This course will provide an overview of the broad field of human sexuality. Topics will be covered from various perspectives – biological, sociological, anthropological, etc., but will focus primarily on the psychological perspective. The goal is for each student to learn factual, scientifically based information that will provoke thought and contribute to his/her own decision-making on sexual issues outside of the classroom.

A college course in human sexuality is special. There will be discussion about many topics you’ve probably never discussed in public before. Initially, this can be uncomfortable for some students. As a class, we can overcome this discomfort by keeping our minds open, being respectful of our classmates, and sharing our thoughts with each other. By the end of this class, you should be much more comfortable discussing sexual topics, and you’ll have the information you need to develop a personal sexual philosophy that is both flexible and informed by current scientific research. 

Credit Hours: 3 / Online

Please allow me to be the first to say, “You can do all things and am proud of you.”

COURSE RATIONALE

This course is based on the idea that students at ACC are adult learners. Adult learning theory suggests that learners do best when they relate new material to their own life and when they are challenged and motivated by the material.  Student participation in the form of questions, comments and discussion is greatly desired. Students will be expected to become skilled at the material and/or world events.

Instead of closed book exams, there will be open book exams. In addition, you will be able to explore course material through writing assignments and discussion board activities.

INSTRUCTIONAL METHODOLOGY

Distance Education (Online)

Since this is an online asynchronous course, you must be able to manage your time effectively and prioritize to meet deadlines and stay on track with your coursework. Remember, we will not be meeting together as a class.

Please be an active learner who asks questions when you do not understand something. As your instructor, I cannot see you, so please send an email if you have problems.

Students will use the Blackboard learning management system for assignment instructions, collaboration, and grades. All assignments must be sent to rosarita.voss@austincc.edu by the respective due date.

GRADING SYSTEM

The final average will be assigned a grade based on the following scale:

• For example, if you have achieved 2,100 points/30 assignments=70 points (Grade is C)

Point System:                                                               Grade System:

2700 points = A                                                              A= 90-100

2699-2400 = B                                                                 B= 80-89

2399-2100 = C                                                                 C= 70-79

2000-1800 = D                                                                 D= 60-69

 1700- 0 = F                                                                     F=59 and below

Blackboard will display your performance in this course since all assignments and communications will be sent through Blackboard to your ACC email.  

ALL assignments must be submitted on or before the due date to rosarita.voss@austincc.edu. No late assignment will be accepted since you may submit an assignment before the due date to rosarita.voss@austincc.edu.

Assignments:

There will be 30 assignments.  Grades will be determined by reflections, quizzes, exams, discussion board and research papers. There is NO makeup for assignments or exams.  Only assignments outline in the syllabus, sent through email and/or display in Blackboard will be graded for points. 

All exams and/or assignments are open for a specific window and after that time, the window of opportunity will be closed. This is necessary to allow for timely feedback. Partially completed assignments will not be accepted and given a grade of zero.

Writing Assignments

Writing is an important skill for a college student.  We will have several writing assignments this semester.  Please see the course outline for the deadlines since all assignments is posted in Blackboard.

A note about citations for research and/or writing assignments:

When writing essays, using the textbook, a website, or anywhere else, YOU MUST CITE IT. American Psychological Association (APA) citation is required https://apastyle.apa.org/. Essays with un-cited information will not receive a grade.

Discussion Board Forums

Topics will be posted on our Discussion Board link on Blackboard as a question (or questions) about a topic related to our readings in which I am looking for your opinions/thoughts. You need to contribute at least one original (detailed and well-thought out) post. The Discussion Board Forum will be active from Monday morning to Sunday @11:59 p.m. of that week.

In terms of how to post, you need to go to the “Discussion Board” link on the left-hand side and click on the forum for the week. You can start your own thread (on the top, left hand side) or reply to a classmate's post. For further instructions, see this link - http://irt.austincc.edu/blackboard/bbpdfs/StudentPDFs/Bb9DiscussionBd.pdf.

The purpose of your posts is for you to share your insights and knowledge about relevant topics. Some of these topics might be controversial - I ask that you share your opinion and thoughts but be respectful in doing so; not everyone will share your opinion, and we must respect each other without using profanity or attacking someone else written thoughts. Having said that, do not shy away from expressing your views - this is the essence of a class.

Attendance/Class Participation

Regular and timely class participation in discussions and completion of work is expected of all students.  If attendance or compliance with other course policies is unsatisfactory, the instructor may withdraw students from the class.

