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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)
Delivery mode The Distance Learning offering of this paper is taught and assessed remotely
Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) $1,318.20
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
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
Assessment details

Internal Assessment 60%.

Final Exam 40%

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)
Delivery mode The Distance Learning offering of this paper is taught and assessed remotely
Domestic Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for 2027 have not yet been set
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
Associate Professor 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
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
    Assessment details

    Internal Assessment (60%)

    Final Exam (40%)

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