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Human Sexuality Across the Lifespan


Course Description

Students will learn how to define human sexuality and identify and analyze attitudes and diverse perspectives based on substantive and theoretical information, with emphasis on how development and interactions across the life span are affected by familial, social, cultural, and psychological factors.


Athena Title

Human Sex Across the Lifespan


Equivalent Courses

Not open to students with credit in HDFS 2600


Non-Traditional Format

This course will be taught 95% or more online.


Semester Course Offered

Not offered on a regular basis.


Grading System

A - F (Traditional)


Student Learning Outcomes

  • Students will be able to describe human sexual development (physical, cognitive, and socioemotional), behavior, and attitudes across the lifespan.
  • Students will understand how diverse sexual belief systems influenced by race, ethnicity, class, gender, sexual orientation, and religion influence the expression of human sexuality in families, intimate relationships, and societies.
  • Students will know how to examine and discuss sensitive issues related to diverse behaviors, coercion, and sex for commercial purposes.
  • Students will know how to communicate openly and effectively about issues related to human sexuality.
  • Students will know how to make responsible sexual decisions.

Topical Outline

  • Defining human sexuality by reflecting and examining how diverse sexual belief systems influenced by race, ethnicity, class, gender, sexual orientation, and religion influence the expression of human sexuality in families, intimate relationships, and societies.
  • Human Sexuality Perspectives
  • Research: People, Theories, and Methodologies
  • Anatomy and Physiology
  • Sexual Health and Reproduction
  • Sexual Development Across the Lifespan • Identity • Sexual Values and Decision-Making • Media and Sexuality • Sexual Behaviors • Sexual Functioning
  • Sexual Coercion and Consent
  • Sex and Commerce

Syllabus