It is possible that some of you will be uncomfortable with certain topics (for example sexual assault or harassment). In general, however, the possibility that you will be uncomfortable is low. Students who participate in surveys on trauma and sexuality do not find their involvement in these surveys more distressing than regular life events, and can find it emotionally rewarding to take part in these surveys (Yeater et al., 2012).
This module will not go as far as asking you about your traumatic experiences, but rather inform you about findings related to this topic. From my experiences with hundreds of students in the past it is unlikely that students will be uncomfortable with being part of this module and consider it beneficial. However, in order to avoid discomfort I suggest the following:
Read the below Syllabus very carefully. If there is a topic that you consider too uncomfortable to hear about, I encourage you to NOT take the module.
Weekly lectures will consist of an introduction to each topic of the module. A central part of each lecture is to present and discuss data that support or dismiss different theories or viewpoints regarding sexuality. Lectures will be interspersed with brief videos highlighting specific topics discussed in class.
Syllabus
This lecture will explain why two sexes have evolved in most species and why, from an evolutionary point of view, this has been more successful than one sex as it leads to recombination and variation of genetic material. It will also discuss which strategies are, evolutionary, the best for mating and reproduction.
Most males and females clearly differ in their gender identity, gender behaviours and sexual attractions. This lecture will outline how biological factors, in particular androgens, affect these differences and whether influences of nature are more important than influences of nurture.
- Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity.
This lecture will discuss how homosexuality is expressed, how early signs of homosexuality may develop, and what the possible biological correlates, if not causes, are. It will further discuss how the desire to transition one's biological sex to the other gender relates to sexual orientation.
Some people have less commonly understood preferences, for example fetishes, masochism, sadism, paedophilia, and the self. This lecture will discuss whether such preferences are comparable with a sexual orientation towards adults, and to what degree they are indeed motivated by sexual desires.
Amongst the most problematic sexual behaviours are sexual assault and harassment. We will discuss their prevalence, who is most likely a victim or perpetrator, to what degree social attitudes influence the perception of these behaviours, and how they affect the psychological well-being of the people involved.
Cultures can differ in the ways that they express their sexuality. We will discuss to what degree these differences suggest that any sexual behaviours found in our society are socially induced or whether these cultural differences are indicators of different evolutionary adaptations.
- Attraction and Attractiveness.
To be a successful sex partner, you must, in most instances, attract a person. This lecture will explore the different biological, physical, and psychological ingredients that make us, and our potential partners, more or less attractive, and point to where societies differ in these preferences.
- Sexual Arousal and Dysfunctions.
Our sex drive and sexual orientation have, on a physiological level, the purpose to enhance sexual arousal and prepare for reproduction. We will discuss the ultimate functions of sexual arousal, particular body regions important for arousal, and the many ways in which arousal can be interrupted or enhanced.
- Sexually Transmitted Diseases.
When humans seek physical contact for sex, other organisms exploit the opportunity to spread their own genetic make-up. We will discuss several sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV, and point to their prevalence and mechanisms for preventions and cures.
This lecture will be used to give an overview of what has been taught and to informally wrap up, either by showing a documentary on a topic discussed in class on by bringing in a guest speaker (e.g., a transgender man or woman) who will share his or her sexual experiences and desires with the class.