Course Descriptions

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HSED 501: Sexuality and Society in Cross-Cultural Perspective
This course provides an anthropological approach to the norms and mores sanctioning and regulating human sexuality. It focuses on the extent to which sexual practices and beliefs are culturally determined and related to key symbols and key relationships that structure society. Sex and gender throughout the life cycle in a variety of traditional and complex societies are considered. 3 semester hours

HSED 588: Special Topics in Human Sexuality
Topics that have special appeal to instructors and students because of their timely quality are periodically offered in the form of newly developed courses. Newly developed courses may be offered in this category prior to their formal approval and assignment of course numbers. 3 semester hours

HSED 592: Concepts in Human Sexuality
An overview of the concepts from current research in human sexuality. Students identify their own values, identify those of others, and become at ease discussing the many different topics of sexuality. This course is a prerequisite for all courses taken in the human sexuality program; students must have permission from the instructor to enroll in this course. 3 semester hours

HSED 593: Behavioral Foundations in Human Sexuality
An examination of human sexual behavior, including identity, roles, orientation, lifestyles, love, and relationships. Included are problems that can affect sexual behavior. Pre- or corequisite: HSED 592. 3 semester hours

HSED 594: History and Ethics of Human Sexuality
This survey course traces sexual mores and concepts as expressed in the writings and art of various cultures and religions over time. Particular focus will be on the sexuality of the early civilizations of the Middle East, the beginnings of monotheism in Judaism, and the spread of Christianity across Europe and North America. These themes will be traced in the 19th, 20th and 21st centuries here in the United States. Emphasis will be on identifying conflicting and changing sexual values concerning marriage, premarital and extra-marital sexuality, masturbation, fertility contraception gender roles and homo-bi-heterosexuality overtime. The birthing and history of the field of sexology and sexuality education will be placed in the broader historical events of the 20th and 21st centuries. Ethical codes of conduct for professionals in sexology will be compared to other codes of conduct. 3 semester hours

HSED 601: Field Instruction in Sexuality Education
Students participate in a supervised human sexuality teaching experience at various educational levels and in diverse health-related situations. Conferences are held at regular intervals to discuss lesson plans and evaluations. Prerequisites: HSED 625 and 626. 3 semester hours

HSED 602: Field Instruction in Clinical Sexology
Students participate in a supervised human sexuality teaching experience at various educational levels and in diverse health-related situations. Conferences are at regular intervals to discuss lesson plans and evaluations. Prerequisites: HSED 625 and 626. 3 semester hours

HSED 612/613: Field Instruction in Human Sexuality I-A/B
Students participate in a supervised human sexuality teaching experience at various educational levels and in diverse health-related situations. Conferences are held at regular intervals to discuss lesson plans and evaluations. NOTE: Course enrollment is limited to students in the dual degree program leading to the MSW and Med in human sexuality. Pre- or corequisite: HSED 625. 1.5 semester hours each

HSED 614/615: Field Instruction in Human Sexuality Education II-A/B
Students participate in a supervised human sexuality teaching experience at various educational levels and in diverse health-related situations. Conferences are held at regular intervals to discuss lesson plans and evaluations. NOTE: Course enrollment is limited to students in the dual degree program leading to the MSW and Med in human sexuality. Pre- or corequisite: HSED 625 and 626. 1.5 semester hours each

HSED 625: Human Sexuality for the Education and Counseling Professional I
Preparation for human sexuality education and counseling in schools, agencies and community. Focus is on the role of the educator/counselor in planning, implementing and evaluating sexuality content for a variety of circumstances and groups. Pre- or corequisite: HSED 593. 3 semester hours

HSED 626: Human Sexuality for the Education and Counseling Professional II
Emphasis is placed on exploring methods available for sexuality education, examining sensitive issues and materials, adapting existing education interventions to special populations, and developing strategies for working with communities. Pre- or corequisite: HSED 625. 3 semester hours

