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PSYC 2220 Syllabus

Course Syllabus

PSYC 2220 - The Psychology of Human Sexuality

3 Credit Hours

Course Information

Course Description:

A study to develop an understanding of the physical, mental, emotional, social, and psychological phase of human relationships to better understand the problems and responsibilities of being male or female and realizing one's decisions affect one's mental and emotional health.

Course Outcomes:

It is expected that after completing this course the student should be able to describe, discuss, explain, relate, promote, and/or identify the following major topics:

  • Physiological aspects of sexuality
  • Sexuality in a social context
  • Gender identity and roles/Sexual orientation
  • Lifespan stages of sexuality
  • Sexual problems, victimization, and law
Prerequisites & Co-requisites:

None

Course Topics:
  • Perspectives on Sexuality
  • Sex Research: Methods and Problems
  • Female Sexual Anatomy and Physiology
  • Male Sexual Anatomy and Physiology
  • Gender Issues
  • Sexual Arousal and Response
  • Love and Communication in Intimate Relationships
  • Sexual Behaviors
  • Sexual Orientations
  • Contraception
  • Conceiving Children: Process and Choice
  • Sexuality During Childhood and Adolescence
  • Sexuality and the Adult Years
  • Sexual Difficulties and Solutions
  • Sexually Transmitted Infections
  • Atypical Sexual Behavior
  • Sexual Coercion
  • Sex for Sale
Specific Course Requirements:

None

Textbooks, Supplementary Materials, Hardware and Software Requirements

Required Textbooks:

Please visit the Virtual Bookstore to obtain textbook information for this course. Move your cursor over the "Books" link in the navigation bar and select "Textbooks & Course Materials." Select your Program, Term, Department, and Course; then select "Submit."

Supplementary Materials:

None

Hardware and Software Requirements:

Minimum hardware requirements can be found here.

Minimum software requirements can be found here.

Common applications you might need:

Web Resources:

Purdue OWL Online Writing Lab (for APA, MLA, or Chicago style)

The Writing Center Online Writer's Handbook

Student Resources:
  • Technical support information can be found on the TN eCampus Help Desk page.
  • Smarthinking virtual tutoring is available FREE of charge. to access Smarthinking, visit the course homepage and select Smarthinking under Course Resources. You also view sample sessions to see what Smarthinking offers and how it works.
  • Information on other student issues or concerns can be located on the TN eCampus Student Resources page.

Instructor Information

Please see "Instructor Information" in the Getting Started Module for instructor contact information, virtual office hours, and other communication information. You can expect to receive a response from the instructor within 24-48 hours unless notified of extenuating circumstances.

Participation, Assessments, & Grading

Grading Procedures:

Letter grades for this course will be assigned based on the following scale.

Assigned Grade

Point RangeAssigned Grade
900 - 1000 pointsA
800 - 899 pointsB
700 - 799 pointsC
600 - 699 pointsD
under 600 pointsF

Graded Items

DescriptionPoints
1 Syllabus quiz @ 10 points 10
1 pre-test @ 10 points10
1 biography posted on the discussion board @ 10 points 10
1 learning styles inventory @ 10 points10
1 orientation email @ 10 points 10
3 exams @ 60 points each180
1 cumulative final exam @ 70 points 70
1 project report @ 120 points 120
9 discussions @ 30 points each270 
9 observation journals @ 30 points each270
1 Five Most Important Things I Learned assignment @ 30 points 30
1 post-test @ 10 points10
Total points1000

TurnItIn:

TurnItIn will be used when grading all written assignments.  Please use original thought when completing your work.  If you use information from outside sources, cite them appropriately.

Grading Scale:
Assignments and Projects:

Orientation Module

The first week of class, you will complete an orientation module.  Part of this module includes taking the syllabus quiz (worth 10 points) and submitting a copy of your Learning Styles Inventory results in the Dropbox (worth 10 points).  The other part of the module consists of submitting a brief biography in the discussion board (worth 10 points) and sending me an email stating you completed the orientation module (worth 10 points).  The entire orientation module is worth 50 points.  To take the syllabus quiz, select the link for "Evaluation" and then "Quizzes."  To take the Learning Styles Inventory, select this link: Learning Styles Inventory.

