HomeMy WebLinkAboutPSY-110Bergen Community College
Division of Business, Social Sciences & Public Services
Department of Social Sciences
Departmental Policy Syllabus
PSY-110 Psychology of Sexuality
Basic Information about Course and Instructor
Semester:
Course Number:
Meeting Times and Place:
Instructor:
Office Location:
Phone:
Department Secretary:
Office Hours:
Email Address:
Course Description
PSY-110 Psychology of Sexuality emphasizes the changing concepts in human
sexuality. Of importance are socialization, sexual variation, treatment and psychotherapy
in the field of sexuality. Of major interest are the paraphilias, victimization,
homosexuality, gender identity and psychodynamics involved in sexual expression.
3 lecture, 3 credits
Social Science Elective; Diversity Course
Student Learning Objectives/Means of Assessment
Objectives: Upon successful completion, the
student will be able to:
Means of Assessment: This outcome will be
measured by one or more of the following:
1. Identify the main features of the biological, cross-
cultural, psychological and sociocultural
perspectives on human sexuality.
Objective tests, essay questions, oral reports,
class discussions, and writing assignments
2. Discuss research methods in sexuality, and
ethical issues in sex research.
Objective tests, essay questions, oral reports,
class discussions, and writing assignments
3. Describe female and male sexual organs, and the
roles of the brain and sex hormones in sexual
behavior.
Objective tests, essay questions, oral reports,
class discussions, and writing assignments
4. Explain differences among these phenomena:
gender identity, gender roles, sexual orientation
Objective tests, essay questions, oral reports,
class discussions, and writing assignments
(heterosexuality, homosexuality, bisexuality),
transsexualism and transvestism. Analyze how
biology, society and upbringing might influence
these phenomena.
5. Describe possible gender differences in various
areas including: psychosexual development,
psychosexual problems and disorders,
communication styles, cognitive styles and factors
affecting attraction to partners.
Objective tests, essay questions, oral reports,
class discussions, and writing assignments
6. Explain physical and psychological changes that
occur at puberty, and evaluate risk factors and
preventative programs for teenage pregnancy.
Objective tests, essay questions, oral reports,
class discussions, and writing assignments
7. Describe different types of sexually transmitted
diseases, and methods to help prevent the spread of
sexually transmitted diseases.
Objective tests, essay questions, oral reports,
class discussions, and writing assignments
8. Define important concepts with regard to sexual
abuse and coercion.
Objective tests, essay questions, oral reports,
class discussions, and writing assignments
9. Analyze the diversity found in gender roles,
sexual attitudes and sexual behaviors and customs
in the U.S. and around the world.
Objective tests, essay questions, oral reports,
class discussions, and writing assignments
10. Demonstrate critical thinking with regard to
their own views about psychosexual issues
raised in this course.
Objective tests, essay questions, oral reports,
class discussions, and writing assignments
Course Content:
This course is intended to introduce the student to major current topics in the field of
Psychology of Sexuality. As delineated in “Student Learning Objectives” above, students
will learn about the rich diversity in gender roles, sexual attitudes and sexual behaviors
found cross-culturally and within our own society. Gender differences in various areas of
human sexuality will be examined.
Major topics in this course include gender roles, sexual orientation, gender identity, teen
pregnancy, contraception, sexual coercion, sexually transmitted diseases, variables
affecting attraction to partners, marriage, cohabitation, intimacy, and other issues that
may be relevant to the lives of students. This course should help students clarify and
think critically about their own views, and increase the likelihood of responsible
decision-making with regard to sexuality.
Students will be required to review research and present their opinions on a variety of
topics via written and discussion assignments. While not required, students also may be
asked to attend and participate in special presentations given at BCC on relevant topics.
Course Textbook
The required textbook for this course is:
Spencer A. Rathus, Jeffrey S. Nevid, Lois Fichner-Rathus, Human Sexuality in A World
of Diversity, 7th edition, Boston: Pearson/Allyn & Bacon.
