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Term 2024L:
Have you ever considered that there might actually be more than two
genders? Have you considered that sexuality may not be defined by rigid
parameters or categorical boundaries? Have you questioned whether
biology is “fate”, or even whether the public perception of biological sex,
gender and sexuality are even accurate? Do you wonder whether the
hetero-centric and euro-centric world view is always valid? Or maybe you
just want to pursue areas of human sexuality in relation to psychology
that particularly interest you and you consider relevant and important or
gain insight into how sexuality is actually researched. Want to consider,
even challenge, the historical and political influences that produced and
shaped the psychological constructs you have been taught about gender
and sex/sexuality related issues? If so, this could be an elective module
that might interest you.
Biological sex, gender and sexuality are lived experiences - and there are
considerable cultural, historic, and subcultural variations in attitudes,
expectations, development and opportunity. Also, different areas of
psychology present differing explanations for how and who we are as
sexual beings - it may not be a “one size fits all” situation, despite what
the media or other sources tell us. Mother nature often loves diversity -
societies don’t always feel the same way!
This elective is a psycho-social module, rather than a clinical or biological
one; though some ‘pathologies/disorders’ are included. The module
essentially breaks down into 4 themes relating to gender & sexuality:
Background/historic: In other words, the background to how sex and
gender research developed and has changed, including landmark events
and research.
Global/cultural: gender categories, variations in social norms, attitudes
and behaviors in relation to sexuality and identity. Also concepts such as
love and romance.
Public/personal: development, orientation, erectile disfunction, later
years, life style choices, paraphilias/fetish, critical points and the role of
personal experience and environment; popular culture & media.
Theoretical/practical: theories, suggested explanations and methods.
Sexual health, sex education approaches.
Students will be encouraged to consider how psychological research can
contribute to more effective social justice and understanding in relation
to sex and gender. Consider how psychology can help us understand how
sex, sexuality and gender are lived, and also to challenge exclusion and
discrimination against some people’s genders, bodies, sexualities, and
relationships. Students will be expected to engage with how attitudes,
expectations, environment, social learning and societal structures impact
on sexuality and development in real life.
Critical thinking, independent active research and application of relevant
information and research are key in this area, as well as critical evaluation
of existing concepts and theories.
Please note the following:
This module is a ‘safe space’ and, will be taught from a non-
discrimination perspective.
Due to the potentially sensitive nature of some topics covered and the
need to ensure an active and open group environment the class size is
limited to 20 students. |
Term 2025Z:
Have you ever considered that there might actually be more than two
genders? Have you considered that sexuality may not be defined by rigid
parameters or categorical boundaries? Have you questioned whether
biology is “fate”, or even whether the public perception of biological sex,
gender and sexuality are even accurate? Do you wonder whether the
hetero-centric and euro-centric world view is always valid? Or maybe you
just want to pursue areas of human sexuality in relation to psychology
that particularly interest you and you consider relevant and important or
gain insight into how sexuality is actually researched. Want to consider,
even challenge, the historical and political influences that produced and
shaped the psychological constructs you have been taught about gender
and sex/sexuality related issues? If so, this could be an elective module
that might interest you.
Biological sex, gender and sexuality are lived experiences - and there are
considerable cultural, historic, and subcultural variations in attitudes,
expectations, development and opportunity. Also, different areas of
psychology present differing explanations for how and who we are as
sexual beings - it may not be a “one size fits all” situation, despite what
the media or other sources tell us. Mother nature often loves diversity -
societies don’t always feel the same way!
This elective is a psycho-social module, rather than a clinical or biological
one; though some ‘pathologies/disorders’ are included. The module
essentially breaks down into 4 themes relating to gender & sexuality:
Background/historic: In other words, the background to how sex and
gender research developed and has changed, including landmark events
and research.
Global/cultural: gender categories, variations in social norms, attitudes
and behaviors in relation to sexuality and identity. Also concepts such as
love and romance.
Public/personal: development, orientation, erectile disfunction, later
years, life style choices, paraphilias/fetish, critical points and the role of
personal experience and environment; popular culture & media.
Theoretical/practical: theories, suggested explanations and methods.
Sexual health, sex education approaches.
Students will be encouraged to consider how psychological research can
contribute to more effective social justice and understanding in relation
to sex and gender. Consider how psychology can help us understand how
sex, sexuality and gender are lived, and also to challenge exclusion and
discrimination against some people’s genders, bodies, sexualities, and
relationships. Students will be expected to engage with how attitudes,
expectations, environment, social learning and societal structures impact
on sexuality and development in real life.
Critical thinking, independent active research and application of relevant
information and research are key in this area, as well as critical evaluation
of existing concepts and theories.
Please note the following:
This module is a ‘safe space’ and, will be taught from a non-
discrimination perspective.
Due to the potentially sensitive nature of some topics covered and the
need to ensure an active and open group environment the class size is
limited to 20 students. |