Pre-test and Post-test

During the first week of class, you will take the pre-test (worth 10 points).  For the pre-test, you will earn full credit just for taking it.  During the last week of class, you will take the post-test (worth 10 points).  You will earn points on the post-test as you would on any other test (based on the number of answers that are correct/incorrect).  The pre-test and post-test are designed to show your growth over time in your understanding of the course material.  Failure to complete any of the assessments will result in a loss of all points for that assessment.  To take the pre- and post-test, select the link for "Evaluation" and then "Quizzes."

Exams

You will take three major exams worth 60 points each and one cumulative final exam worth 70 points for a total of 250 points.  All students must take exams at the scheduled times.

Exam I - Chapters 1-6 (Weeks 2-4)

Exam II - Chapters 7-12 (Weeks 6-8)

Exam III - Chapters 13-18 (Weeks 10-12)

Exam IV - Cumulative Final Exam

Project Report

You will select and complete three of the suggested activities from the list provided in the Getting Started Module.  Following the completion of the activities, you will write a minimum of two pages for each activity for a total of six pages in the Project Report (not including the title and reference pages).  The Project Report should be typed, double-spaced, in 12-point Times New Roman font, have one-inch margins and include a title page and reference page.  Please use APA formatting.  You may visit the OWL website (https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/01/) for help with APA formatting.  You will divide the Project Report into three sections:

  • Steps Taken and Findings (steps taken to complete the activity and the findings)
  • Analysis (ways your findings support/contradict information from the text)
  • Personal Reactions (feelings/emotions encountered, new learning, etc.)

A sample Project Report can be found in the Course Documents module in Content in D2L.  Reports are due by the date provided in the schedule.  Please submit reports to the Dropbox in D2L.  You should combine all three reports into one document and have one title page and one reference page.  Late papers are not accepted and will result in a grade of zero.  The report is worth 120 points.  You can find a rubric for grading the paper below.

Criteria

Unsatisfactory

(0 - 9 points)

Developing 

(10 - 16 points)

Accomplished 

(20 - 25 points)

Exemplary 

(26 - 30 points)

Steps taken to complete activity and findings (30 points)No attention given to describing steps taken to complete the activity and the findingsMinimal attention given to describing steps taken to complete the activity and findingsAdequate attention given to describing steps take to complete the activity and findingsSuperior attention given to describing steps taken to complete the activity and findings
Analysis with Text (30 points)No attention given to analyzing ways the findings support/contradict information from the textMinimal attention given to analyzing ways the findings support/contradict information from the textAdequate attention given to analyzing ways the findings support/contradict information from the textSuperior attention given to analyzing ways the findings support/contradict information from the text
New Thoughts, Feelings and Learning (30 points)No attention given to expressing thoughts, feelings and new learning related to the activityMinimal attention given to expressing thoughts, feelings and new learning related to the activityAdequate attention given to expressing thoughts, feelings and new learning related th the activitySuperior attention given to expressing thoughts, feelings and new learning related to the activity
Spelling, grammar and APA formatting (30 pointsNo attention given to spelling, grammar and APA formattingMinimal attention given to spelling, grammar and APA formattingAdequate attention given to spelling, grammar and APA formattingSuperior attention given to spelling, grammar and APA formatting

Discussion Board

Maintain good attendance.  Since this is an online setting, I expect you to log into the course portal at least 2-3 times per week.

Make intelligent contributions to the discussion board.  These contributions should not simply reiterate (repeat) what a previous classmate has written.  They should contain new information or thought process.  A good rule of thumb is to provide at least 3-4 sentences of original thought for every question asked  (including responses to classmates).  You must contribute to discussion each week.  I will randomly check nine discussion board posts for grading.  Each thoughtful, intelligent contribution will count for 30 points (for a total of 270 points for the semester).  You can find a sample discussion board post in the Getting Started module in D2L.  

Participate and collaborate constructively with peers. Be respectful toward all members of the class and their views.  

One discussion board forum, the Talking Points forum, will be available the entire semester.  The purpose of the forum is to ask general questions about the course and to interact informally with your classmates.

Discussion board posts are due by 11:30 P.M. on each Friday night during the week the chapters are covered.  You can find a rubric for grading discussion board posts below.