Research, Writing and/or Examination Requirements
As a General Education course, PSY-110 has a significant writing requirement integrated
into the content of the course, including the preparation of out-of-class writing
assignments that necessitate research. Written examinations also are required.
Grading Policy
The final grade in the course will be determined by a student’s overall mastery of the
subject matter as evidenced on exams, out-of-class writing assignments and class
participation. All factors considered, class participation should not account for more that
15% of the final grade in the course. Penalties for assignments turned in late, and
policies regarding make-up examinations, will be determined by the individual instructor.
BERGEN COMMUNITY COLLEGE ATTENDANCE POLICY
All students are expected to attend punctually every scheduled meeting of each course in
which they are registered. Attendance and lateness policies and sanctions are to be
determined by the instructor for each section of each course. These will be established in
writing on the individual course outline. Attendance will be kept by the instructor for
administrative and counseling purposes.
ATTENDANCE POLICY IN THIS COURSE
Students are expected to attend every scheduled class and to arrive punctually.
Attendance will be taken at each class session. Each student is held responsible for all
material presented. Those who arrive late or leave early disrupt class. If you find that it is
absolutely necessary for you to leave the class early, please consult with the instructor
before the beginning of the class, and take a seat close to the door so as not to disturb
others when you leave. Penalties for late attendance and absences will be determined by
the individual instructor, in keeping with the sections on Grading Policy and Bergen
Community College Attendance Policy described above.
OTHER COLLEGE, DIVISIONAL, AND OR DEPARTMENTAL POLICY
STATEMENTS
Statement on Plagiarism and/or Academic Dishonesty - Academic Integrity
The Bergen Community College Statement on academic integrity as found in the
college catalog on page 43 is the following;
In cases when students are charged with academic irregularities, such as cheating during
an examination or plagiarism in the preparation of an essay, laboratory report, or oral
presentation, the instructor has the authority to:
1. Give the student a failing grade for the assignment if, within the course’s total
requirements, non-completion of that assignment would not constitute sufficient
ground for failing the course; or,
2. Give the student a failing grade for the course if, within the course’s total
requirements, non-completion of that assignment would preclude the student’s
passing course.
The instructor must make a written report to the Vice President of Student Services of
whatever action he or she has taken and its justification. In turn the Vice President of
Student Services must send a copy of the instructor’s report to the student. Within ten
days of receipt of such notification, the student may appeal the decision in writing to the
Vice President of Student Services. The Vice President of Student Services shall be
responsible for maintaining a cumulative file of all infractions of academic dishonesty.
Two such offenses shall be sufficient grounds to suspend a student from the College.
Thus, should it be verified that a student has committed a second such offense, the Vice
President of Student Services, will report the matter to the Committee on Academic
Standing and recommend an appropriate action.
Academic Integrity Policy in this Course
The integrity of any academic discipline is essential and requires that those who engage
the subject matter do so in an honest and forthright manner. In this environment cheating
of any sort is unacceptable, and if uncovered, will be sanctioned. The policy used in this
course is akin to that of the College. If a student is found cheating or plagiarizes on
written assignments he/she will receive an F for that assignment. A written description of
the incident will be forwarded to the Vice President of Student Services to be placed on
file. If a second incident occurs the student will fail the course and a second written
description concerning the event will be forwarded to the Vice President of Student
Services. Any subsequent actions will be pursued by the Vice President and the
Committee on Academic Standing.
The implementation of this policy requires that during quizzes or examinations the desk
be completely clear of all books, papers, notes, computers and cell phones. All of these
items should be placed on the floor under the seat and out of sight. The only item on
your desk should be your quiz or exam and a pen or pencil. Students who need to use
hand held computers for foreign language translation purposes, or who have to use such
items because of special needs should first clear their use with the instructor.