Withdrawal Policy

The College defines withdrawals as occurring after the official reporting date of the semester, typically the 12^th class day.  In addition, the Legislature has mandated the Rule of Six.  There may also be financial aid issues.

It is the responsibility of each student to ensure that his or her name is removed from the rolls should they decide to withdraw from the class.  The instructor does, however, reserve the right to drop a student should he or she feel it is necessary.  If a student decides to withdraw, he or she should also verify that the withdrawal is recorded before the Final Withdrawal Date.  The Final Withdrawal Date for this semester is July 26, 2021.  The student is also strongly encouraged to keep any paperwork in case a problem arises.

Students are responsible for understanding the impact that withdrawal from a course may have on their financial aid, veterans’ benefits, and international student status.  Per state law, students enrolling for the first time in Fall 2007 or later at any public Texas college or university may not withdraw (receive a W) from more than six courses during their undergraduate college education. Some exemptions for good cause could allow a student to withdraw from a course without having it count toward this limit. Students are strongly encouraged to meet with an advisor when making decisions about course selection, course loads, and course withdrawals.

COLLEGE POLICIES

Statement on Academic Integrity

Austin Community College values academic integrity in the educational process.  Acts of academic dishonesty/misconduct undermine the learning process, present a disadvantage to students who earn credit honestly, and subvert the academic mission of the institution. The potential consequences of fraudulent credentials raise additional concerns for individuals and communities beyond campus who rely on institutions of higher learning to certify students' academic achievements and expect to benefit from the claimed knowledge and skills of their graduates. Students must follow all instructions given by faculty or designated college representatives when taking examinations, placement assessments, tests, quizzes, and evaluations.  Actions constituting scholastic dishonesty include, but are not limited to, plagiarism, cheating, fabrication, collusion, falsifying documents, or the inappropriate use of the college’s information technology resources.  Further information is available at https://www.austincc.edu/about-acc/academic-integrity-and-disciplinary-process

Student Rights & Responsibilities

Academic freedom is a foundation and hallmark of higher education.  In the context of college-level courses, it specifically refers to the rights of free expression and respect for others with differing opinions.  Students at the college have the rights accorded by the U.S. Constitution to freedom of speech, peaceful assembly, petition, and association. This concept is accompanied by an equally demanding concept of responsibility on the part of the student.  Just as you are expected to exercise these rights with respect for state and federal law in the larger world, you are expected to exercise these rights as a student with respect for the college’s standards of conduct.  These rights carry with them the responsibility to accord the same rights to others in the college community and not to interfere with or disrupt the educational process.  Students and faculty alike should enable a climate of mutual respect and civility while fostering the freedom to debate and discuss the merits of competing ideas.

Enrollment in the college indicates acceptance of the rules set forth in the student standards of conduct policy, which is administered through the office of the campus dean of student services. Due process, through an investigation and appeal process, is assured to any student involved in disciplinary action.

Student Complaints

A defined process applies to complaints about an instructor or other college employee. You are encouraged to discuss concerns and complaints with college personnel and should expect a timely and appropriate response. When possible, students should first address their concerns through informal conferences with those immediately involved; formal due process is available when informal resolution cannot be achieved.

Student complaints may include (but are not limited to) issues regarding classroom instruction, college services and offices on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, national origin, religion, age, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, political affiliation, or disability.

Further information about the complaints process, including the form used to submit complaints, is available at: http://www.austincc.edu/students/students-rights-and-responsibilities/student-complaint-procedures

Statement on Privacy

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) protects confidentiality of students’ educational records. Grades cannot be provided by faculty over the phone, by e-mail, or to a fellow student.

Discrimination Prohibited

The College seeks to maintain an educational environment free from any form of discrimination or harassment including but not limited to discrimination or harassment based on race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability.

Faculty at the College are required to report concerns regarding sexual misconduct (including all forms of sexual harassment and sex and gender-based discrimination) to the Manager of Title IX/Title VI/ADA Compliance.  Licensed clinical counselors are available across the District and serve as confidential resources for students.

