Common Course Outline

Course discipline/number/title SOC 1612: Sexuality and Relationships

Catalog Description

Credits 3
Hours/Week 3
Prerequisites (Course discipline/number) None
Other requirements None
MnTC Goals (if any) Goal 5/History and the Social and Behavioral Sciences, Goal 7a/Human Diversity

Course Description

This course is an introduction to both the biological and cultural aspects of human sexuality and interpersonal relationships in society. The following topics will be emphasized: sexuality research and theory, gender and gender roles, diversity, communicating about sexuality and relationships, sexual behavior, sexual development, conception and contraception, pregnancy, variation, socialization, sexual abuse, cultural influences and attitudes. College reading and writing are recommended.

Date Last Revised (Month, year)

December, 2024

Outline of Major Content Areas

  1. Introduction to the Study of Sexuality
  2. Theory and Research Methods in Human Sexuality
  3. Male and Female Anatomy, Physiology, and Response
  4. Gender
    1. Socialization
    2. Cultural Influences
    3. Behavior and Attitudes
  5. Sexuality
  6. Love, Intimacy and Sexuality
  7. Communication and Sexuality
  8. Sexual Expression
  9. Diversity in Sexuality
  10. Health and Sexuality, Conception and Contraception
  11. Health and Illness in Sexuality
  12. Contraception and Abortion
  13. Pregnancy and Childbirth
  14. Variations, Coercion, and Commercial Sex
  15. Variant Sexual Behavior
  16. Sexually Transmitted Infections, HIV, and AIDS
  17. Coercive Sex
  18. Commercialization of Sex

Learning Outcomes (General)

The student will be able to:

  1. Understand the biological and cultural aspects of sexuality.
  2. Explain concepts and theories that aid the student in understanding sexuality in society.
  3. Analyze research in sexuality and relationships critically.
  4. Understand different views concerning sexuality and relationships in relation to one’s gender, age, sexual orientation, and religious, racial and/or ethnic background.

Learning Outcomes (MnTC)

Goal 5/History and the Social and Behavioral Sciences

The student will be able to:

  1. Examine social institutions and processes across a range of historical periods and cultures.
  2. Use and critique alternative explanatory systems or theories.
  3. Develop and communicate alternative explanations or solutions for contemporary social issues.
Goal 7a/Human Diversity

The student will be able to:

  1. Understand the development of and the changing meanings of group identities in the United States’ history and culture.
  2. Demonstrate an awareness of the individual and institutional dynamics of unequal power relations between groups in contemporary society.
  3. Analyze their own attitudes, behaviors, concepts, and beliefs regarding diversity, racism, and bigotry.

Methods for Evaluation of Student Learning

Methods may include but are not limited to:

RCTC Core Outcome(s)

This course contributes to meeting the following RCTC Core Outcome(s):

Global Awareness and Diversity
Students will demonstrate an understanding of and respect for human diversity through their words and actions.

Special Information (if any)

None