Statement on Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
Bergen Community College has adopted an internal grievance procedure providing for
prompt and equitable resolution of complaints alleging any action prohibited by federal
regulations implementing section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, and
the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA). Section 504 and ADA state, in part,
that “no qualified individual with a disability, by reason of such disability, be excluded
from participation in or be denied the benefits of the services, programs, or activities of a
public entity, or be subjected to discrimination by any such entity.”
Complaints should be addressed to the Manager of Training and Compliance, Office of
the Executive Vice President, Room A-330, (201)612-5331, who has been designated to
coordinate 504/ADA compliance efforts. (BCC Student Handbook, 2003, Page 42).
Sexual Harassment Statement
Bergen Community College is committed to providing its students and employees with
an academic and work environment free from sexual harassment or discrimination.
Sexual harassment in any form constitutes prohibited, unprofessional and unacceptable
conduct, and is a violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Acts of 1964 and 1990, as
amended, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the New Jersey Law Against
Discrimination, established case law and State policies. The policy applies to all persons.
Administrators, faculty, staff, and students are all covered. (BCC Catalog, 2007-8, pages
59-60). See catalog for complete details.
Acceptable Use of BCC Technology Resources
Bergen Community College reserves the right to monitor its information technology
resources and telecommunications network to protect the integrity of its computing
systems, workstations, and lab facilities, and to ensure compliance with all acceptable use
and related policies and procedures. To this end, the College reserves the right to inspect
any and all computer systems or data that reside on its telecommunications network for
violations of any acceptable use and related policies and procedures. (BCC Catalog 2007-
8, pages 45-47).
The College’s entire Acceptable Use policy, administrative guidelines, and procedures
may be found at http://www.bergen.edu/acceptableuse.
Faculty Office Hours: The Purpose and Value
All full-time instructors will reserve a minimum of three (3) hours per week for the sole
purpose of meeting with students. The exact hours are to be determined by each
individual instructor and posted in the department and if possible next to the instructor’s
office. The purpose of this is to assist students who have questions pertaining to class
assignments or who are in need of clarification of material or concepts discussed in class.
All students are welcome to visit the instructor during the posted hours but if this is not
possible due to scheduling conflicts the instructor at the students request will arrange for
a time to meet which is mutually convenient. The faculty office hours are valuable
because they provide a setting for the instructor and student to interact on a one-to-one
basis where they can focus on specific individualized concerns.
STUDENT AND FACULTY SUPPORT SERVICES
Services for Students with Disabilities
A wide variety of services are available to students with documented disabilities through
the Office of Special Services (OSS) [Room S-131; (201) 612-5270]. OSS is dedicated
to serving students with physical, visual, learning, hearing, and emotional disabilities. If
a student has been classified in high school or had a 504 plan, it is highly recommended
that the student contact OSS during the college application process. A more detailed
explanation can be found on the College web site www.bergen.edu Personal information
is kept confidential. Examples of the types of accommodations and services include:
Extended test taking time
Organizational strategies
Tutoring
Career counseling
Adaptive equipment computer labs
Note takers
Sign language interpreters
The Sidney Silverman Library
The Sidney Silverman Library is an integral part of the College’s educational programs.
To support the curriculum, the library acquires, organizes, and provides access to a
variety of print, media, and electronic resources for individual and classroom use. The
library is located on the second and third floors in the L area of the megastructure. It is
open whenever classes are in session and on a reduced schedule when classes are not in
session. The library is open to all students, faculty, and the general public. (BCC
Catalog 2007-8, page 62).
The Library’s Web page, http://www.bergen.edu/library, is available for up-to-date
information regarding library collections and services.
