NURSING 150 - HUMAN SEXUALITY

SYLLABUS

Contact:

Dr. James A. Miller

Room 210

Memorial Union

Kingston, RI 02881

jmiller@uri.edu (401)874-5283

Required Text:

Westheimer, R. & Lopater, S. (2004)

Human Sexuality: A Psychosocial Perspective (Second Edition)

Baltimore, MD: Lippencott, Williams, & Wilkins

ISBN 0-7817-4760-0

History of Course: Human Sexuality has been offered by the College of Nursing as a University undergraduate course since the Spring semester, 1971. The course has continued to evolve, reflecting changes in student needs in a manner that is relevant as well as appropriate in both content and method of presentation. The original purpose of the course has not changed: an introductory course designed to provide basic knowledge and understanding of human sexuality. It remains an interdisciplinary, interdepartmental offering developed to meet the criteria for general education seminar/lecture courses and enhance students’ critical thinking/critiquing skills in the area of human sexuality.

Method: Content will be presented so as to identify issues and define the scope of human sexuality and concerns related to sexuality in a changing society. The content will be presented using an interdisciplinary approach via a variety of electronic methods, from discussion board postings to electronic mail and live chat sessions. Much of the class assumes significant self-direction, relying on conscientious reading and research. Class notes introduce content for further class discussion, which will be encouraged and expected.

Objectives:

- Expand and explore knowledge of human sexuality and related behavior.

- Express and reflect on value issues inherent in the study of human sexuality and sexual behavior.

- Identify strategies to assess, maintain, and promote sexual health and potential.

- Identify and explore responsible sexual behavior and resources available.

Ultimately our task in this course is not only to learn to treat sexual needs and right with honesty and equality, but also to increase our sensitivity and awareness of the responsibilities that go with sexual expression.

Assumptions: The values that are assumed to be fundamental to this course are modeled after the Valencia Declaration on Sexual Rights (approved at the XIII World Congress of Sexology in Valencia, Spain, June 1997).

We, the participants of the XIII World Congress of Sexology, declare that: Sexuality is a changing and dynamic dimension of humanity. It is constructed through the interaction between the individual and social structures. It is present throughout the life cycle, harmonizing identity and creating and/or strengthening interpersonal bonds. Sexual pleasure, including autoeroticism, is a source of physical, psychological, intellectual, and spiritual wellbeing. It is associated with a conflict-free and anxiety-free experience of sexuality, allowing, therefore, social and personal development. We hereby urge that societies create the conditions to satisfy the needs for the full development of the individual and respect the following sexual rights:

- The right to freedom, which excludes all forms of sexual coercion, exploitation, and abuse at any time and in all situations in life. The struggle against violence is a social priority. All children should be desired and loved.

- The right to autonomy, integrity, and safety of the body. This right encompasses control and enjoyment of our own bodies, free from torture, mutilation, and violence of any sort.

- The right to sexual equity and equality. This refers to freedom from all forms of discrimination, paying due respect to sexual diversity, regardless of sex, gender, age, race, social class, religion, and sexual orientation.

- The right to sexual health, including availability of all sufficient resources for development of research and the necessary knowledge of HIV/AIDS and STIs, as well as the further development of resources for research, diagnosis, and treatment.

- The right to wide, objective, and factual information on human sexuality in order to allow decision-making regarding sexual life.

- The right to a comprehensive sexuality education from birth and throughout the life cycle. All social institutions should be involved in this process.

- The right to associate freely. This means the possibility to marry or not, to divorce, and to establish other types of sexual associations.

- The right to make free and responsible choices regarding reproductive life, the number and spacing of children, and the access to means of fertility regulation.

- The right to privacy, which implies the capability of making autonomous decisions about sexual life within a context of personal and social ethics. Relational and satisfactory experiences of sexuality is a requirement for human development.

Course Framework:

The course will focus on 4 major themes:

- Sexual response

- Gender

- Sexual unfolding

- Sexual decision-making and sexual health

The instructional methods and content will be directed to assist the student in developing strategies for:

- Sexual assessment

- Acquisition of knowledge

- Actualizing responsible sexual behavior

Grading:

Fine Print: This is an intensive course, relying heavily on self-directed reading, research, and self-assessment, as well as regular discussion topic postings and active participation in group chat rooms, three discussion postings and active sharing during one half-hour chat room session will be considered minimal each week. The timely delivery of written assignments is required, therefore any assignment handed in late will be penalized one letter grade for each calendar day late. If quiz #1 or quiz #2 is missed for any reason, the make-up for that quiz will be a separate essay exam administered immediately following the final exam. Students with documented disabilities should make an appointment to meet with me, preferably in my office, but at least by phone or e-mail directly, so that we may discuss accommodations needed and work out an equitable method for evaluating your class performance. Reminder: University Policy 5.7 states –

Instructors shall have the explicit duty to take action in cases of cheating or plagiarism. The instructor shall have the right to fail a student on the assignment on which the instructor has determined that a student has cheated. The circumstances of this failure shall be reported to the student’s academic dean. The student may appeal the matter to the instructor’s dean, and the decision by the dean shall be expeditious and final.