Week 8 (October 15 - 21))

This learning module is focused on providing students a better understanding of human development as it occurs over the lifespan from conception up to death.  Students generally come into this module with some basic understanding of what goes on at different stages of our life however students also bring into the module a lot of myths and misconceptions. 
At the end of this module students will be able to discuss the issues of development using key theories and contemporary research.

Module C Lesson 2 explores aspects of identity development as it relates to our gender and sexual orientation.  Objective 13 is focused on defining key terms that are used when discussing gender and sexual orientation.  The nature-nurture issue will resurface this week as students explore the origins of gender and our gender roles in Objective 15 and learn about how gender is acquired students will also challenge the typical belief that men and women are the opposite sex in Objective 14.  Students may find it interesting to read the New Sex Scorecard or take an online gender test Sex I.D as they challenge classic attitudes about both sexes.  Students may also find it interesting to dissect what is referred to the "crisis in masculinity" and explore changing attitudes about Fatherhood 2.0.

Getting back to the nature-nurture issue students will learn about alternative gender concepts, such as transgender, intersex, and transexuals in Objective 16 and will be able to explain their origins and implications.  Students my find it helpful to read more about the intersex condition by visiting PBS and browsing their Sex Unknown program.

Are people born gay?  Are people born straight?  Or bisexual?  Also in this lesson students will continue in their exploration of identity and look at the research on sexual orientation in Objective 18.  Students will then be better prepared to draw objective conclusions about the origins and implications of research on sexual orientation.  Students may find it interesting to explore contemporary theories on sexual orientation and might enjoy assessing their own sexuality by visiting KleinGridOnline.com to gain a broader understanding of the relationship between our sexual behavior, attractions, fantasies, and our past,  present, and ideals.

Objective 17, 19, 20, and 21 look at factors that influence our sexual expression including the processes involved in sexual arousal, neurobiology, developmental changes, and sexual disorders and dysfunction.

Weekly Activities

Getting Started

• Print Module C Objectives
• Read Chapter 10 - Gender and Sexuality

 Projects

• Students enrolled in the Book Review - Sexual Fluidity project should submit their book review in the Dropbox by 11:59pm Friday, post their initial thoughts on the book in their group discussion forum by 11:59pm Friday, and must discuss what they learned about sexual orientation in their group discussion forum no later than 11:59pm Sunday.
• Collaborative Project - Parenting Manual is due at the end of this week.  Each group must upload their completed project in the Dropbox in D2L no later than 11:59pm Sunday.

Quizzes and Exams

• The Midterm Exam will be available 12am Friday - 11:59pm Sunday.  Use the Module A, B, and C Objectives to prepare for this Exam.