Other Student and Faculty Services
Academic Advising Center [Main Building, Room A-101; (201) 612-5480]
Cooperative Education and Career Development Center [Main Building, Room C-100,
(201) 447-7171
Child Development Center [East Hall]
Counseling Center [Main Building, Room A-118; (201) 447-7211]
Dental Hygiene Clinic [Main Building, Room S-327; (201) 447-7180]
The Distance Learning Office {Main Building, Room C-334; (201)612-5581]
English Language Resource Center [East Hall, Room E-126]
Health Services [Main Building, HS-100; (201) 447-9257]
Math Lab [Main Building, Room C-110]
Multimedia Lab [Main Building, Room S-250]
Online Writing Lab (OWL) http://www.bergen.edu/owl
Office of Testing and Assessment [Main Building, Room S-127)
Public Safety [Main Building; Room L-154; (201) 447-7116
Tutoring Center, a.k.a. Learning Assistance Center [Main Building, Rooms L-125; (201)
447-7489]
SAMPLE COURSE OUTLINE AND CALENDAR
Note to Students: This Course Outline and Calendar is tentative and subject to change,
depending upon the progress of the class.
Week TOPICS TEXTBOOK
READINGS
STUDENT
LEARNING
OBJECTIVES
UNIT I
1 Theoretical Perspectives on Human Sexuality;
Thinking Critically about Sexuality;
Research in Sexuality; Ethics in Sex Research
Rathus:
Ch 1 & Ch 2
(selections)
1, 2, 9, 10
2 Female Sexual Anatomy and Physiology
(subtopics include sex organs, functions and
hormones; problems/disorders)
Rathus:
Ch 3
(selections)
1, 3, 9, 10
3 Male Sexual Anatomy and Physiology
(subtopics include sex organs, functions, and
hormones; problems/disorders)
Rathus:
Ch 4
(selections)
1, 3, 9, 10
4 Sexual Arousal and Response
(subtopics include roles of the brain and hormones in
sexual behavior; role of the senses in attraction)
Rathus:
Ch 5
(selections)
1, 3, 9, 10
UNIT II
5 Gender Identity and Gender Roles (Part I)
(subtopics include influences of “nature” and
“nurture”; diversity of gender identity and gender
roles across cultures/ethnicities)
Rathus:
Ch 6
(selections)
1, 4, 5, 9, 10
6 Gender Identity and Gender Roles (Part II)
(subtopics include gender differences in
communication, behaviors, attitudes, cognitive
styles; transsexualism, transvestism; psychological
androgeny)
Rathus:
Ch 6
(selections)
1, 4, 5, 9, 10
7 Sexual Orientation
(subtopics include theoretical perspectives;
heterosexuality, homosexuality, bisexuality)
Rathus:
Ch 10
(selections)
1, 4, 9, 10
8 Attraction and Love
(subtopics include variables involved in attraction;
gender differences in attraction to mates; aspects of
romantic relationships; types of love)
Rathus:
Ch 7 & Ch 8
(selections)
1, 9, 10
UNIT III
9 Sexuality in Childhood and Adolescence
(subtopics include sex education, puberty, teen
pregnancy)
Rathus:
Ch 13
(selections)
6, 9, 10
10 Sexuality in Adulthood
(subtopics include types of and reasons for marriage;
diversity in attitudes toward marriage; cohabitation)
Rathus:
Ch 14
(selections)
1, 5, 9, 10
11 Contraception
(subtopics pros/ cons of different types of
contraception; talking with your partner about
contraception)
Rathus:
Ch 12
(selections)
9, 10
UNIT IV
12 Pregnancy, Childbirth, Abortion
(subtopics include types of and ethical issues
regarding assisted reproduction; attitudes re.
childbirth and abortion)
Rathus:
Ch 11 & Ch
12
(selections)
1, 3, 9, 10
13 Sexually Transmitted Diseases
(subtopics include signs and preventative measures)
Rathus:
Ch 16
(selections)
7, 9, 10
14 Sexual Coercion
(subtopics include childhood sexual abuse,
myths re. rape)
Rathus:
Ch 18
(selections)
8, 9, 10
15 Review and Summary 1-10
Dates for Exams: To be scheduled by individual instructors
Date for Written Assignments: To be scheduled by individual instructors