Additional information about Title VI, Title IX, and ADA compliance can be found in the ACC Compliance Resource Guide available at: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1o55xINAWNvTYgI-fs-JbDyuaMFDNvAjz/view

Use of ACC email

All College e-mail communication to students will be sent solely to the student’s ACC email account, with the expectation that such communications will be read in a timely fashion. ACC will send important information and will notify students of any college- related emergencies using this account. Students should only expect to receive email communication from their instructor using this account.  Likewise, students should use their ACC email account when communicating with instructors and staff.  Information about ACC email accounts, including instructions for accessing it, are available at:  http://www.austincc.edu/help/accmail/questions-and-answers

Senate Bill 212 and Title IX Reporting Requirements 

Under Senate Bill 212 (SB 212), the faculty and all College employees are required to report any information concerning incidents of sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking committed by or against an ACC student or employee. Federal Title IX law and College policy also require reporting incidents of sex- and gender-based discrimination and sexual misconduct. This means faculty and non-clinical counseling staff cannot keep confidential information about any such incidents that you share with them.

If you would like to talk with someone confidentiality, please contact the District Clinical Counseling Team who can connect you with a clinical counselor on any ACC campus:  (512) 223-2616, or to schedule online:  https://www.austincc.edu/students/counseling . 

While students are not required to report, they are encouraged to contact the Compliance Office for resources and options:  Charlene Buckley, District Title IX Officer, (512) 223-7964;  compliance@austincc.edu .

If a student makes a report to a faculty member, the faculty member will contact the District Title IX Officer for follow-up.

STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES

The success of our students is paramount, and ACC offers a variety of support services to help, as well as providing numerous opportunities for community engagement and personal growth.

Student Support

ACC strives to provide exemplary support to its students and offers a broad variety of opportunities and services.  Information on these campus services and resources is available at  http://www.austincc.edu/students.

Student Accessibility Services

Students with documented disabilities who need classroom, academic, or other accommodations must request them through the office Student Accessibility Services (SAS).   SAS offices are located at each major campus.  Students are encouraged to request accommodations when they register for courses or at least three weeks before the start of the semester; otherwise, the provision of accommodations may be delayed.  Students who have received approval for accommodations from SAS for this course must provide the instructor with the document titled “Notice of Approved Accommodations” from SAS before accommodations will be provided.  Accommodations will not be provided retroactively.  Arrangements by the instructor for academic accommodations can only be made after he or she receives the “Notice of Approved Accommodations” from the student.

Additional information about Student Accessibility Services is available at https://www.austincc.edu/offices/student-accessibility-services-and-assistive-technology

Academic Support

ACC offers academic support services on all its campuses. These services, which include face-to-face and online tutoring, academic coaching, and supplemental instruction, are free to enrolled ACC students. Tutors are available in a variety of subjects ranging from accounting to pharmacology. Students may receive these services on both a drop-in and referral basis. Tutoring schedules can be found at:  https://www.austincc.edu/students/tutoring/tutoring-schedules

Library Services

ACC has a full-service library to support ACC courses and programs and to provide students with research and assignment assistance from expert faculty librarians.  ACC students have full rights and privileges to access Library Services online 24/7 via the ACC Library website and students can use their ACCeID logins to access all online materials, including eBooks, articles from library databases, and streaming videos.   ACC Libraries also provide an “Ask a Librarian” service, which allows students to reach a librarian 24/7 through online chat “live.”  Faculty librarians are also available via email and phone seven days a week during hours of operation. Visit:

• Library Website: http://library.austincc.edu
• Ask a Librarian: https://library.austincc.edu/help/ask.php
• Library Hours of Operation by Location: https://library.austincc.edu/loc/
• Email: library@austincc.edu

In partnership with ACC’s Student Support Center, ACC Libraries also maintain a limited collection of textbooks for students (made available by Student Affairs) to borrow. Priority access to the textbook collection is given to students receiving assistance. More information is available on the ACC website by searching “Student Support Center Textbook Collection.”

Student Organizations

ACC has over seventy student organizations, offering a variety of cultural, academic, vocational, and social opportunities.  They provide a chance to meet with other students who have the same interests, engage in service-learning, participate in intramural sports, gain valuable field experience related to career goals, and much else.  Student Life coordinates many of these activities, and additional information is available at http://sites.austincc.edu/sl/.

Personal Support

 All resources and services are free and confidential. Some examples include, among others:

  Food resources including community pantries and bank drives can be found here:

https://www.centraltexasfoodbank.org/food-assistance/get-food-now

• Assistance with childcare or utility bills is available at any campus Support Center: http://www.austincc.edu/students/support-center.
• The Student Emergency Fund can help with unexpected expenses that may cause you to withdraw from one or more classes: http://www.austincc.edu/SEF.
• Help with budgeting for college and family life is available through the Student Money Management Office: http://sites.austincc.edu/money/.  
• A full listing of services for student parents is available at: https://www.austincc.edu/students/child-care

• The CARES Act Student Aid will help eligible students pay expenses related to COVID-19: https://www.austincc.edu/coronavirus/cares-act-student-aid.   

