ECTS
ECTS Course Catalogue
Course details
Course code: BBS20290f12Semester: 2012/2013 summer
Name: Human sexuality
Major: Biology
Study Type: second cycle
Course type: optional
Study Semester: 0
ECTS points: 2
Hours (Lectures / Tutorials / Other): 15 / 15 / 0
Lecturer: dr hab. prof. nadzw. Krzysztof Borysławski
Language of instruction: Polish
Learning outcomes: Knowledge: Student: W1 – knows the mechanisms of sexual selection and the evolution of sexual behavior and love, explains the phenomenon of homo-, bi- and heterosexuality as a manifestation of biological variability [KB2_W01, KB2_W04, KB2_W01_BC, KB2_W05_BC]; W2 – knows, describes and compares cultural variation in sexual behavior among the chosen cultures [KB2_W04, KB2_W05_BC]; W3 – describes and trace the phase of human sexual maturation, trace the development of a human ovum and its passage through the female reproductive system until it is fertilized and summarize the process of fertilization, argue that bisexuality or homosexuality are indicative of variability in sexual response which is genetically determined and that potential for homosexual response is prevalent and genetic [KB2_W04, KB2_W01_BC, KB2_W05_BC]. Skills: Student: U1 – can justify the idea that love is the "product" of evolution and indicate the source of possible conflict between nature and culture [KB2_U04, KB2_U05, KB2_U02_BC]; U2 – is able to determine the standards and criteria for the demarcation of sex typical and atypical, and assess the extent to which sexual behavior is parafilies [KB2_U06, KB2_U01_BC]; U3 – uses the methodology applied in the sexuological studies, shows a modern method of family planning [KB2_U04].
Competences: Personal and social competences (attitudes and behaviors): Student: K1 – is able to identify common sexually transmitted diseases and describe their symptoms, effects, and treatments, lead, support and promote healthy sexual lifestyle [KB2_K04].
Prerequisites: none
Course content: The field of human sexuality studies – a survey of the history (and the pioneers), theories, and methods of sexology. Critical reflection on conventional and individualizing understanding of sexuality. Terms offered: erotica, eroticism, cues and stimulus, sexual behavior, sex drive, libido, sexual identity, sexual orientation, homophobia, sexual coercion and abuse, ars amandi, etc. Introductory exploration of sexuality in its biological and cultural, social contexts. Biological theories of sexual behavior, its development and cultural variation. The types of sex (gender). Sexual dimorphism and its biological and cultural context – actions connected with genders. Human sexual maturation – the phases, disorders, the diagnostics tests and tools. Biological foundations and evolution of human sexuality, current biological knowledge concerning sexual differentiation from conception through puberty, including sexual response (typical as well as atypical) and identity. Norms in sexology and their descriptions. Paraphiliae. Sexual disorders – examples, description, treatment. The methods of birth control. Sexual education and promotion of healthy sexual lifestyle (especially sexually transmitted diseases, STDs).
Recommended literature: 1. Dawkins R. 1989. The selfish gene . Oxford University Press, New York. 2. Diamond J. 1997. Why is sex fun? The Evolution of human sexuality. Basic Books, New York. 3. Dixson A.F.1998. Primate sexuality: Comparative studies of the prosimians, monkeys, apes, and human beings. Oxford University Press, Oxford. 4. Izdebski Z. 2010. Seks Polaków w Internecie. Raport Polpharmy. Polpharma, Warszawa. 5. Izdebski Z., Ostrowska A. 2003. Seks po polsku. Muza S.A., Warszawa. 6. Lew-Starowicz Z., Skrzypulec V. (red.). 2010. Podstawy seksuologii. Wydawnictwo Lekarskie PZWL, Warszawa.
Assessment methods: Assessment exercise: systematic, current monitoring of progress in learning and assessment of activity. The presence of the exercises is compulsory, the student may have only one unauthorized absence. Completion of exercises based on the average ratings. Completion of the course: students with credited exercises have to pass an additional written test (40-50 open questions, partly of a problematic). Final rating is the average of the rate of exercises and this test.
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