10/21/2020 COMMS
Algonquin College of Applied Arts & Technology
SOC2003
Understanding Human Sexuality
Course Outline
2020-2021
Pre-requisite(s) N/A
Co-requisite(s) N/A
Prepared by Janice McVeety, Course lead
Approved by Cindy Harrison, Acting Chair, PPSI
Normative hours 42.00
Grading system A+ Through F
Experential Learning No
Applicable Program(s) Level Core/Elective
Multiple Programs Multiple Levels Multiple Core/Elective
COVID-19 Notice
Due to COVID-19 this course may be offered via remote delivery in 2020-21. Your course may have changes that are not reflected in
the Course Outline. Please see the Course Section Information document for updated information about your course. If you have
questions please contact your professor.
Course Description
Students study human sexuality through an interdisciplinary approach. Students gain a basic understanding of human sexuality through an
investigation of history, culture, physiology, sexual development, sexual behaviours, sexually transmitted diseases, attitudes, sex, deviance
and sexual relationships.
General Education Theme Area(s)
This is a General Education course that supports learning in the following theme area(s): Personal Understanding
Essential Employability Skills
This course contributes to your program by helping you achieve the following Essential Employability Skills:
EES 1 Communicate clearly, concisely and correctly in the written, spoken and visual form that fulfills the purpose and meets the needs
of the audience. (A)
EES 2 Respond to written, spoken or visual messages in a manner that ensures effective communication. (A)
EES 8 Show respect for diverse opinions, values, belief systems and contributions of others. (A)
EES 11 Take responsibility for one's own actions, decisions and consequences. (T, A)
Asessment Levels — T: Taught A: Assessed CP: Culminating Performance
Course Learning Requirements / Embedded Knowledge and Skills
When you have earned credit for this course, you will have demonstrated the ability to:
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1.) Distinguish contemporary explanations of human sexuality.
Identify cross-cultural comparisons
Seek to develop an understanding of sexuality research and research techniques
Define different theories and approaches regarding human sexuality
2.) Examine sexual physiology and sexual development. Implement responsible choices with respect to types and causes of
sexually transmitted diseases. Make critical judgements about birth control and pregnancy related issues.
Learn about fertilization and prenatal development
Differentiate sexually transmitted infections
Identify the various types of birth control
Recognize issues related to pregnancy
3.) Acknowledge and appreciate the different comfort levels in discussing sexual behaviour and sexual dysfunction. Appreciate
the differences and variations in sexual arousal.
Discuss the dynamics of arousal and communication
Examine the types of sexual behaviour
Discuss sexual dysfunction
Identify the different types of dysfunction
4.) Generalize about the dynamics of different life-style choices and of different sexual orientations.
recognize gender and sexuality in various life stages
explore explanations of sexual orientation
discern different life-style patterns
explore sexual discrimination
5.) Detect indications of erotica, prostitution, sexual coercion and atypical sexual activity.
identify the types of sex for sale
explain erotica and the law
recognize commercial sex work
analyse feelings of jealousy, control, and explore issues related to fidelity
define atypical sexual activity
6.) Demonstrate an ability to use the emotional language of sexual communication.
Practice assertive forms of communication
Recognize the effects of personal communications.
Evaluation / Earning Credit
The following list provides evidence of this course's learning achievements and the outcomes they validate:
Discussion Forum (20%)
Validates Outcomes: CLR 1, CLR 6, EES 1, EES 8
Quiz(zes)/Test(s) (24%)
Validates Outcomes: CLR 2, CLR 4, EES 1, EES 2, EES 8
Journal/Reflective Assignment(s) (56%)
Validates Outcomes: CLR 2, CLR 3, CLR 5, EES 2, EES 11
Learning Resources
Required Text
Rathus et al., (2016). Human Sexuality in a World of Diversity 6th Canadian Edition, Pearson Education Canada, Toronto, Ontario.
Available through Connections Campus Bookstore for purchase (e-text only)
Learning Activities
- individual reading and research online
- participation in online discussions
- independent study and reflection
- access to Faculty by email
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- study guidelines and time lines for completing the course over a fourteen week period
- online quizzes and tests
- preparing assignments
- independent study and reflection
- maintenance of personal journals
Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition
Students who wish to apply for Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) need to demonstrate competency at a post-secondary
level in all outlined course learning requirements. Evidence of learning achievement for PLAR candidates includes:
Other: Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) is a process that assists adult learners to identify, articulate and
demonstrate relevant learning acquired through life and work experiences and translate this learning into college credit. You may
choose to apply for a general education course credit using PLAR by demonstrating that you have acquired learning equivalent to the
course learning requirements in a specific general education elective course or the presentation of a portfolio demonstrating that you
have college level learning that addresses one of the Themes required by your program.