Mental health counseling services are available throughout the ACC Student Services District to address personal and or mental health concerns: http://www.austincc.edu/students/counseling .

If you are struggling with a mental health or personal crisis, call one of the following numbers to connect with resources for help. However if you are afraid that you might hurt yourself or someone else, call 911 immediately.

Free Crisis Hotline Numbers:

• Austin / Travis County 24 hour Crisis & Suicide hotline: 512-472-HELP (4357)
• The Williamson County 24 hour Crisis hotline: 1-800-841-1255
• Bastrop County Family Crisis Center hotline: 1-888-311-7755
• Hays County 24 Hour Crisis Hotline: 1-877-466-0660
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
• Crisis Text Line: Text “home” to 741741
  • Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline:   1-800-662-HELP (4357)
• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Helpline:1-800-950-NAMI (6264)

Scholarships

Scholarships are a great way to pay for college. They are available from a variety of sources and many are reserved specifically for ACC students. The link is https://www.austincc.edu/students/scholarships. Also, Capital Idea assists with tuition at ACC. 

The textbook for this course is The Psychology of Human Sexuality; Second Edition by Justin J. Lehmiller. ALERT! ALERT! It is the student’s responsibility to read the assigned chapters of this book in a timely manner.

Week 1: 6/1/2021-6/6/2021

Read Syllabus and send confirmation to Professor Voss by Sunday, June 6, 2021 @11.59 p.m. to rosarita.voss@austincc.edu.  Acknowledgement Syllabus email is worth 25 points.

·         Chapter 1: Theoretical Perspective on Human Sexuality (Textbook reading)

·         Chapter 2: Sexology Research: History, Methods and Ethics (Textbook reading)

Assignment: Type a short reflection over Chapter 1 (Worth 100 points). One page is required; double spaced and APA style due at 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, June 06, 2021.  Instructions are posted on Blackboard on the toolbar.

Week 2: 6/7/2021-6/13/2021

·         Chapter 3: Human Sexual Anatomy (Textbook reading)

Discussion Board: Reparative Therapy due by Sunday, June 13, 2021 @11.59 p.m. Worth 100 points by posting your comments.

Assignment: Type a short reflection over Chapter 2 (Worth 100 points). One page is required; double spaced and APA style due at 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, June 13, 2021.  Instructions are posted on Blackboard on the toolbar.

Assignment: Type a short reflection over Chapter 3 (Worth 100 points) One page is required; double spaced and APA style due at 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, June 13, 2021.  Instructions are posted on Blackboard on the toolbar.

Open Book Quiz over Chapters 1, 2 and 3 due Sunday, June 13, 2021 at 11:59 p.m. Worth 100 points

Week 3: 6/14/2021-6/20/2021

Open Book Exam 1 over Chapters 1, 2 and 3 due Sunday, June 20, 2021 at 11:59 p.m. Worth 100 points

Assignment: Let us Talk About Sex: For this activity worth 100 points, listen to the Salt-n-Pepa music due Sunday, June 20, 2021 @11:59 p.m. and discuss the meaning behind the song and how to prevent transmitting AIDS.

Week 4: 6/21/2021- 6/27/2021

·         Chapter 4: Human Sexual Response: Understanding Arousal and Orgasm (Textbook reading)

·         Chapter 5: Gender and Gender Identity (Textbook reading)

Assignment: Type a short reflection over Chapter 4 (Worth 100 points) One page is required; double spaced and APA style due at 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, June 27, 2021.  Instructions are posted on Blackboard on the toolbar.

Assignment: Type a short reflection over Chapter 5 (Worth 100 points) One page is required; double spaced and APA style due at 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, June 27, 2021.  Instructions are posted on Blackboard on the toolbar.

Assignment: Watch Abnormal Chromosome Numbers Cause Genetic Conditions (Films on Demand) under ACC Library website. Worth 100 points; Discussion Board activity and due Sunday, June 27, 2021.  

Klinefelter Syndrome and Turner Syndrome educational pamphlet due at 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, June 27, 2021. Worth 200 points.  

100 points for stress reduction/singing with Professor Voss.

