Week1
HUMAN SEXUALITY II
OUR JOURNEY CONTINUES
This section indicates that the course on human sexuality is ongoing and will continue to explore various aspects of the subject.
COURSE OUTLINE
The course will utilize the textbook: "Human Sexuality: A Contemporary Introduction" by Caroline E. Pukall.
Additional readings and materials will be specified later in the course outline.
DEFINITION OF SEXUALITY
Sexuality is defined as "a central aspect of being human that encompasses sex, gender identities and roles, orientation, eroticism, pleasure, intimacy, and reproduction." This definition highlights the multifaceted nature of human sexuality and includes not just physical aspects but also psychological and emotional components.
SEXUAL HEALTH ACCORDING TO CANADA
Health Canada's definition states that "sexual health is a major aspect of personal health that affects people at all ages and stages of their lives." This emphasizes that sexual health is an important consideration for individuals throughout their life span, not restricted to any specific age group.
ACROSS-SPECIES PERSPECTIVE: ARE WE UNIQUE?
This section poses questions regarding behaviours observed in various species:
Masturbation: Investigation into whether this behaviour is unique to humans or seen across other species.
Mouth/Genital Contact: Examination of similar behaviours in animals and their implications.
Same-Sex/Homosexual Behaviour: Refers to the research compiled by editors Wolle Sommer and Paul Vasey titled "Homosexual Behaviour in Animals: An Evolutionary Perspective" which discusses homosexual behaviour across species.
Female Orgasm: Discussion of the evolutionary implications and uniqueness of this phenomenon in humans.
Sexual Assault: Raises the question of whether there is a naturalistic fallacy—concluding what is 'natural' versus how it can manifest socially.
HUMAN UNIQUENESS
Human behaviours are characterized as less hormonally driven compared to other species.
Notably noted is the menstrual cycle, characterized by:
A cycle length of approximately 24 to 30 days, which is significant for reproduction.
Concealed ovulation, which may contribute to social bonding and sexual behaviour outside of the strictly reproductive function.
Women show increased receptivity during the peri-ovulatory phase.
HYPER-SEXUALITY
Reference to a "list" concerning hyper-sexuality, suggesting a discussion of various behaviours, cultural perceptions, or patterns associated with hyper-sexuality.
WITHIN HUMAN DIVERSITY: CROSS-CULTURAL DIFFERENCES
Examination of diverse sexual practices and attitudes around the world:
The example of Mangaia vs. Innis Beag could illustrate differing sexual norms and implications for sexual dysfunctions across cultures, emphasizing both similarities and differences in sexual behaviour.
GROUP DIFFERENCES IN SEXUAL BEHAVIOUR
Discussion of group differences:
A) Sex/Gender Differences:
How arousal patterns differ between genders.
The role of pornography and its effects on sexual behaviour.
Discussion of multiple orgasms and casual sexual encounters.
B) Social Class Differences:
Gender roles may vary significantly based on social class, leading to differences in sexual variety and opportunities.
C) Age/Lifespan Differences:
Sexual behaviour and preferences evolve at different life stages, with significant variation observed among age groups.
INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES
This section acknowledges that the greatest variation in sexual behaviour occurs at an individual level.
Discussion around individual preferences in sexual attraction, leading to diversity in who finds whom attractive, exemplified by unique types and styles of attraction.
Mention of the wide array of sexual partners individuals may prefer or the concept of affairs, highlighting differing individual desires.
SEXUAL ORIENTATIONS
Recognition that some individuals identify as asexual, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity in discussions about sexuality and sexual identities.
SEXUAL VARIATIONS
Reference to various sexual practices such as:
S&M (Sadism and Masochism)
Fetishism
Exhibitionism
Highlighting the spectrum and diversity of human sexual expression.
SEXUAL ASSAULT AND HARASSMENT
Discussion surrounding the topics:
"No Means No" campaign to emphasize consent and its importance.
Mention of the #MeToo movement which brought attention to issues of sexual violence and harassment.
RELATIONSHIPS
Examination of critical relationship questions such as:
What is love?
Factors that predict relationship stability and instability, potentially influenced by sexual health and satisfaction.
SEXUAL DYSFUNCTIONS
Discussing problems and dysfunctions related to sexual performance and perceptions.
SEX IN MEDIA
Exploration of how sexuality is portrayed in media, including:
Pornography: Conversations about its effects and representation.
Artistic interpretations and representations in popular culture such as "Fifty Shades of Grey" and its subsequent media adaptations.
PROSTITUTION AND SEX WORKERS
Examination of societal perspectives on sex work and the implications for sexual health and rights.
TRANSGENDER AND TRANSSEXUALISM
Discussion on the representation and experiences of transgender individuals in society, with notable examples from mainstream media.
"Call me Caitlyn" referencing Bruce Jenner's transition and the broader conversations about gender identity.
SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS (STIs) AND AIDS
Reiteration of the importance of education regarding STIs, prevention methods, and discussions concerning sexual health.
Discussion about age-appropriate sexual education, including:
What children should know regarding sexuality—referred to metaphorically as "The Birds and the Bees… and much, much more!"
IMPORTANCE OF DIVERSITY IN SEXUALITY
Asserted that diversity is critical in the study of sexual behaviours and identities.
Addresses the biological question: "Why is there (biological) sex?"
This involves discussing the evolutionary advantages of sexual reproduction as compared to asexual reproduction, with the last 1.2 billion years emphasizing sexual reproduction's predominance in creating genetic diversity.
ASEXUAL SPECIES
Mention of asexual species produces offspring genetically identical to the parents, leading to no genetic diversity.
EVOLUTION OF SEX
Discussion on why sexual reproduction, despite being less efficient (e.g., distributing only 50% of genes to offspring), is advantageous:
Sexual reproduction creates diversity which leads to more robust and adaptable populations capable of surviving in changing environments.
Stronger immune systems as a result of genetic diversity can lead to resistance to diseases such as parasites.
PARASITE DYNAMICS
Reference to a concept from Alice in Wonderland illustrating the arms race against parasites, emphasizing the ongoing struggle between hosts and parasites in the context of sexual reproduction.
SEXUALITY AND HEALTH
Concludes that sex serves not just as a biological function but as a crucial part of overall health and diversity.
FINAL REMARKS
Opens up for questions and collects feedback through course activities or polling exercises.