Other Information
Grade Scheme
Final Grade Mark Equivalent Numeric Value Final Grade Mark Equivalent Numeric Value
A+ 90% - 100% 4.0 A 85% - 89% 3.8
A- 80% - 84% 3.6 B+ 77% - 79% 3.3
B 73% - 76% 3.0 B- 70% - 72% 2.7
C+ 67% - 69% 2.3 C 63% - 66% 2.0
C- 60% - 62% 1.7 D+ 57% - 59% 1.4
D 53% - 56% 1.2 D- 50% - 52% 1.0
F 0% - 49% 0 FSP 0 0
Course Related Information
Please refer to the Course Section Information (CSI) / weekly schedule for specific course-related information as provided by your
professor.
Department Related Information
STUDENT SUCCESS SPECIALIST
Your Student Success Specialist is Tony Mendes. Tony may be reached at (613) 727-4723 extension 6091 or by e-mail at
mendest@algonquincollege.com
ALGONQUIN COLLEGE - CODE OF CONDUCT
All members of the Algonquin Community will undertake to:
1. Conduct themselves in a manner which respects and promotes the dignity of others, and interact with others in the community in a spirit
of cooperation, goodwill and mutual respect.
2. Conduct themselves in an honest and ethical manner, refraining from using their position or power to exploit any other individual ,
refraining from misrepresenting themselves, their work or qualifications in any manner, and refraining from violence, abuse, harassment
and discrimination of any kind.
3. Assist in the maintenance of good order within their environment and refrain from creating a disturbance or a disruption to activities.
The Code of Conduct applies to students and staff of Algonquin College while at all College locations and while representing or carrying
out activities related to the College at any off-campus location.
CONFIDENTIALITY
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Students are required to respect the confidentiality of employer, client and/or patient information, interactions, and practices that occur
either on AlgonquinCollege premises, or at an affiliated clinical/field/co-op placement site. Concerns regarding clients, patients, and/or
employer practices are to be brought to the attention of the program coordinator, or designated field/clinical/co-op placement supervisor
so that they may be resolved collaboratively. Such concerns are not to be raised publically either verbally, in writing, or in electronic forums.
These matters are to be addressed through established program communication pathways.
College Related Information
Email
Algonquin College provides all full-time students with an e-mail account. This is the address that will be used when the College, your
professors, or your fellow students communicate important information about your program or course events. It is your responsibility to
ensure that you know how to send and receive e-mail using your Algonquin account and to check it regularly.
Students with Disabilities
If you are a student with a disability, you are strongly encouraged to make an appointment at the Centre for Accessible Learning to identify
your needs. Ideally, this should be done within the first month of your program, so that a Letter of Accommodation (LOA) can be provided
to your professors. If you are a returning student, please ensure that professors are given a copy of your LOA each semester.
Retroactive Accommodations
Students are expected to meet evaluation and completion deadlines as stated in course outline and course section information documents.
In circumstances where evaluation and/or completion deadlines are missed or student performance has been affected by a temporary or
permanent disability (including mental health), interim or retroactive accommodations may be considered. In such instances, please consult
your course faculty member. For other situations where deferral of evaluations may be warranted, please refer to college policy AA21.
Academic Integrity & Plagiarism
Algonquin College is committed to the highest standards of academic integrity, and expects students to adhere to these standards as part
of the learning process. Academic work submitted by a student is evaluated on the assumption that the work presented by the student is
his or her own, unless designated otherwise. The College’s Policies AA18: Academic Dishonesty and Discipline and AA20: Plagiarism seeks
to ensure that all students understand their rights and responsibilities in upholding the values of academic integrity.
In some courses, online proctoring may be used. Additional information can be found at
https://www.algonquincollege.com/studentsupportservices/student-learning-kit/preparing-to-learn-online/
Student Course Feedback
It is Algonquin College’s policy to give students the opportunity to share their course experience by completing a student course feedback
survey for each course they take. For further details consult Algonquin College Policy AA25: Student Course Feedback
Use of Mobile Devices in Class
With the proliferation of small, personal mobile devices used for communications and data storage, Algonquin College believes there is a
need to address their use during classes and examinations. During classes, the use of such devices is disruptive and disrespectful to others.
During examinations, the use of such devices may facilitate cheating. For further details consult Algonquin College Policy AA32: Use of
Mobile Devices in Class
Technology Requirements – New for 2020-21
As Algonquin College continues to respond to public health guidelines, many courses will be offered through remote delivery. As such,
students will be required to have access to a computer and to the internet. There may also be additional technology-related resources
required to participate in a course that are not included in the course materials fee, such as headphones, webcams, specialized software,
etc. Details on these requirements can be found in the Course Section Information of the course outline for each course.
Transfer of Credit
It is the student’s responsibility to retain course outlines for possible future use to support applications for transfer of credit to other
educational institutions.
Note: It is the student’s responsibility to refer to the Algonquin College Policies website for the most current information at
http://www.algonquincollege.com/policies/
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