Week 5: 6/28/2021 -7/4/2021                                   

(College closed) 7/4/2021

·         Chapter 6: Sexual Orientation (Textbook reading)

·         Chapter 7: The Laws of Attraction (Textbook reading)

Assignment: Type a short reflection over Chapter 6 (Worth 100 points) One page is required; double spaced and APA style due at 11:59 p.m. on Saturday, July 03, 2021.  Instructions are posted on Blackboard on the toolbar.

Assignment: Chapter 7: The Laws of Attraction Discussion Board  (Worth 100 points) Saturday, July 03, 2021.  Instructions sent 6/15/2021.

Week 6: 7/5/2021-7/11/2021

Independence Day Observed (Holiday, College closed) 7/5/2021.

Open book Exam 2: Chapters 4, 5, 6 and 7 due 11:59 p.m. Sunday, July 11, 2021.  Worth 100 points

Week 7: 7/12/2021-7/18/2021

·         Chapter 8: Intimate Relationships: Sex, Love and Commitment (Textbook reading)

·         Chapter 9: Sexual Behaviors (Textbook reading)

·         Chapter 10: Lifespan Sexual Development (Textbook reading)

Quiz over Chapters 8, 9 and 10 due at 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, July 18, 2021. Worth 100 points.

Discussion Board over Anilingus: Oral stimulation of the anus. Also known as “rimming.”  Due at 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, July 18, 2021.  Worth 100 points

Human Sexuality and the Media. Paper must be two pages; double spaced and APA style due at 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, July 18, 2021.  Instructions are posted on Blackboard on the toolbar. Worth 200 points.

Assignment: Art in Human Sexuality due at 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, July 18, 2021. Worth 100 points.

Week 8: 7/19/2021- 7/25/2021

·         Chapter 11: Sex Education, Contraception, and Pregnancy (Textbook reading)

·         Chapter 12: Sexually Transmitted Infections and Safer-Sex Practices (Textbook reading)

·         Chapter 13: Sexual Dysfunctional and Sex Therapy (Textbook reading)

Assignment: Type a short reflection over Chapter 11 (Worth 100 points) One page is required; double spaced and APA style due at 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, July 25, 2021.  Instructions are posted on Blackboard on the toolbar.

Assignment: Type a short reflection over Chapter 12 (Worth 100 points) One page is required; double spaced and APA style due at 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, July 25, 2021.  Instructions are posted on Blackboard on the toolbar.

Assignment: Type a short reflection over Chapter 13 (Worth 100 points) One page is required; double spaced and APA style due at 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, July 25, 2021.  Instructions are posted on Blackboard on the toolbar.

Week 9: 7/26/2021 – 8/1/2021

·         Chapter 14: Variations in Sexual Behavior (Textbook reading)

·         Chapter 15: Sex Laws, Sexual Victimizations, and the Sexual Marketplace (Textbook reading)

Assignment: Type a short reflection over Chapter 14 (Worth 100 points) One page is required; double spaced and APA style due at 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, August 1, 2021.  Instructions are posted on Blackboard on the toolbar.

Assignment: Type a short reflection over Chapter 15 (Worth 100 points) One page is required; double spaced and APA style due at 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, August 1, 2021.  Instructions are posted on Blackboard on the toolbar.  

Open Book Exam over Chapters 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13.  Worth 100 points Due at 11:59 p.m. on August 1, 2021.

Week 10: 8/2/2021 - 8/8/2021

Individual research assignment due at 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, August 8, 2021 (Worth 200 points)

Listen to Celebration by Kool and the Gang. One page is required, double spaced and APA style due on Sunday, August 8, 2021.  (Worth 200 points)

Quiz over Chapters 14 and 15 worth 100 points due on Sunday, August 8, 2021. (Worth 100 points)

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able:

1. Identify common myths of human sexual functioning.

2. Identify human sexual behaviors and sexual responses.

3. Explain the relationship between sexuality and developmental changes throughout the lifespan.

4. Describe the causes, symptoms, and treatments for sexually transmitted infections and the behaviors that increase and decrease the risk of contracting an STI.

5. Describe the principles of effective communication and the specific barriers to effective communication about sex and sexuality.

6. Use an academic sexual vocabulary.

7. Discuss cultural differences in sexual attitudes and behaviors.

8. Identify the occurrence and causes of sexual variations.

9. Identify contraceptive methods and how these methods prevent conception.

Schedule changes may occur during the semester. Any changes will be announced online through email and posted as a Blackboard Announcement.