HSED 627: Foundations of Clinical Sexology
This course provides a foundational understanding of clinical sexology. Clinical sexology is presented in the context of the joint understanding of the World Health Organization (WHO), Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), World Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists (AASECT). Students examine clinical sexology as a specialty of the mental health discipline. 3 semester hours

HSED 642: Sexual Dysfunctions and Their Treatment
The basic theory, principles, and research regarding the treatment of sexual dysfunctions are covered including biological and psychological determinants. Designed for educators who plan to teach some aspect of sexual dysfunction. Pre- or corequisite: HSED 593. 3 semester hours

HSED 643: Theories of Development and Education in Human Sexuality
This course provides an overview of human development, sexual development, learning, and education theories. Content and assignments explore the intersections of these frameworks and theories.

HSED 644: Biological Foundations of Human Sexuality
This course is an examination of the human reproductive system, including fertility control, pregnancy, prenatal development, and birth. Included will be adult sexual functioning, the response cycle, and problems that can affect the system. Prerequisite: HSED 593. 3 semester hours

HSED 645: Sexual Minorities
This course covers homosexual and other sexual identities and how they have been the subject of speculation, misunderstanding, and, sometimes, violent attempts at “correction or elimination.” The topics include sexual orientation, ender expression, transsexualism, sexism, heterosexism, and homophobia. Prerequisite: HSED 592. 3 semester hours

HSED 718: Teaching Sensitive Issues in Human Sexuality
This course emphasizes both process and practice in the communicating and teaching of very sensitive and controversial content. This is a capstone course in which students integrate past course work to better understand how to teach about sensitive issues in human sexuality. Students have an opportunity to take an active role in processing their own feelings, values, and attitudes regarding this content, as well as learning specific educational methodologies to teach these subjects. Prerequisites: HSED 625 and 626 or permission of the instructor. 3 semester hours

HSED 719: Sensitive Issues in Clinical Sexology
Building on the foundational work completed in earlier courses, this course examines clinical responses to sensitive issues in sexological practice. Professional insight, experience, and research highlight that the psychotherapeutic relationship is the most significant factor of change. In addition, clients’ value systems adjust to that of their therapists during treatment and remain so after termination. As a result, this course emphasizes countertransferential dynamics and their effects on the psychotherapeutic relationship. Content areas may include abortion, bisexuality, HIV infection, homophobia, pedophilia, pornography, sexual assault, sexual harassment, sexual pleasure, and power. 3 semester hours

HSED 748: Couple and Relationship Therapy
Case presentations and role-playing are used to illustrate couples’ treatment dynamics and intervention strategies from initial contacts through the treatment process. Special issues in couple therapy are addressed. Prerequisite: HSED 593. 3 semester hours

HSED 750: History and Policy of Religious Belief Systems
Sexuality, including marriage, monogamy, polygamy, celibacy, pre- and post-marital sexuality, orientation, cross-gender behaviors, reproduction, rape, and the like will be studied in review of Hebraic/Christian/Islamic religious texts and the policies and codes developed by organized religions over time. Students will be able to compare and contrast the policies of their own religious traditions and identify other traditions, as well as the values and principles of each change in policy. The sexual conduct of religious professionals will be studied comparing various professional and ethical codes of conduct. HSED 593. 3 semester hours

HSED 751: Sexuality and Chronic Illness/Disabilities
This course uses an integrative model of sexual health across the life cycle as the central reference when evaluating or treating special populations, such as persons with chronic illness or disabilities. Physiological factors, disease factors, and treatment factors are examined regarding their roles with sexual dysfunctions. The combination of sexual counseling with medical treatment is examined. Specific illnesses and injuries, including cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, chronic pain, infertility, spinal cord injuries, and their impact on sexuality are reviewed. Special focus is placed on persons with mental illnesses or significant cognitive limitations. The roles of sexuality policies with vulnerable populations are reviewed, with special attention on consenting issues. The ethical implications of practice are central. Prerequisites: HSED 593 and 644. 3 semester hours

HSED 788: Special Topics in Human Sexuality
Topics that have special appeal to instructors and students because of their timely quality and the particular qualifications of the instructor are periodically offered. Newly developed doctoral level courses may be offered in this category prior to their formal approval and assignment of course numbers. 3 semester hours

