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    Overview

    A foundational introduction to human sexuality and its biological, psychological and social underpinnings, with a focus on health and wellbeing.

    An understanding of sexuality and its relationship to health and wellbeing is vital for students from a variety of backgrounds. It will be particularly valuable for students interested in psychology, public health, social work, education, sociology and gender studies, anthropology, law, reproductive health, and physical education. This paper can be taken as part of a number of degree programmes and will provide an essential grounding in sexuality from a psychological and health science perspective.

    About this paper

    Paper title Human Sexuality and Health
    Subject Psychological Medicine
    EFTS 0.15
    Points 18 points
    Teaching period(s) Semester 1 (Distance learning)
    Semester 1 (On campus)
    Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) $1,173.30
    International Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website.
    Prerequisite
    108 points
    Recommended Preparation
    GEND 102
    Schedule C
    Arts and Music, Science
    Eligibility

    Suitable for undergraduates from all disciplines and as a distance paper for those in the community. This paper is suited to those who are interested in sexuality, sexual health and wellbeing and all those whose professions involve working with people.

    Contact
    charlene.rapsey@otago.ac.nz
    Teaching staff
    Dr Charlene Rapsey
    Paper Structure

    The paper is structured according to three main areas:

    Sexuality through the lifespan

    • Human development and sexuality
    • Sexual response
    • Sexual difficulties
    • Illness, disability and wellbeing
    • Sexual diversity
    • Gender identity
    • Love and intimacy

    Public health and society

    • Sex work
    • Sex education
    • Sex and technology
    • Pornography
    • Reproductive health
    • Global initiatives

    Sexual harm

    • Consent
    • Sexual victimisation
    • Harmful sexual behaviour

    Internal Assessment 60%.

    Teaching Arrangements

    The Distance Learning offering of this paper is taught remotely.

    The on-campus offering of this paper is taught in Dunedin.

    Textbooks

    Lehmiller, J.J., (2017). The Psychology of Human Sexuality, Second Edition. ed. Wiley, Hoboken.

    Graduate Attributes Emphasised
    Global perspective, Interdisciplinary perspective, Lifelong learning, Scholarship, Communication, Critical thinking, Ethics, Research.
    View more information about Otago's graduate attributes.
    Learning Outcomes

    Students who successfully complete this paper will:

    1. Use biological, social, and psychological research to explain human sexual behaviour
    2. Consolidate and critique research and theories to answer questions and evaluate ideas about sexuality and health
    3. Critically evaluate sexual health research and public policy and implications for health
    4. Discuss implications of lifespan development for sexuality and health
    5. Understand sexual/affectional and gender orientations and identities

    Timetable

    Semester 1

    Location
    Dunedin
    Teaching method
    This paper is taught through Distance Learning
    Learning management system
    Blackboard

    Semester 1

    Location
    Dunedin
    Teaching method
    This paper is taught On Campus
    Learning management system
    Blackboard

    Lecture

    Stream Days Times Weeks
    Attend
    A1 Monday 13:00-13:50 9-13, 15-22
    Tuesday 15:00-15:50 9-13, 15-22

    Tutorial

    Stream Days Times Weeks
    Attend one stream from
    A1 Wednesday 13:00-13:50 9-13, 15-22
    A2 Thursday 14:00-14:50 9-13, 15-16, 18-22
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