BEHAVIORAL SCIENCE 100: HUMAN SEXUALITY
SYLLABUS
 

Instructor: Ruth Frickle
Telephone: 206 878-3710, ext. 3111
EMail: rfrickle@highline.edu
Web Site: flightline.highline.edu/rfrickle
 

Text: Hyde, J.S. & DeLamater, J. (2000) Understanding Human Sexuality. (7th ed.) New York: McGraw-Hill.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

Students who successfully complete this course will:

1. Understand and be able to use factual terms and information about sex and sexuality, and be familiar with scientific research methods and research as a source of information on sexuality.

2. Understand and discuss different theoretical perspectives on sexuality.

3. Gain a clearer understanding of their own values, beliefs and expectations regarding issues of sexuality and a respectful awareness of perspectives on sexuality different from their own.

4. Be able to discuss sex and sexuality more knowledgeably and comfortably.

5. Be better prepared to make well-considered decisions about their own sexual practices and explorations.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS

1. TESTS: There will be 6 exams given in this class. These tests will cover the material addressed in reading, lecture and classroom presentations and discussions. Each test is worth 50 points. The lowest test score you receive will be dropped. The tests will be composed of multiple choice and short answer essay questions. You will need a Scantron and # 2 pencil. See the Course Policies section of this syllabus for information on making up tests.

2. WRITTEN ASSIGNMENTS: You will be assigned six reflection/response papers, each worth 30 points. Details of these assignments will be provided in class.

3. CLASS PARTICIPATION: Participation in class exercises and discussions is an important part of the learning process. Your attendance and participation in classroom activities is worth 60 points.

4. BONUS POINTS: Bonus points will be offered during group activites and random optional assignments. You must be present in class to earn bonus points. Bonus point opportunities cannot be made up. Bonus points will be added to your point total at the end of the quarter.

COURSE POLICIES

1. The first test you miss is automatically your lowest test score and will be dropped. If for some reason you have to miss another test, you must contact me (voice mail is fine) before the test begins and provide documentation that your absence was unavoidable. You must take the make-up before the next scheduled test. Make-up tests are essay questions only.

2. You are responsible for doing your own work, avoiding even the appearance of cheating or plagiarism. Cheating, plagiarism and academic dishonesty of any type are unacceptable and are subject to disciplinary action.

3. Assignments must be handed in at the start of class on the day they are due, any time after that they will be considered late. You will lose 5 points for every day an assignment is late. No assignments will be accepted after August 14.

4. GRADES

Final grades will be based on the following point distribution:

The total number of points you earn will be converted to a percentage of the total points possible. Your final grade will be assigned in accordance with Highline's decimal grading scale as shown below.

Grades below 0.7 do not satisfy the minimum requirement for course credit.

 WITHDRAWAL

The last day to complete an official withdrawal is August 1. . If you stop attending class, you will need to complete an official withdrawal or risk receiving a failing grade.

CREDIT/NO CREDIT OPTION

The last day to request a "CR" in lieu of a decimal grade is July 5. This option is processed by the Registrar’s Office.

ACCOMMODATIONS FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES

If you need course adaptations or accommodations because of a disability; if you have emergency medical information to share with the instructor; or if you need special arrangements in case the building must be evacuated, please provide me with the Letter of Accommodation you have received from the Office of Access Services. The Office of Access Services is located in Building 6 in the Student Development Center.

CLASSROOM BASICS

Here are some basic courtesies you need to use in this class:

• Be on time and stay the entire period (no packing up 5 minutes before the class ends J ).
  Let me know before class begins if you must leave early or will be late for a future class.
• Turn all electronics OFF (phones, pagers, music portables) and keep them in your bag or pocket.
  You may not use them inside the classroom at any time.
• Listen carefully & respectfully to other student’s contributions and questions in class.
  Side discussions and comments are disrespectful of everyone and distracting as well.
• Ask three before me. If you have a question about an assignment, test, due date or any course policy ask three people in the class before you ask me (this cuts out needless repetition of basic information and helps you network with other students).

TIPS FOR SUCCESS

• Don’t just memorize—UNDERSTAND. The following suggestions will help you do just that!
• Participate in class by asking questions, being active in group interactions and contributing to class discussions. When you actively engage with the material, like writing or talking about it, it will help you learn and remember.
• Read the assigned pages in the text before class, and again afterward. Take notes while you read, using your own words. Using your own words makes you actively think about the material which helps with comprehension and retention. Teach someone else what you are learning—it’s a great way to learn!
• Pace yourself by distributing the reading and the work on your assignments. Don't try to cram, it doesn’t work and it takes all the fun out of learning and having fun is key!!
• Use a dictionary when you are reading and when you write your assignments. I expect you to use proper spelling and punctuation. It can be very helpful to have someone proofread your assignments.
• NETWORK with your classmates. Make connections for study groups and class notes in case (heaven forbid!) you have to miss class.

BEHAV100: Human Sexuality
Course Schedule

UNIT TOPICS                               CHAPTERS

UNIT 1
Sexuality in Perspective                     1

Research Methods                             3

Male and Female Sexual Anatomy     4 & 5

UNIT 2
Menstruation & Menopause                 6

Conception, Childbearing                     7

Contraception                                     8

UNIT 3
Sexual Response                                 9

Arousal and Communication                 10

STD's                                                 20

UNIT 4
Theoretical Perspectives on Sexuality     2

Gender Roles                                     14

Sexual Orientation                              15

UNIT 5
Sexuality throughout Adulthood            12

Attraction, Intimacy & Love                   13

Sexual Difficulties                                 19

UNIT 6
Sexuality in Childhood and Adolescence 11

Talking to Kids About Sex                     23

Sexual Coercion                                  17

Sex and the Law                                 22