction.Evaluation will be by means of exams (60% of grade), papers (15% of grade), small group projects (10% of grade), and a poster presentation (15% of grade). The prerequisite for this course is satisfactory completion of PSYCH 100 . As the course presupposes critical thinking skills and an awareness of research methods in psychology, it is an advanced undergraduate level course requiring junior/senior level standing.For the Psychology major (PSHBS or PSHBA) at Penn State Erie, this course can count either toward (a) the diversity basic course requirement, (b) the advanced course requirement, (c) the special interest course requirement, or (d) elective credit. Psychology minors at Penn State Erie can apply this course toward the 15 credits in psychology beyond PSYCH 100 requirement. Students in other majors should consult with their academic advisors to determine how this course fits into their program of study.No special facilities are required for this course, though students will need to prepare a poster for presentation.This course is expected to be offered at least once every four semesters.