SEX400 Basic Sexology 1

The course is connected to the following study programs

• Sexology, Interdisciplinary Continuing Education, Part-time

Teaching language

Norwegian

Course contents

The course SEX400 comprises the first seven (of twelve) topics in basic sexology

I. INTRODUCTION

1: Perspectives on human sexuality

• Central concepts of sexuality and sexual practices.

• Sexuality across cultures and throughout periods of time.

• Sexuality in science, philosophy and literature

• Sex in mythology

• Ethnic minorities and sexuality

• Socio-biological perspectives on gender roles.

2: Sexology as a profession, perspectives on humanity, philosophy of science, theory and research methods, clinical sexology.

• Philosophy of science

• Research methods

• Definition of clinical sexology

• Presented problems and clinicial considerations

• The professional role

• Sexuality and love

• Sexual disturbance and sexual problems

• Abortion, sexually transmitted disease and contraception

• Sexuality and health. WHO's definition of sexual health

• Who can and should work in the field of clinical sexology?

• The role of the sexologist

• Ethics and sexuality

II. SEXUAL DEVELOPMENT, SEXUAL ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY, GENDER.

3: Sexual development. Sexuality across the life span.

• childhood

• puberty

• adult age

• old age

• interaction between the individual and society with regard to sexual development

• Psycho-sexual development in:

• Gender, gender identity and gender roles. What are the differences?

• Affirmation of gender/gender belonging

• Masculinity and femininity: Differences and similarities

• Learning and understanding gender roles

• Sexual fantasies

• Erotic preference and choice of partner

• Socialising theories

• Essential and constructionistic understanding of sexual development and integration of these

 

4: Sexual anatomy and physiology

• Why two genders?

• Gender differentiation from conception to birth

• Gender differentiation after birth

• Chromosome variations, states of intersex - influence on sexuality and gender belonging

• Genital anatomy and physiology

• Sensory organs, skin and musculature

• Central and peripheral nervous system, bloodflow, erectile tissue.

• Sex hormones

• Neuro-endocrine regulation of sexual behaviour

• Physiology of the intercourse from early arousal via foreplay,intercourse, forms of orgasm and afterglow

• Mental processes and body consciousness

• Desire: "Mind or body"?

• Sexual response cycles

• Model for sexual response

• Experience of sexual arousal

• Orgasm

• Sexual behaviour in animals, experimental studies

• Imprinting and critical periods in the development of sexual cycles of arousal

• Biological aspects of homosexuality and heterosexuality

• Biological aspects of gender identity

• Biological aspects of masculinity and femininity

• Sexual problems

• Reduced desire and sexual displeasure

• Sexually transmitted infections

5: Men´s and women´s sexuality

Men´s sexuality:

Notions, myths and prejudice with regard to men´s sexuality. The male body and sexuality

• erection

• ejaculation and orgasm

Men's physiology of reproduction:

• hormones of reproduction

• spermatogenesis

• production of sperms

• infertility

Sexuality and becoming a father

Male vulnerability

Ageing and sexuality

Women's sexuality:

Notions, myths and prejudices with regard to female sexuality

The female body and sexuality

Women's physiology of reproduction:

• hormones of reproduction

• oogenesis and ovulation

• menstrual cycle

• infertility

Pregnancy and sexuality

Motherhood and sexuality

Menopause and sexuality

Feminine vulnerability

Ageing and sexuality

6: Gender identity and sexual attraction

• Gender identity

• Sexual identity

• Sexual attraction

• Belonging

WEEK-END SEMINAR

7: Understanding personal sexuality. SSA (Sexual Self-Acknowledgement)

Making oneself conscious of personal standards and values with regard to:

• sexuality

• gender, gender role and gender belonging

• sexual attractions

• typical and atypical sexual behaviour ("normal sex" - "natural sex")

Learning outcomes

KNOWLEDGE

On successful completion the course, the student:

• have aquired historical and inter-cultural knowledge of sexology as a basis for developing professional perspectives with regard to sexual topics

• have aquired knowledge of various scientific theories and views of humanity

• have aquired knowledge of and understanding for people's psycho-sexual development and have aquired an insight into relations between individuals and the social set, and be able to give a just and professional grounded consideration of good or bad sexual health

• have aquired knowledge about and understanding for biological aspects of sexuality

SKILLS

On successful completion the course, the student:

• have developed an understanding for how various fundamental views will influence professional practice

• are made conscious and professionalised of personal sexual attitudes and values with regard to sexuality

• have aquired knowledge about and understanding for various experience of sexual identity and gender identity

GENERAL COMPETENCE

• know how to evaluate and categorise research

• have been challenged to look at relations between research and views of humanity

• know about current theoretical and practical models for working in the field of sexology

• have aquired a balanced understanding for the feminine and masculine sexuality and an insight into similarities and differences

Examination requirements

• Approved the work requirement log keeping. See Guidelines in the course brochure.

• Attendance requirements must be met. See course brochure for details.

 

Evaluation

The study programme manager, in consultation with the student representative, decides the method of evaluation and whether the courses will have a midterm- or end of term evaluation, see also the Quality System, section 4.1. Information about evaluation method for the course will be posted on Canvas.

Assessment methods and criteria

An 8-week at-home examination in groups. Assessed with graded marks which may be adjusted individually one mark up or down after an oral examination in groups. Please see Guidelines at Canvas.

Reduction of Credits

This course’s contents overlap with the following courses. A reduction of credits will occur if one of these courses is taken in addition:

Course	Reduction of Credits
SEX404 – Basic Sexology 1	10