Psychology 2076A 001 FW25
The Psychology of Sex
Western University
London Canada
Department of Psychology
Fall 2025
Psychology 2076A Section 001
The Psychology of Sex
1 Calendar Description
This course explores human sexual behaviour from a psychological perspective. Topics include historical perspectives on sexual behaviour; theory and methodology in sex research; the physiology and development of sexual function; gender and sexual orientation; attraction, love and sex in relationships; sexual health; coercion; and sex work.
Antirequisite: Psychology 2075
Prerequisites: n/a
3 lecture hours; Course Weight: 0.5
2 Course Information
Instructor: Dr. Corey Isaacs
Office Hours: via Zoom by appointment
Email: cisaacs3@uwo.ca
Time and Location of Classes: see Student Centre for Timetable
For courses that include an online component, students must have a reliable internet connection and computer that are compatible with online learning system requirements.
3 Course Materials
Hyde, J. S., DeLamater, J. D., Byers, E. S., & O’Sullivan, L. F. (2022). Understanding Human Sexuality (8th Canadian Edition). Toronto: McGraw-Hill Ryerson. (approx 59$)
The etextbook is an integrated part of the McGraw-Hill Connect website and includes access to their online resources and study aids. You do not need to purchase the Connect version of the textbook, though it is recommended. See the Western Bookstore and the McGraw-Hill website for more information about purchase options.
If you choose to purchase Connect access, you can find your textbook materials here: https://connect.mheducation.com/class/psy2076-fall2025
I always recommend that students use the assigned edition of the course textbook, as there are several changes between editions. While you may be able to use the previous (i.e., 7th Canadian) edition of this textbook without too many problems, you absolutely should not use any earlier edition of this textbook or any other textbook.
4 Course Objectives and Learning Outcomes
Students taking this course can expect to become more comfortable with and more knowledgeable about a wide range of sexual issues. It is also expected that students will learn to think critically about the scientific study of human sexuality and become more informed consumers of sex research.
Please note that this course will involve explicit consideration, readings, imagery, and discussion of these topics, behaviours, and experiences.
This course provides a broad introduction to theories and findings regarding the scientific study of human sexuality. By the end of this course, successful students should have achieved the following outcomes:
|
Learning Outcome |
Learning Activity |
Assessment |
|
Identify and describe the biological, psychological, and social factors that influence human sexuality |
Readings, Lessons, Online Discussions, Connect Quizzes |
Exams, Online Discussions, Connect Quizzes |
|
Apply psychological theories and concepts to the study of human sexuality |
Readings, Lessons, Online Discussions, Connect Quizzes |
Exams, Online Discussions, Connect Quizzes |
|
Critically evaluate theories, research methods, and findings from the study of human sexuality |
Readings, Lessons, Online Discussions |
Exams, Online Discussions |
|
Understand the limits of research conclusions in the context of methodological practices in the field |
Readings, Lessons, Online Discussions, Connect Quizzes |
Exams, Online Discussions |
|
Communicate ideas clearly and concisely, in language accessible to a non-specialist audience |
Lessons, Online Discussions |
Online Discussions |
5 Evaluation
The evaluation and testing formats for this course were created to assess the learning objectives as listed in section 4 and are necessary for meeting these learning objectives
Exams (80% of final mark)
This class includes two midterm exams (each worth 20%) that will be administered during class time, and a final exam (worth 40%) that will be held during the December exam period. Exams will cover material from both the textbook and the lectures. The final exam will be cumulative (i.e., it will assess material from the entire course), with an emphasis on material not already assessed on the midterm exams.
Online Discussions (20% of final mark)
You will be required to participate in any FIVE of the weekly discussions throughout the term to earn the Online Discussions component of your course grade. You can choose to participate in six discussions, in which case your BEST FIVE OF SIX discussion grades will be used to calculate your Online Discussions grade. If you participate in more than six discussions, your grade will be based only on the FIRST SIX—any additional discussions beyond the first six will not be graded.
