Texas State University



TEXAS STATE UNIVERSITY

Spring 2017

Human Sexuality: PSY 2311

Dr. Amy M. Meeks

Department of Psychology

COURSE GOALS

This course is designed to introduce you to the field of human sexuality. In doing so, we will discuss various aspects of sexuality and how those aspects interact with psychological principles. Because this is a survey course, we will not be able to go into great detail on each of these topics. The goal, instead, is to cover the main points and give you a good working knowledge that will help you understand human sexuality as a discipline and as a science. You will find that this working knowledge will add to your understanding of how complex and fascinating the human body can be. As we walk through this course together, my hope is that you encounter new ideas and facts, incorporate this new material into your existing values and beliefs, and emerge at the end of this semester more aware of human sexuality and its’ impact on our lives. It is an incredibly rich field that touches us in a myriad of ways. Whenever possible, we will use in-class projects, out-of-class assignments, demonstrations, and videos to illustrate key concepts in this course.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS

• Four (4) tests and perhaps work submitted from Connect

COURSE MATERIALS

REQUIRED TEXT: Hyde and DeLamater, Understanding Human Sexuality, (12th ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill. ISBN: 9781260001211

This text comes with the e-book and access to Connect. Every student needs access to Connect.

INSTRUCTOR

Name: Dr. Amy M. Meeks, PhD - Texas State E-mail: am23@txstate.edu

Office Location: 231 UAC Building, Phone: 245-3622 (no voice mail)

Office Hours: M – W from 10 to 11 and 2 to 3

Teaching Assistants: 11 class: No TA

12:30 class: Angela Johnson: aej17@txstate.edu

COURSE POLICIES

Attendance

Class attendance and class participation are considered important in the attainment of course goals. Therefore, absences are strongly discouraged. Attendance is taken daily and class is best when we are here together.

If you choose to be absent, or are absent for reasons beyond your control, that is alright and not the end of the world. Life happens and sometimes you are not in class. The only absences which are accepted and excused are those that are school related in that you are elsewhere representing Texas State University. Documentation verifying those times is essential. Students who attend class MUST VERIFY their attendance each class day by signing in on the roster.

Otherwise, if you miss class because you are sick, I hope you feel better; if you miss class because you have to attend a funeral, I am sorry for your loss; and if you miss class because you overslept, I hope you feel rested. My hope is that you choose to come to class, be involved, and learn.

Attendance for classes held in Regular Classrooms:

Attendance will be documented by your signature, not initials, on the roster each class day. YOU must sign in each class day in order to be counted as being present in class. Having others sign in for you will result in penalties for both of you.

Attendance for classes held in Teaching Theatres:

Attendance will be documented by the scanners. You must scan in and scan out each class day with your student ID. Attendance will only be recognized if the scanner validates you registered that class day.

Academic Integrity Issues:

The professor will strictly adhere to the University Academic Integrity Policy described in the Student Handbook in dealing with plagiarism or other academic integrity issues. This policy states:

All work submitted for credit must be the student’s original work. Any assignment turned in that is questionable in terms of its authorship will be investigated and will be subject to the disciplinary action(s) recommended under Texas State University policies.

This information can be found in the university handbook at UPPS 07.10.01

STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES

Daily Assignments

We will cover approximately one chapter per week. You are expected to have read the chapter by class time and you are responsible for all assigned reading material for the examinations. Classroom activities and lectures will be based on the chapter topics and related issues which you should be able to discuss in class.

Classroom Discussions

Issues in psychology can be among the most sensitive and personal that we may encounter in the academic world. Your opinion is valuable and we want to hear it! Listening to new perspectives in a discussion will facilitate your own learning and that of others. The following ground rules will aid us in having useful, respectful discussions about these sensitive topics:

Take responsibility for your own learning in this class.

Speak up if you have a question or do not understand.

Respect all opinions, your own and those of others.

Feel free to disagree with any opinion that is expressed, but only after you fully understand the other point of view.

Derogatory comments or personal attacks are not acceptable.

Agree that we may disagree.

Take risks by sharing feelings and opinions, but leave what others say in the classroom.

If, during this course, personal issues are raised that you would like to discuss with a counselor, please ask the teacher for a referral or contact the University Counseling Center at 245 - 2208. I am willing to help you find the right resources for you and your situation but I can not become your counselor.

SPECIAL STUDENTS

If you are a student with a disability who will require an accommodation(s) to participate in this course, please contact me as soon as possible. I will be glad to help you with your accommodations in whatever way I can.

COURSE GRADES

Your grade in this course will be the result of four tests and any extra credit you earn. Extra credit opportunities may include work not yet listed in this syllabus. All of your points, tests and extra credit, will be totaled and then divided by four. The resulting average will dictate your grade in this course.

Examinations will be based on class materials, including lectures, guest lectures, media presentations, and text assignments. Make-up examinations are allowed only in cases of extreme emergency and those emergencies must be documented in writing. EXTRA CREDIT points will be added to your exam total before your course grade is calculated.

ALL MAKE-UP EXAMS MUST BE TAKEN WITHIN A WEEK OF THE SCHEDULED CLASS EXAM.

The grading scale will be as follows:

A: 90-100

B: 80-89

C: 70-79

D: 60-69

F: 59 and below

You are each responsible for the grade that you make in this class. I want you to all make A’s, and I will do my part to help you achieve that grade, but I cannot do it for you. If your average for the course falls in the 70’s then you will receive a C in the class, regardless of how much you explain to me that your transcript cannot handle another C.

