Psy 3215 - Topics in Human Sexuality

Dr. Paula Pedersen, Fall 2011

Course Description: Psy 3215 Topics in Human Sexuality, 3 credits, views human sexuality as an essential and healthy facet of human life. Course material will provide knowledge to enable students to make responsible decisions for their own lives, as well as to gain perspective on the complete range of human sexual behavior. This is a course in which the students play an active and regular role in the learning process.

A Hybrid course, utilizing individual online learning in addition to regular face-to-face classroom meetings, this will take place through the use of online assignements outside of class via Moodle and WebVista, small and large group discussions during class time, as well as experiential learning activities. (Students are advised to access the online resources through THIS course portal site!) This portal page is the easist way to access everything you will need in this course. Links from the schedule page for WebVista take you to the weekly quizes as well as to access archived powerpoint lectures. Links from the schedule page take you directly to Moodle to complete weekly online lessons and assignments/discussion. All sites will require you to log in before they allow you access. Need a Moodle Orientation? Help with APA citation can be found at http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/01/

Throughout the course students will be challenged to think independently. Attendance in face-to-face classroom sessions is crucial and included in the grading system.

Psychology Learning Outcomes: Students will be able to describe and explain the theories and the content of psychological science http://www.d.umn.edu/vcaa/assessment/Outcomes/Psy.html

Liberal Education Program (LEP) requirements: http://www.d.umn.edu/catalogs/current/lib_ed.html:

Teaching & Learning: Instructor and Student Responsibilities: UMD is committed to providing a positive, safe, and inclusive place for all who study and work here.  Instructors and students have mutual responsibility to insure that the environment in all of these settings supports teaching and learning, is respectful of the rights and freedoms of all members, and promotes a civil and open exchange of ideas. To reference the full policy please see:  http://www.d.umn.edu/vcaa/TeachingLearning.html 

Students with Disabilities: It is the policy and practice of the University of Minnesota Duluth to create inclusive learning environments for all students, including students with disabilities.  If there are aspects of this course that result in barriers to your inclusion or your ability to meet course requirements – such as time limited exams, inaccessible web content, or the use of non-captioned videos – please notify the instructor as soon as possible.  You are also encouraged to contact the Office of Disability Resources to discuss and arrange reasonable accommodations.   Please call 218-726-6130 or visit the DR website at www.d.umn.edu/access for more information. 

Academic Integrity: Academic dishonesty tarnishes UMD’s reputation and discredits the accomplishments of students.  Academic dishonesty is regarded as a serious offense by all members of the academic community.  UMD’s Student Academic Integrity Policy can be found at: http://www.d.umn.edu/conduct/integrity/

Student Conduct Code: Appropriate classroom conduct promotes an environment of academic achievement and integrity.  Disruptive classroom behavior that substantially or repeatedly interrupts either the instructor's ability to teach, or student learning, is prohibited. Student are expected adhere to Board of Regents Policy: Student Conduct Code: http://www1.umn.edu/regents/policies/academic/Student_Conduct_Code.pdf

"Successful education can only occur in an atmosphere of mutual respect, free from racism, sexism, and other forms of prejudice and intolerance, and from their harmful effects. Educational excellence depends on the creation and maintenance of environments in which all members of the academic community can thrive, working up to their full potential" (Minnesota' Commitment to Educational Excellence developed by the President's Task Force: Strengthening Excellence through Diversity, June 1990.)