Criteria

Unsatisfactory

( 0 - 3 points)

Developing

(4 - 6 points)

Accomplished

(7 - 8 points)

Exemplary 

( 9 - 10 points)

Content: Ideas, Arguments and Analysis (10 points)Response consists of no original thought for each question asked, including responses to classmates; ideas expressed lack an understanding of the topicResponse consists of 1 sentence of original thought for each question asked, including responses to classmates; ideas expressed  show a minimal understanding of topicResponse consists of 2-3 sentences of original thought for each question asked, including responses to classmates; ideas expressed are mostly substantive and relevant to topicResponse consists of at least 4-5 sentences of original thought for each question asked, including responses to classmates; ideas expressed include original thought substantial depth and are relevant to topic
Connection to Course Materials (10 points) No connections are made to readings or other course materialsMinimal direct connections are made to readings and/or other course materialsSome direct connections are made to readings and/or other course materialsStrong, direct connections are made to readings and/or other course materials
Contribution to Learning Community (10 points) Negligible contribution to the learning community; rarely engages with students and generally ignores others' postsSomewhat contributes to the learning community but the focus is generally on own posts; occasionally interacts with others' postings but little attempt to involve other students in the discussionContributes to the learning community; often attempts to direct group discussion to present relevant viewpoints and meaningful reflection by othersEffectively contributes to the learning community; frequently initiates dialogue and motivates group discussion by providing feedback to others' postings, asking follow-up questions, and making thoughtful, reflective comments

To help you prepare for class each week, you will keep an observation journal for each chapter.  In essence, you will read and reflect on the material in each chapter to demonstrate your understanding of the topics covered in the text.  You will define and/or describe 5 terms, concepts, or theories you thought were most important in each chapter and provided examples of how these concepts relate to personal knowledge/experience. 

Each observation journal should be double-spaced and comprise about one page in length.  A good rule of thumb is to include at least 4 sentences of personal explanation for each term you define.  Submit a copy of your notes to the Dropbox each week by the due dates provided.  I will not accept late assignments.  Will check journals nine random times for grading.  Each journal is worth 30 points (for a total of 270 points over the course of the semester).  

Observation journals are due by 11:30 P.M. the night before new modules become available.  You can find a sample observation journal in the Getting Started module in D2L.  You can find a rubric for grading observation journals below.

Criteria

Unsatisfactory

(0 - 3 points)

Developing 

(4 - 7 points)

Accomplished 

(8 - 11 points)

Exemplary 

(12 - 15 points)

Definitions (15 points)No entry made in journal; no attention given to defining termsMinimal attention given to defining termsAdequate attention given to defining termsSuperior attention given to defining terms
Reflection (15 points) No reflection provided; little or no attempt to reflect on the meaning, theme, message or issueOnly 1 sentence of reflection provided; some attempt to reflect on the meaning, theme, message or issueOnly 2-3 sentences of reflection provided; good attempt to reflect on meaning, theme, message, or issueAt least 4 sentences of reflection provided; excellent attempt to reflect on meaning, theme, message or issue

Five Most Important Things I Learned

As part of the final exam, you will submit one last assignment called the "Five Most Important Things I Learned" assignment.  You will submit this assignment to the Dropbox by the due date provided in the schedule.  It will consist of the five most important things you learned this semester and why those are important to you.  The assignment should be formatted (and will be graded) like reading notes.  The assignment is worth 30 points.

Class Participation:

Since this is an online setting, I expect you to login to the class portal several times a week.  Your level of class participation is determined by your contribution to the discussion board. 

Late Policy:

Late work is not accepted. If you want to earn points for the assignments, please submit them by the due dates provided.  I expect that students thoroughly read and understand the syllabus, including class assignments and projects.  The excuses of "I didn't know it was due today", or "I didn't know how to complete the assignment", or "I didn't' know there was an exam today" are not acceptable.  It's okay to have questions, but please ask them before the assignment is due.  In case of emergency or problems with the TN eCampus system, please email your assignment to the instructor and/or call him/her immediately.

