Welcome Humans We are - - - and beings RISK and Happiness Take a Risk: Define Sex Defining Sex - Joannides (2006) Typically people think of intercourse as the ultimate sex act the real deal ipsum factum 1 Human Sexuality - R iess
Defining Sex - Joannides (2006) What is the most important sexual organ? Why does one couple find a particular sex act to be highly erotic while another couple finds the same act to be disgusting? You can have sex and experience an orgasm, but not feel particularly excited. Then exchange a glance with a stranger and feel sexual energy course through your body. How can a brief glance with or at a stranger take your breath away more than sex with your long-term lover? During a physical exam you are naked, and your genitals are being touched. Neither you nor the examiner experience any excitement or arousal. How does context or the situation define what is sexual and what is not? How can a song, a car, or article of clothing be sexy? Defining Sex A definition of sex is very individualistic and rife with opportunities for confusion, insecurity, embarrassment, shame, vulnerability, abuses, excitement, joy, love, fun, spirituality, etc. Personal Sexual Philosophy Your knowledge, attitudes, and actions related to what you want and who you are. Humans want connection. Humans want intimacy. 2 Human Sexuality - R iess
Formula for intimacy: Sexual interaction has built-in vulnerability (v). If someone feels safe (s) being vulnerable They can experience intimacy (i). Human Sexuality Focus on all aspects of humans as sexual beings. Guiding Principles for this Class Personal Choice and Responsibility You are an adult. You are in charge of your personal sexual choices. It is your responsibility to make decisions that are right for you, that you can feel good about, and do not harm others. You should not be made to believe or do something that you do not believe or do not want to do. We will be curious about, fascinated by, and respectful of others personal choices. We will be uncomfortable sometimes. 3 Human Sexuality - R iess
Guiding Principles for this Class (Continued) Authoritative Information The content of this course is based on up-to-date, scientific, and accurate research. We are going to do our best to examine human sexuality scientifically. Acceptance of Your Own Sexuality You will have the opportunity, through this course, to further explore and develop your personal sexual philosophy. You will learn that are meant to be in charge of your sexuality. You have not come to your present sexual philosophy lightly Respect it and be open to learning new things. Respect the sexual philosophies of the humans around you. Real-Life Relevancy This course is meant to be informative and meaningful. Physical and Emotional Health and Wellness Beyond being introduced to the study of human sexuality this course is meant to provide you with a familiarity and comfort in discussing sexuality. Health and wellness is dependent on your ability and willingness to communicate with your partner(s) and professionals, if necessary. 4 Human Sexuality - R iess
Guiding Principles for this Class (continued) Critical Analysis of Sexuality Research Through this course you will become a more discerning consumer of sexual information from science, the media, and your social groups (i.e. family, friends, etc.). Awareness and Respect for Sexual Diversity Ways We Learn Authority Experience Reason This course can assist you in understanding the world around you and how and where you fit into it. The recognition and respect for diversity is an essential element of the study of human sexuality. Observation Intuition Deduction Ways of Knowing Aesthetically Morally Empirically Interpretively / Intuitively Knowing About Sexuality There is no denying the aesthetic and moral elements of human sexuality. The science of human sexuality attempts understanding based in empiricism. How does interpretive understanding play a part in our understanding of sexuality? 5 Human Sexuality - R iess