Forum grades will be earned based on the quantity and quality of your contributions to these discussions. A successful student in online education is one who takes an active role in the learning process. You are therefore encouraged to participate actively in the discussions to enhance your learning experience throughout the course.
Each discussion will be open for seven days, from 12:01 AM on Sunday until 11:59 PM the following Saturday. You will be required to post at least one question to your group (before midnight on Monday) about the previous week's topic as a starting point for discussion. You will also be required to respond to at least two of your classmates’ posts during the week. Once the discussion closes (at 11:59 PM on Saturday), no more posts can be made. You’re advised to post early in the week, and always back up your work, as “technical difficulties” is NOT an acceptable excuse for missing a discussion deadline.
Policy on Missing Coursework
Exams. Students who fail to write an exam at the scheduled time will receive a grade of zero unless they receive academic consideration for that exam. There will be a makeup exam for each of the midterms, held approximately one week after the scheduled exam. If a student is excused from both the midterm exam and the associated makeup exam, that portion of their course grade may be reassigned to the final exam. The makeup final exam will be held in early January.
Online Discussions. If a student fails to participate in at least five of the weekly online discussions, they will receive a grade of zero for each of the incomplete discussions. Because students only have to participate in five of the 10 discussion forums, students will not be excused from the online discussion requirement (i.e., that flexibility is already provided to all students). If you have a long-term illness or other issue of concern that would prevent you from being able to participate in the online discussions, please contact your home faculty’s academic counselling office with appropriate documentation to request relief.
The Psychology Department follows Western’s grading guidelines: https://www.uwo.ca/univsec/pdf/academic_policies/general/grades_undergrad.pdf
The expectation for course grades within the Psychology Department is that they will be distributed around the following averages:
70% 1000-level to 2099-level courses
72% 2100-2999-level courses
75% 3000-level courses
80% 4000-level courses
In the event that course grades are significantly higher or lower than these averages, instructors may be required to make adjustments to course grades. Such adjustment might include the normalization of one or more course components and/or the re-weighting of various course components.
Policy on Grade Rounding
Please note that although course grades within the Psychology Department are rounded to the nearest whole number, no further grade rounding will be done. No additional assignments will be offered to enhance a final grade; nor will requests to change a grade because it is needed for a future program be considered.
6 Assessment/Evaluation Schedule
Midterm Exam 1 7:30 – 8:30 PM on Monday, Oct. 6
Midterm Exam 2 7:30 – 8:30 PM on Monday, Nov. 17
Final Exam TBA (Dec. 11 – 22)
Online Discussions Weekly from Sunday at 12:01 AM – Saturday at 11:59 PM
7 Class Schedule
Changes to the class schedule will be announced on the OWL course website. Students are responsible for being aware of announcements made on OWL.
|
Dates |
Reading |
Topic |
|
Sept. 8 |
Chapter 1 |
Sexuality in Perspective |
|
Sept. 15 |
Chapter 2 |
Theoretical Perspectives on Sexuality |
|
Sept. 22 |
Chapter 3 |
Sex Research |
|
Sept. 29 |
Chapter 9 |
Sexual Response & Techniques |
|
Oct. 6 |
MIDTERM EXAM 1 (Chapters 1 – 3, 9) |
|
|
Oct. 13 |
THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY (No Class) |
|
|
Oct. 20 |
Chapter 12 |
Attraction, Love, & Communication |
|
Oct. 27 |
Chapter 13 |
Gender & Sexuality |
|
Nov. 3 |
Fall Reading Week (No Class) |
|
|
Nov. 10 |
Chapter 14 |
Sexual Orientation & Identity |
|
Nov. 17 |
MIDTERM EXAM 2 (Chapters 12 – 14) |
|
|
Nov. 24 |
Chapter 15 |
Variations in Sexual Behaviour |
|
Dec. 1 |
Chapter 17 |
Sex for Sale |
|
Dec. 8 |
Chapter 18 |
Sexual Disorders & Therapies |
|
TBA (Dec. 11 – 22) |
FINAL EXAM (Cumulative) |
|
8 Academic Integrity
Scholastic offences are taken seriously, and students are directed to read the appropriate policy, specifically, the definition of what constitutes a Scholastic Offence, at the following Web site: https://www.uwo.ca/univsec/pdf/academic_policies/appeals/scholastic_discipline_undergrad.pdf.
