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Anna Yocom

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.

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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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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

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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
Start by gathering notes, assignments, quizzes, and exams from relevant courses. You can also search for additional resources online to supplement your understanding.
Show steps
  • 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
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.
Show steps
  • 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
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.
Show steps
  • 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
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all 12 activities
Join a study group or discussion forum on a topic related to sex, gender, or sexuality
Provides opportunities for peer-to-peer learning and exchange of ideas.
Browse courses on Sex
Show steps
  • 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
Reinforces understanding and helps students identify areas for improvement.
Browse courses on Sex
Show steps
  • 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
Provides access to expert knowledge and guidance on specific topics.
Browse courses on Sex
Show steps
  • 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
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.
Show steps
  • 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
Provides a theoretical foundation for understanding the concepts of sex, gender, and sexuality.
Show steps
  • 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
Encourages students to synthesize their knowledge and communicate it effectively.
Browse courses on Sex
Show steps
  • 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
Helps students develop their teaching skills and apply their knowledge to a practical context.
Browse courses on Sex
Show steps
  • 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
Provides hands-on experience and deepens understanding of the impact of sex, gender, and sexuality on individuals and society.
Browse courses on Sex
Show steps
  • 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
Provides practical experience and allows students to make a tangible contribution to the field.
Browse courses on Sex
Show steps
  • 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.
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.
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.
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..
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

Reading list

We've selected nine books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Gender and Sexuality.
This memoir provides a personal and insightful account of the author's journey of self-discovery and the challenges of navigating genderqueer identity. It offers a valuable perspective on the complexities of gender identity and the importance of self-acceptance.
Debunks common myths and misconceptions about testosterone and its role in shaping human behavior. It provides a critical analysis of the scientific research on testosterone and its implications for our understanding of gender and sexuality.
Provides a comprehensive overview of transgender history, from ancient societies to the present day. It explores the experiences, identities, and activism of transgender people across cultures and time periods.
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Provides a historical and cultural exploration of the human body and its relationship to sexuality. It examines how the body has been used to define and control sexual behavior, and how it has been represented in art, literature, and film.
Explores the biological and neurological basis of sexual orientation and behavior. It provides an overview of the scientific research on the relationship between brain structure, function, and sexual identity.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of the psychological aspects of sex and gender. It covers topics such as sexual development, gender identity, sexual behavior, and the impact of culture and society on gender roles and relationships.
This comprehensive encyclopedia provides detailed information on all aspects of sexual behavior, including sexual anatomy, sexual development, sexual orientation, sexual activity, and sexual problems.
Provides a biological and evolutionary perspective on sex and gender. It explores the complex interplay between genes, hormones, and environment in shaping sexual development and behavior.

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