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.

Good to know

Know what's good

, 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

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Gender and Sexuality with these activities:

Compile relevant resources

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Start by gathering notes, assignments, quizzes, and exams from relevant courses. You can also search for additional resources online to supplement your understanding.

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Review course syllabus and identify relevant topics
Gather notes, assignments, and quizzes from previous courses
Conduct online research for additional resources

Explore online tutorials and videos

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Seek out online tutorials and videos that provide clear and concise explanations of the concepts covered in the course. This will help you reinforce your understanding and fill in any gaps in your knowledge.

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Search for online tutorials and videos on specific topics
Watch and take notes on the tutorials and videos
Review the materials and test your understanding

Join a study group or discussion forum

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Joining a study group or discussion forum can provide you with opportunities to discuss the course material with other students and get feedback on your understanding. This can help you identify areas where you need additional support.

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Find a study group or discussion forum that is relevant to the course
Participate in discussions and ask questions
Review the discussions and make notes

Nine other activities

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Join a study group or discussion forum on a topic related to sex, gender, or sexuality

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Provides opportunities for peer-to-peer learning and exchange of ideas.

Browse courses on Sex

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Find a study group or discussion forum that aligns with your interests.
Participate actively in discussions and contribute your own perspectives.
Ask questions and seek clarification from others.
Share resources and materials with the group.

Complete practice questions on sex, gender, and sexuality

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Reinforces understanding and helps students identify areas for improvement.

Browse courses on Sex

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Identify a practice question set or online platform.
Attempt the practice questions and track your progress.
Review your answers and identify areas where you need more practice.
Seek clarification or support from others if needed.

Follow online tutorials or workshops on a topic related to sex, gender, or sexuality

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Provides access to expert knowledge and guidance on specific topics.

Browse courses on Sex

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Search for online tutorials or workshops on a topic of interest.
Select a reputable platform or instructor.
Follow the instructions and complete the tutorial.
Apply what you have learned to your own work or projects.

Create a concept map or infographic

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Creating a concept map or infographic will help you visualize the relationships between different concepts and ideas. This can be a valuable tool for understanding the complex topics covered in the course.

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Identify the key concepts and ideas in the course
Create a visual representation of the relationships between the concepts
Use colors, shapes, and symbols to make the infographic visually appealing

Read and summarize the book "Sex, Gender, and Sexuality" by Judith Butler

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Provides a theoretical foundation for understanding the concepts of sex, gender, and sexuality.

View Who's Afraid of Gender? on Amazon

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Read the book and take notes on the main arguments and concepts.
Write a summary of each chapter, focusing on the key ideas.
Identify and discuss the connections between the different chapters.

Write a blog post on a topic related to sex, gender, or sexuality

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Encourages students to synthesize their knowledge and communicate it effectively.

Browse courses on Sex

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Choose a topic that interests you.
Research your topic and gather information.
Write a draft of your blog post.
Revise and edit your blog post.
Publish your blog post on a platform like Medium or WordPress.

Design a lesson plan on a topic related to sex, gender, or sexuality

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Helps students develop their teaching skills and apply their knowledge to a practical context.

Browse courses on Sex

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Choose a topic and grade level.
Develop learning objectives.
Gather resources and materials.
Design activities and assessments.
Write a detailed lesson plan.

Volunteer for an organization that supports the LGBTQIA+ community

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Provides hands-on experience and deepens understanding of the impact of sex, gender, and sexuality on individuals and society.

Browse courses on Sex

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Research and identify organizations that align with your values.
Contact the organization and inquire about volunteer opportunities.
Complete any necessary training or orientation.
Attend volunteer sessions and engage with the community.
Reflect on your experiences and how they have broadened your perspective.

Contribute to an open-source project related to sex, gender, or sexuality

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Provides practical experience and allows students to make a tangible contribution to the field.

Browse courses on Sex

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Identify an open-source project that aligns with your interests.
Join the project community and introduce yourself.
Review the project's documentation and codebase.
Identify an area where you can contribute.
Make a pull request with your contribution.

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sexologist

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Clinical Psychologist

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sex Therapist

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..

See salaries and explore the career path for Counselor

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Marriage and Family Therapist

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Health Educator

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Adolescent Medicine Specialist

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Geriatric Medicine Specialist

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Diversity and Inclusion Manager

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Psychotherapist

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Teacher

Gender and Sexuality

What you'll learn

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