Possible penalties for a scholastic offence include failure of the assignment/exam, failure of the course, suspension from the University, and expulsion from the University.
Statement on Use of Electronic Devices
Use of electronic devices during lectures should be limited to class-related activities. No electronic devices will be allowed during examinations.
Use of AI
The use of generative AI tools such as ChatGPT to produce written work is not permitted unless permission is granted by the instructor for specific circumstances. Any work submitted must be the work of the student in its entirety unless otherwise disclosed. When used, AI tools should be used ethically and responsibly, and students must cite or credit the tools used in line with the expectation to use AI as a tool to learn, not to produce content.
AI Policy for Psychology:
Responsible use of AI is allowed in Psychology. This includes using AI for brainstorming, improving grammar, or doing preliminary/background research on a topic.
AI is not to be used in place of critical thinking.
The misuse of AI undermines the academic values of this course. Relying on AI to create full drafts or fabricate sources is prohibited. You are ultimately responsible for any work submitted, so it is highly advised that you critically review your Generative AI output before incorporating this information into your assignments.
If you use AI, you must clearly explain its role in your work. All written assignments will require an AI Usage Statement, in which you will indicate what tools you have used, what you have used them for, and (broadly) how you have modified this information. Assignments without an AI Usage Statement will not be accepted.
Violations of this policy will be handled according to Western’s scholastic offense policies.
Multiple Choice Exams
Computer-marked multiple-choice tests and/or exams will be subject to submission for similarity review by software that will check for unusual coincidences in answer patterns that may indicate cheating.
Personal Response Systems (“Clickers”)
In classes that involve the use of a personal response system, data collected will only be used in a manner consistent to that described in this outline. It is the instructor’s responsibility to make every effort to ensure that data remain confidential. However, students should be aware that as with all forms of electronic communication, privacy is not guaranteed.
9 Academic Accommodations and Accessible Education
View Western’s policy on academic accommodations for student with disabilities at this link.
Accessible Education provides supports and services to students with disabilities at Western.
If you think you may qualify for ongoing accommodation that will be recognized in all your courses, visit Accessible Education for more information. Email: aew@uwo.ca Phone: 519 661-2147
10 Absence & Academic Consideration
Academic Considerations: https://registrar.uwo.ca/academics/academic_considerations/index.html
11 Other Information
- Office of the Registrar: https://registrar.uwo.ca
- Student Development Services: www.sdc.uwo.ca
- Psychology Undergraduate Program: https://www.psychology.uwo.ca/undergraduate/index.html
Students who are in emotional/mental distress should refer to Health and Wellness@Western https://www.uwo.ca/health/ for a complete list of options about how to obtain help.
Please contact the course instructor if you require material in an alternate format or if you require any other arrangements to make this course more accessible to you.
If you wish to appeal a grade, please read the policy documentation at: https://www.uwo.ca/univsec/pdf/academic_policies/appeals/appealsundergrad.pdf. Please first contact the course instructor. If your issue is not resolved, you may make your appeal in writing to the Undergraduate Chair in Psychology (psyugrd@uwo.ca).
Copyright Statement
Lectures and course materials, including power point presentations, outlines, videos and similar materials, are protected by copyright. You may take notes and make copies of course materials for your own educational use. You may not record lectures, reproduce (or allow others to reproduce), post or distribute any course materials publicly and/or for commercial purposes without the instructor’s written consent.
12 Land Acknowledgement
We acknowledge that Western University is located on the traditional territories of the Anishinaabek, Haudenosaunee, Lūnaapéewak, and Chonnonton. Nations, on lands connected with the London Township and Sombra Treaties of 1796 and the Dish with One Spoon Covenant Wampum. This land continues to be home to diverse Indigenous Peoples (First Nations, Métis and Inuit) whom we recognize as contemporary stewards of the land and vital contributors of our society.