HSED 810: Field Instruction in Sexuality Education
The Field Instruction provides doctoral candidates with the opportunity to develop the skills and resources necessary to provide or supervise age-appropriate sexuality education in a variety of settings. The Field Instruction is a combined effort of the university supervisor, the supervising educator or mentor on site, and the student. Candidates participate in a minimum of 50 hours in direct contact with students in educational settings. Additional hours may involve observation of sexuality education, counseling sessions, and case conferences in a variety of settings. Observations are recorded, evaluated, and discussed with the university supervisor. All students participate in electronic communication with other students and the supervisor. This communication focuses on sharing experiences, developing support, and problem solving. This course may also be used as part of the fulfillment of AASECT requirements for certification.  3 semester hours

HSED 811: Field Instruction in Clinical Sexuality
The clinical Field Instruction helps doctoral candidates to develop the skills and resources necessary to provide psychosexual education, evaluation, and treatment goals for a variety of clinical cases. All students attend a one month-long half-day seminar reviewing treatment theories and models for persons who have been sexually traumatized and with persons who sexually offend others. Emphasis is on a developmental biopsychosexual model. Differences in group and individual therapy are reviewed. The ethical and clinical conflicts and controversies that develop for the clinician are discussed. The sexuality field placement is individually designed with the student, the university supervisor, and the clinical supervisor. This course is part of the fulfillment of AASECT requirements for certification. Pre- or corequisite: HSED 751. 3 semester hours

HSED 812/813: Field Instruction in Sexuality Education I/II
The Field Instruction provides doctoral candidates with the opportunity to develop the skills and resources necessary to provide or supervise age-appropriate sexuality education in a variety of settings. The Field Instruction is a combined effort of a university supervisor, the supervising educator or mentor on site, and the student. Candidates participate in a minimum of 50 hours in direct contact with students in educational settings. Additional hours may involve observation of sexuality education, counseling sessions, and case conferences in a variety of settings. Observations are recorded, evaluated, and discussed with the university supervisor. All students participate in electronic communication with other students and the supervisor. This communication focuses on sharing experiences, developing support, and problem solving. This course may also be used as part of the fulfillment of AASECT requirements for certification.  NOTE: Course enrollment is limited to students in the dual degree program leading to the MSW and EdD in human sexuality. 1.5 semester hours each

HSED 814/815: Field Instruction in Clinical Sexuality I/II
The clinical Field Instruction is an opportunity for doctoral candidates to develop the skills and resources necessary to provide psychosexual education, evaluation, and treatment goals for a variety of clinical cases. All students attend a one month-long half-day seminar reviewing treatment theories and models for persons who have been sexually traumatized and with persons who sexually offend others. A developmental biopsychosexual model is emphasized. Differences in group and individual therapy are reviewed. The ethical and clinical conflicts and controversies that develop for the clinician are discussed. The sexuality field placement is individually designed with the student, a university supervisor, and the clinical supervisor. This course is part of the fulfillment of AASECT requirements for certification. Pre- or corequisite: HSED 751. NOTE: Course enrollment is limited to students in the dual degree program leading to the MSW and EdD in human sexuality. 1.5 semester hours each

HSED 831: Literature in Human Sexuality
A review of the literature in human sexuality with special emphasis on the critique of philosophical stances and research/evaluation are employed. Prerequisites: ED 510 and HSED 718. 3 semester hours

HSED 832: Theoretical Underpinnings of Sexuality
This course is designed to provide an appreciation of theory and its critical role in sexuality research, education, counseling/therapy, and healthcare. Since sexology embraces many disciplines, theories from a variety of these disciplines and their application in sexology will be examined. There is active and continuous wiring, reporting, and restructuring in this course. Students analyze, debate, and discuss critical writing. In this process, students ultimately seek the bodies of literature that will support their doctoral research and exit with the tools  and capabilities to write a critical review of the literature subtending the dissertation effort. Prerequisites: ED 510 and HSED 718. 3 semester hours