Course Ground Rules

The following two statements (1., 2.) were derived from the TBR System-wide Student Rules document, released January 2012:

RULES OF THE TENNESSEE BOARD OF REGENTS STATE UNIVERSITY AND COMMUNITY COLLEGE SYSTEM OF TENNESSEE SYSTEMWIDE STUDENT RULES CHAPTER 0240-02-03 STUDENT CONDUCT AND DISCIPLINARY SANCTIONS

Read the document in its entirety here.

1. Standards of Conduct:

  • Students are required to adhere to the same professional, legal and ethical standards of conduct online as on campus. In addition, students should conform to generally accepted standards of "netiquette" while sending e-mail, posting comments to the discussion board, and while participating in other means of communicating online. Specifically, students should refrain from inappropriate and/or offensive language, comments and actions.

2. Review the TN eCampus Academic Integrity/Academic Honesty Policy:

  • In their academic activities, students are expected to maintain high standards of honesty and integrity. Academic dishonesty is prohibited.

Such conduct includes, but is not limited to:

  • an attempt by one or more students to use unauthorized information in the taking of an exam
  • to submit as one's own work, themes, reports, drawings, laboratory notes, computer programs, or other products prepared by another person,
  • or to knowingly assist another student in obtaining or using unauthorized materials.

Plagiarism, cheating, and other forms of academic dishonesty are prohibited.

Students guilty of academic misconduct, either directly or indirectly through participation or assistance, are subject to disciplinary action through the regular procedures of the student’s home institution.  Refer to the student handbook provided by your home institution to review the student conduct policy.

In addition to other possible disciplinary sanctions that may be imposed, the instructor has the authority to assign an "F" or zero for an activity or to assign an "F" for the course.

Other Course Rules:

Students are expected to:

  • Participate in all aspects of the course
  • Communicate with other students
  • Learn how to navigate in Brightspace
  • Keep abreast of course announcements
  • Use the assigned course management (Brightspace) email address rather than a personal email address
  • Address technical problems immediately:
  • Observe course netiquette at all times.

Guidelines for Communications

Email:

  • Always include a subject line.
  • Remember without facial expressions some comments may be taken the wrong way. Be careful in wording your emails. Use of emoticons might be helpful in some cases.
  • Use standard fonts.
  • Do not send large attachments without permission.
  • Special formatting such as centering, audio messages, tables, html, etc. should be avoided unless necessary to complete an assignment or other communication.
  • Respect the privacy of other class members

Discussions:

  • Review the discussion threads thoroughly before entering the discussion. Be a lurker then a discussant.
  • Try to maintain threads by using the "Reply" button rather starting a new topic.
  • Do not make insulting or inflammatory statements to other members of the discussion group. Be respectful of other’s ideas.
  • Be patient and read the comments of other group members thoroughly before entering your remarks.
  • Be cooperative with group leaders in completing assigned tasks.
  • Be positive and constructive in group discussions.
  • Respond in a thoughtful and timely manner.

Library

The Tennessee Virtual Library is available to all students enrolled in TN eCampus programs and courses. Links to library materials (such as electronic journals, databases, interlibrary loans, digital reserves, dictionaries, encyclopedias, maps, and librarian support) and Internet resources needed by learners to complete online assignments and as background reading will be included within the course modules. To access the Virtual Library, go to the course homepage and select the Virtual Library link under Course Resources.

Students with Disabilities

Qualified students with disabilities will be provided reasonable and necessary academic accommodations if determined eligible by the appropriate disability services staff at their home institution. Prior to granting disability accommodations in this course, the instructor must receive written verification of a student's eligibility for specific accommodations from the disability services staff at the home institution. It is the student's responsibility to initiate contact with their home institution's disability services staff and to follow the established procedures for having the accommodation notice sent to the instructor.

Syllabus Changes

The instructor reserves the right to make changes as necessary to this syllabus. If changes are necessitated during the term of the course, the instructor will immediately notify students of such changes both by individual email communication and posting both notification and nature of change(s) on the course bulletin board.

Disclaimer

The information contained in this syllabus is for general information purposes only. While we endeavor to keep this information up-to-date and accurate, there may be some discrepancies between this syllabus and the one found in your online course. The syllabus of record is the one found in your online course. Please make sure you read the syllabus in your course at the beginning of the semester. Questions regarding course content should be directed to your instructor.


Last Revised on July 12, 2021