PSMB085 Sex, sexuality, gender, and identity I

Faculty of Arts
Autumn 2024
Extent and Intensity
0/2/0. 3 credit(s). Type of Completion: k (colloquium).
In-person direct teaching
Teacher(s)
Mgr. Vít Janů (lecturer)
Guaranteed by
prof. PhDr. Marek Blatný, DrSc.
Department of Psychology – Faculty of Arts
Contact Person: Jarmila Valchářová
Supplier department: Department of Psychology – Faculty of Arts
Timetable
Tue 16:00–17:40 C42, except Mon 18. 11. to Sun 24. 11.
Prerequisites
SOUHLAS
The admission process consists of a short motivation letter written by the student (max. word count: 300 words). The aim is to describe and explain your personal motivation for studying the topic, and its importance for future studies, occupation, or life. Enter your motivation letter via an application for enrollment permission/exception, which can be found on the "Registration and enrollment" page. NOTICE: This course is thematically and academically linked to the course Sex, sexuality, gender, and identity II as its prerequisite. In the future, students who have taken this course will be prioritized when registering the course SSGI II. Since the course has been just created, this rule doesn't apply this semester. Students, who wish to take only the course SSGI II, may register the course this semester without having taken the course SSGI I first. However, students who plan on taking both courses are encouraged to register this course, i.e. SSGI I, first.
Course Enrolment Limitations
The course is only offered to the students of the study fields the course is directly associated with.

The capacity limit for the course is 15 student(s).
Current registration and enrolment status: enrolled: 21/15, only registered: 15/15
fields of study / plans the course is directly associated with
Course objectives
The course aims at presenting the selected topics of psychological research and work in the area of human sexuality, sex, gender and identity; i.e. human relationships and sex life. It offers a modern and complex insight into the issue of human sexuality, sex, gender, sexual behavior and relationship forms. The course objective is to create a "sex ed" class for future psychological practice, studies, and research. The aim of this course is to provide an overview of the basic terms and concepts in the area of human sexuality, identity, sex and gender, sex life and relationships. The course focuses on developing open communication about the topics, respect, critical thinking, and discussion.
Learning outcomes
After taking the course, students will be familiar with the selected concepts and issues of human sex life and relationships on the level of both an individual and the society. Students will be able to navigate through the topics of sex, gender, human anatomy and physiology (of sex and reproduction), sex life and relationships. Students will be able to communicate openly and think critically about the issue and will be able to work responsibly and sensitively while dealing with sex and relationship issues of their clients. The course also aims at promoting and using inclusive language and thinking about human sexuality, sex, and gender.
Syllabus
  • 1. Anatomy and physiology of human sexuality, sex, and gender. 2. Sex: the body and the brain. Hormones and neurotransmitters. Sexual arousal, physiology and body responses. Stimulation and orgasm. 3. The concept of sexuality, sex life, sex, and gender throughout cultures and religions. The role of sexuality, sex, and gender in different social, cultural, and historical contexts. The impact of religion. Restrictions, taboos, and openness. 4. Sexuality and identity throughout the life of an individual. From one's conception to one's death. 5. Sex therapy and sex health. Historical and modern conceptions. 6. Psychology of health and sexual health. Communication about sex and communication sex. Communications with the experts and health care providers, the role of shame and embarrassment as a risk factor in diagnostics and health care. Sexual dysfunctions. Sexually transmitted infections and diseases. 7. Interpersonal relationships as a resource of intimacy and care. Friendship. Relationships and sex as protective factors to health. The need of belonging, positive relationships, and avoiding isolation. 8. Sexual attraction, sexual orientation, preferences, and love. 9. Romantic relationships. Monogamy versus polyamory and open relationships. Promiscuity. Infidelity. 10. The dark side of romantic relationships. Deceptions, deceits, and lies while forming a relationship. Jealousy. The need of power and control over the partner. The dark triad and attraction. The limits of (healthy) sexuality, the importance of consent. 11. Gender and identity. Nature versus nurture. The overview of theories. 12. Gender roles and the society. Gender identity, gender expression. Gender role expectations. Expectations, prejudices, stereotypes, discrimination. 13. The role of sex and gender in the life of an individual and the society. Gender inequalities (the economy, the law and justice system, the politics, the army etc.). 14. Group discussion, the final exam.
Literature
    recommended literature
  • Stainton Rogers, W., & Stainton Rogers, R. (2001). The psychology of gender and sexuality. Open University Press.
  • Ridley, Matt. (2007). Červená královna: Sexualita a vývoj lidské přirozenosti. Portál.
  • Lehmiller, J. J. (2018). The psychology of human sexuality. Wiley Blackwell.
  • Foucault, M. (1990). History of Sexuality: Volume One, An Introduction. Vintage Books.
  • Tolman, D. L., Diamond, L. M., Bauermeister, J. A., George, W. H., Pfaus, J. G., & Ward, L. M. (Eds.). (2014). APA handbook of sexuality and psychology, Vol. 1. Person-based approaches. American Psychological Association. https://doi.org/10.1037/14193-00
Teaching methods
The lessons are carried out in the form of lectures once per week, case studies, class discussions, scientific literature reading, group work and discussions.
Assessment methods
The minimum mandatory attendance is 80%. An essay (at least 3 pages) is required in order to take the final exam.
Náhradní absolvování
It is not possible to take the course while studying abroad, as there is a minimum mandatory attendance.
Language of instruction
Czech
Follow-Up Courses
Further comments (probably available only in Czech)
Study Materials
The course is taught each semester.
Information on course enrolment limitations: Souhlas s přijetím na základě krátkého motivačního dopisu.
The course is also listed under the following terms Spring 2025.
  • Enrolment Statistics (recent)
  • Permalink: https://is.muni.cz/course/phil/autumn2024/PSMB085