Introduction to Sexology

Code:

P610

Acronym:

IS

Keywords
Classification	Keyword
OFICIAL	Psychology

Instance: 2013/2014 - 1S

Active?	Yes
Responsible unit:	Psychology
Course/CS Responsible:	Integrated Master Psychology

Cycles of Study/Courses

Acronym	No. of Students	Study Plan	Curricular Years	Credits UCN	Credits ECTS	Contact hours	Total Time
MIPSI	48	Official Curricular Structure	3	-	3	30	81

Teaching language

Suitable for English-speaking students

Objectives

 

                The course of introduction to Sexology aims to promote knowledge in the field of Sexology as the multidisciplinary science of sexuality. We will address some of the most prominent authors in the history of Sexology and their theories, as well as the various scientific paradigms.  We will cover the psychophysiology of sexual response, its principles and main models. We will also review the research on the role of different psychological variables in sexual response and sexual functioning.

 

Finally, we will discuss some relevant issues in psychology of sexuality (e.g., sexual orientation, gender identity, sexual dysfunctions, sexual compulsivity and aggression).

 

Learning outcomes and competences

 

Students should develop knowledge and skills in the following domains:

 

knowledge about the history of Sexology

 

knowledge regarding the psychophysiology and models of sexual response

 

knowledge about the psychological factors of sexual response and sexual functioning

 

knowledge and skill to reflect on contemporary themes of psychology of sexuality

 

 

 

Working method

Presencial

Pre-requirements (prior knowledge) and co-requirements (common knowledge)

NA

Program

I HISTORY OF SEXOLOGY

II SEXUAL RESPONSE

1. Psychophysiology of Sexual response

2. Models of sexual response

III PSYCHOLOGICAL DETERMINANTS OF SEXUAL RESPONSE AND FUNCTIONING

1. The role of Psychological factors

2. Psychological models of sexual functioning

IV THEMES ON PSYCHOLOGY OF SEXUALITY

1. sexual orientation

2. gender identity

3. sexual dysfunctions

4. sexual compulsivity and aggression

Mandatory literature

Bancroft, J.; Bancroft, J. (2008). Human sexuality and its problems (3ª ed.). Edinburgh, Scotland: Churchill Livingstone.
Bullough, V.; Bullough, V. (1994). Science in the Bedroom: A history of sex research. New York: Basic Books
Fonseca, L., Soares, C., & Vaz, M. ; Fonseca, L., Soares, C., & Vaz, M. (2003), A sexologia: Perspectiva multidisciplinar. Coimbra: Quarteto Editora.
Nobre P. J.; Nobre P. J. (2006). Disfunções Sexuais: Teoria, investigação e tratamento. Lisboa: Climepsi

Teaching methods and learning activities

 

The theoretical component of the syllabus is oriented mostly to the main themes that constitute the program. The practical teaching methods include: 1) text reading and discussion in small groups, 2) discussion and debate of topics in the class, 3) visualization of audiovisual material (e.g., movies: the life of Alfred Kinsey), 4) literature review using scientific databases (b-on, PsychInfo, EBSCO, Google Scholar, etc.), 5) Presentation of group work in the classroom.

 

keywords

Social sciences > Psychological sciences > Psychology

Evaluation Type

Distributed evaluation without final exam

Assessment Components

designation	Weight (%)
Teste	65,00
Trabalho escrito	35,00
Total:	100,00

Eligibility for exams

 

The evaluation will include a practical component (CP) and a theoretical component (CT).  The practical component (CP) is 35% of the final grade in the course and will be evaluated through a group work. The theoretical component (CT) is 65% of the final grade in the course and will be evaluated through a written test.

 

To obtain approval, students are expected to comply with each of the following criteria:

 

1. Obtain a final grade equal to or greater than 9.5; 

 

2. Obtain the following minimum scores in each component:

 

a. minimum of 8 values in the practical component

 

b. minimum of 8 values in final written test

 

3. Perform all proposed evaluation components.

Calculation formula of final grade

 

FINAL SCORE = (CP * 0.35) + (CT * 0.65)

Examinations or Special Assignments

NA

Internship work/project

NA

Special assessment (TE, DA, ...)

NA

Classification improvement

 

Students can improve the final grades. In this case the final exam will count 100% for the final grade.

 

Observations

 

Detailed Bibliography

 

 

 

Baker, C. D. (1993). A cognitive-behavioural model for the formulation and treatment of sexual dysfunction. In J. M. Ussher and C. D. Baker (Eds.), Psychological perspectives on sexual problems (pp. 110-128). London: Routledge.

 

Basson, R. (2000). The female sexual response: A different model. Journal of Sex and Marital Therapy. 26, 51-65.

 

Kaplan, H. S. (1979). Disorders of sexual desire. New York: Brunner/Mazel.

 

Kinsey, A. C., Pomeroy, W. B., & Martin, C. E. (1948). Sexual behavior in the human male. Philadelphia: Saunders

 

Kinsey, A. C., Pomeroy, W. B., Martin, C. E., & Gebhard, P. H. (1953). Sexual behavior in the human female. Philadelphia: Saunders

 

Masters, W. H., & Johnson, V. E. (1966). Human sexual response. Boston: Little, Brown.

 

Masters, W. H., & Johnson, V. E. (1970). Human sexual inadequacy. Boston: Little, Brown.

 

Sbrocco, T., & Barlow, D. H. (1996). Conceptualizing the cognitive component of sexual arousal: Implications for sexuality research and treatment. In P. M. Salkovskis (Ed.), Frontiers of cognitive therapy (pp. 419-449). New York: Guilford Press.