At the end of each semester, I have students tell me in great detail why they REALLY need a certain grade in this class. If you choose to do this, I will listen patiently to your explanation and then I will give you the grade that you have earned. I will be glad to give you an A, if your average is in the 90’s.

I see this class as a joint project between you and me. I promise to do my part by showing up each class day ready to lecture on the material and explain it in a way that you can hopefully understand. I ask that you do your part by coming to class prepared to discuss the material and willing to learn.

It is possible to make a great grade in this class and to have fun doing so. That is my

goal for each of you.

EXTRA CREDIT

Limited to 16 points total for the semester

1.) Attendance:

If you have perfect attendance between tests, then 2 points will be given to you as extra credit points. For example, if you do not miss a class before Test #1 then you will be given 2 points for attendance for Test #1 as extra credit. The same concept will apply to Test #2, 3, and 4. Attendance is taken every day yet, with the completion of each test, you start over on your ability to earn 2 points on the next test.

2.) Participation in various research opportunities:

During the semester I am often approached and asked if I am willing to allow my students to participate in various research projects. I always tell you about these opportunities and give you the chance to participate. Participation is not required but is usually a fun way to earn extra credit. The number of points you earn varies with each study depending on the time required of you.

3.) Attending various campus events:

These will be announced in class as they become available and sent to you as an Announcement on TRACS and to your Bobcat email account. The workshops in the Brilliant Bobcat series have been favorites and I likely will allow these as extra credit this semester.

ELECTRONIC BEHAVIOR IN THE CLASSROOM:

Laptop computers may only be used during class to take notes for this class. Using your laptop during class for any other purpose will cause you to loose the privilege of having your laptop in this class. Cell phone use is not allowed in class so please silence your phones while you are in class

HOW YOU AND I COMMUNICATE

Please read TRACS and Bobcat mail for announcements for this class.

COURSE CALENDER – HUMAN SEXUALITY - SPRING 2016

WEEK 1 January - 18 CHAPTER 1: Sexuality in Perspective

WEEK 2 January 23 - 25 CHAPTER 2: Theoretical Perspectives

WEEK 3 February 30 - 1 CHAPTER 3: Sex Research

WEEK 4 February 6 - 8 TEST #1: Chapters 1, 2, 3

WEEK 5 February 13 - 15 CHAPTER 4: Sexual Anatomy

WEEK 6 February 20 - 22 CHAPTER 5: The Menstrual Cycle

WEEK 7 Feb/Mar 27 - 1 CHAPTER 6: Conception, Pregnancy…

WEEK 8 March 6 - 8 TEST #2: Chapters 4, 5, 6

WEEK 9 March 13 - 15 --- SPRING BREAK ---

WEEK 10 March 20 - 22 CHAPTER 7: Contraception and Abortion

WEEK 11 March 27 - 29 CHAPTER 8: Sexual Arousal

WEEK 12 April 3 - 5 CHAPTER 11: Attraction, Love, and….

WEEK 13 April 10 - 12 TEST #3: Chapters 7, 8, 11

WEEK 14 April 17 - 19 CHAPTER 13: Sexual Orientaion….

WEEK 15 April 24 - 26 CHAPTER 14: Variations in Sexual…..

WEEK 16 May 1 - LAST CLASS DAY/Test #4 Chapters 13, 14

FINAL EXAM SCHEDULE: For 11 a.m. class: Monday May 8th at 8 a.m.

For 12:30 class: Wednesday May 10th at 11 a.m.

The Final Exam for this class is the 4th test. It will not be comprehensive and will be formatted like your other tests. It will be offered on the last day of class for those who wish to take it then, otherwise you will take it during the final exam time. Once you have taken Test #4 you no longer need to attend class.

RULES AND PROCEDURES FOR ALKEK, CENTENNIAL HALL, and LBJ

In our efforts to maintain the integrity of the Teaching Theater facilities and equipment, please observe the following:

Cell phones must be turned off.

No food or open drink containers.

Spill-proof containers permitted.

No tobacco products of any type.

No power adaptor cords across the aisles.

Do not place your feet on the seat backs.

To facilitate traffic flow, enter and exit through the assigned doorways.

Lost and Found items are kept in the Technician’s office.

Emergency Procedures--If an alarm is sounded, move in an orderly fashion to the door nearest you, evacuate and move away from the building

Medical Emergency Procedures--Notify the GIA/IA or Professor immediately in the event of illness or injury during class. All students are to remain seated, unless instructed otherwise, to provide Emergency Personnel access to the individual requiring attention.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR COOPERATION!!!

It is important that you read, understand and adhere to the following guidelines: TESTING PROCEDURES FOR TEST DAYS

On test days, the only item you need to bring to class is a pencil. Scantrons will be provided.

On your scantron please write in and bubble in YOUR NAME, ID NUMBER, COURSE NUMBER, SECTION NUMBER and TEST FORM. If these are not filled in 5 points will be deducted from your test score.

If you bring other items to class, they must be placed against the wall or on the stage.

During the test, no caps, hats, or head gear are allowed.

During the test, no electronic devices are allowed. If one is visible, it will be assumed that you were using it to obtain answers and you will be given a zero for the test.

When turning in your test, please be certain it is placed in the correct stack.

Asking the professor to clarify a test question is acceptable. Asking the professor for the answer to a test question is not acceptable.

Each student is to keep their scantron covered so that their answers are not seen by others.

The test forms (color) will be alternated when placed on your desks., therefore,, you should always have a different color than your neighbor.

If you have the same color as your neighbor, that is a problem and you will both be given a zero for the test.

All answers are to come from you and only you.

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