Gender and Sexuality from edX

In this course, you will learn about the concepts of sex, gender, and sexuality and their development over the lifespan. Sex characteristics will be considered in terms of developmental changes during prenatal development, puberty, midlife, and old age. Likewise, gender and gender identity will be explored during various stages of the lifespan through the use of well-studied psychological theories. Gender will be explored as a social construct and differences among children and adults in countries around the world will be considered, including the influence of gender stereotypes and gender roles. The continuum of sexual identity will be discussed, along with how it is distinct from sexual attraction and sexual behavior. Then, the course will explore the development of sexual behaviors over the lifespan, including risky sexual behaviors and possible consequences. Finally, romantic attraction and romantic love are compared with an examination of common relationship statuses.

Throughout the course, you are encouraged to apply the information to areas in your everyday life ranging from social interactions with colleagues and friends, to parenting, along with your past experiences and personal development.

What you'll learn

Distinguish the concepts of sex and gender.
Describe biological development across the lifespan related to sex assigned at birth.
Explain prominent theories of gender development.
Describe cultural variability in gender constructs.
Contrast the development of diverse sexual identities.
Describe variability in sexual behaviors.
Explain possible consequences of sexual behaviors.
Summarize variability in romantic relationships.

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, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Provides a general overview of the development of sex, gender, and sexuality across the lifespan

Examines biological, psychological, and cultural influences on sex and gender development

Delves into the continuum of sexual identity, including its distinction from sexual attraction and sexual behavior

Covers a range of romantic relationships, including variability in relationship statuses

Requires learners to engage with personal experiences and apply concepts to everyday life

Career center

Learners who complete Gender and Sexuality will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Sexologist

As a Sexologist, you will need to have a deep understanding of sex and sexuality. This course will provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary to do so. You will learn about the development of sex and gender throughout the lifespan, as well as the cultural variability in gender constructs. This knowledge will help you to better understand your clients' experiences and to provide them with the support they need.

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Clinical Psychologist

As a Clinical Psychologist, you will need to have a strong understanding of how sex and gender impact mental health. This course will provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary to do so. You will learn about the development of sex and gender throughout the lifespan, as well as the cultural variability in gender constructs. This knowledge will help you to better understand your clients' experiences and to provide them with the support they need.

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Sex Therapist

As a Sex Therapist, you will need to be able to help people with a variety of sexual issues. This course will provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary to do so. You will learn about the development of sex and gender throughout the lifespan, as well as the cultural variability in gender constructs. This knowledge will help you to better understand your clients' experiences and to provide them with the support they need.

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Counselor

As a Counselor, you will need to be able to help people with a variety of mental health issues, including issues related to sex and gender. This course will provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary to do so. You will learn about the development of sex and gender throughout the lifespan, as well as the cultural variability in gender constructs. This knowledge will help you to better understand your clients' experiences and to provide them with the support they need..

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Marriage and Family Therapist

As a Marriage and Family Therapist, you will need to be able to help couples and families with a variety of issues, including issues related to sex and gender. This course will provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary to do so. You will learn about the development of sex and gender throughout the lifespan, as well as the cultural variability in gender constructs. This knowledge will help you to better understand your clients' experiences and to provide them with the support they need.

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Health Educator

As a Health Educator, you will need to be able to teach people about sex and sexuality. This course will provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary to do so. You will learn about the development of sex and gender throughout the lifespan, as well as the cultural variability in gender constructs. This knowledge will help you to create and deliver effective health education programs on sex and sexuality.

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Adolescent Medicine Specialist

As an Adolescent Medicine Specialist, you will need to be able to help adolescents with a variety of health issues, including issues related to sex and gender. This course will provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary to do so. You will learn about the development of sex and gender throughout the lifespan, as well as the cultural variability in gender constructs. This knowledge will help you to better understand your patients' experiences and to provide them with the support they need.

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Social Worker

As a Social Worker, you will need to be able to work with people from all walks of life, including people of different sexes and genders. This course will provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary to do so. You will learn about the development of sex and gender throughout the lifespan, as well as the cultural variability in gender constructs. This knowledge will help you to better understand your clients' experiences and to provide them with the support they need.

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Research Scientist

As a Research Scientist, you may need to conduct research on sex and gender. This course will provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary to do so. You will learn about the development of sex and gender throughout the lifespan, as well as the cultural variability in gender constructs. This knowledge will help you to design and conduct research studies on sex and gender.

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Geriatric Medicine Specialist

As a Geriatric Medicine Specialist, you will need to be able to help older adults with a variety of health issues, including issues related to sex and gender. This course will provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary to do so. You will learn about the development of sex and gender throughout the lifespan, as well as the cultural variability in gender constructs. This knowledge will help you to better understand your patients' experiences and to provide them with the support they need.

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Diversity and Inclusion Manager

As a Diversity and Inclusion Manager, you will need to be able to create and implement programs that promote diversity and inclusion in the workplace. This course will provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary to do so. You will learn about the development of sex and gender throughout the lifespan, as well as the cultural variability in gender constructs. This knowledge will help you to understand the needs of diverse employees and to create programs that meet their needs.

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Psychotherapist

As a Psychotherapist, you will need to understand how sex and gender impact your clients' lives. This course will provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary to do so. You will learn about the development of sex and gender throughout the lifespan, as well as the cultural variability in gender constructs. This knowledge will help you to better understand your clients' experiences and to provide them with the support they need.

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Public Policy Advocate

As a Public Policy Advocate, you will need to be able to advocate for policies that promote equity and justice for all, including people of all sexes and genders. This course will provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary to do so. You will learn about the development of sex and gender throughout the lifespan, as well as the cultural variability in gender constructs. This knowledge will help you to understand the needs of different populations and to advocate for policies that meet their needs.

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Journalist

As a Journalist, you may need to report on issues related to sex and gender. This course will provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary to do so. You will learn about the development of sex and gender throughout the lifespan, as well as the cultural variability in gender constructs. This knowledge will help you to understand the issues that you are reporting on and to write accurate and informative articles.

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Teacher

As a Teacher, you will need to be able to teach students about sex and gender. This course will provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary to do so. You will learn about the development of sex and gender throughout the lifespan, as well as the cultural variability in gender constructs. This knowledge will help you to create and deliver effective lesson plans on sex and gender.

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Gender and Sexuality

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