Department of Community and Family Health Syllabus Course Name: Sex, Health, and Decision-Making Prefix & Number: HSC 2130 Section: 007 Semester: Fall, 2011 Course Description: This course explores the fundamental relationship between sexuality, decision making and health outcomes from a public health perspective. Students explore sexuality issues and learn tools that promote sexual health and healthy relationships. This course is part of the University of South Florida s Foundations of Knowledge and Learning Core Curriculum (FKL). It is certified for Social Sciences under the General Education and Graduation Requirements for USF Students Graduating under the 2008/2009 USF Undergraduate Catalog and prior catalogs, and certified for Social and Behavioral Sciences under the General Education and Graduation Requirements for USF Students Graduating under the 2010/2011 USF Undergraduate Catalog. Credit hours: 3 Pre-Requisites: Co-Requisites: Day, Location: Instructor Information: Required Materials: Course Format: N/A N/A Mondays and Wednesdays, 3:05-4:20pm COPH Room 2016 Hannah L. Helmy, M.A., M.P.H. College of Public Health Mail point MDC 56 Office hours by appointment only Preferred method of contact: email sent to hhelmy@health.usf.edu I will respond to emails within 24-48 hours. If I do not respond within that time frame, I did not receive your email and you must send it again. Greenberg, J. S., Bruess, C. E., & Conklin, S. C. (2011). Exploring the Dimensions of Human Sexuality. (4th ed). Sudbury, MA: Jones and Bartlett Publishers. The textbook is available at the Health Sciences (HSC) Bookstore located at MDC 1031 on the USF Tampa Campus (http://usfhsc.bkstore.com). Texts may also be available from several off-campus bookstores and online vendors, such as www.amazon.com and www.barnesandnoble.com. Weekly lectures, chapter reading, movies/media clips, group work and individual work. Syllabus Page 1
Learning Objectives: Upon completion of the course, students will also be able to: 1. Identify, analyze, and discuss the issues, dilemmas, and choices associated with sexual behavior commonly confronted by college students; 2. Identify and discuss the relationship between sexuality and health, on a personal and population level; 3. Identify myths and misinformation related to sexual behaviors and health outcomes; 4. Describe cultural and social influences on an individual s view of sexual behaviors; 5. Recognize and understand the multidimensional aspects of healthy sexuality and identify potential barriers to its development; 6. Identify the behaviors that are commonly termed sexual risk-taking and understand their prevention, detection, and potential consequences; 7. Understand and discuss the concept of risk tolerance and critically evaluate their own risk-taking behaviors and level of risk tolerance; 8. Identify and describe the health consequences of high-risk sexual behaviors; 9. Define and distinguish between unsafe, safe, and safer sexual practices and identify the personal and sexual behaviors that lead to them; 10. Describe decision-making processes that may provide alternatives to unsafe sexual practice and facilitate prevention and early detection; 11. Explain the issues involved with ethics in research and education as they relate to sexuality and demonstrate their ability to obtain and analyze reliable research available in the public domain; and 12. Identify and discuss ethical considerations of such related topics as STIs, contraception, commercial sex work, underage sexual relations, sexual history sharing, and sexual responsibility to a partner. Syllabus Page 2
Assessment Strategies: 1.) Syllabus Quiz (25 points): August 31, 2011 The syllabus quiz is intended to test the students thorough review of the syllabus. Students will be quizzed on this syllabus the second week of class and this quiz will count as part of your In- Class Activities/Reading Quizzes score. 2.) Homework Assignments - (5 assignments @ 50 Points each): Due weekly The due dates of all homework assignments are listed in the tentative schedule of classes on this syllabus. Instructions and any additional materials required to complete each homework assignment will be posted in Blackboard with ample time to complete the assignment. Assignments are due at the beginning of class, unless otherwise noted. No late homework will be accepted if you do not have instructor approval (excused absence). To receive credit for your work, assignments should be completed before class not during class time. Unless otherwise specified, your homework assignments must be typed (12-point Times New Roman font, doublespaced, 1-inch margins). I will not accept handwritten homework assignments unless I have specifically stated that handwritten assignments are acceptable for a particular assignment. It is your responsibility to print your homework assignments before class. Printer malfunctions are not acceptable excuses for failing to turn in assignments on time. Any assignments that are not typed as specified will lose an automatic 5 points! When necessary, staple multiple pages together prior to coming to class in other words, I do not carry a stapler. Any assignments that are not stapled will lose an automatic 5 points! Please review the syllabus schedule and check Blackboard to complete each assignment on time and according to instructions. 3.) 12 Steps to Using a Condom (50 points): To be presented November 2, 2011 Throughout the course of the semester, students will have the opportunity to review and practice the 12 steps to using a condom. Each student will be asked to complete the 12 steps to using a condom using a penis model with feedback from the instructor. This exercise is meant to give each student an opportunity to individually practice the 12 steps to using a condom using an actual penis model with feedback from the instructor. Students will earn 50 points for correctly completing the 12 steps to using a condom. To complete this assignment, students must be in class on the days listed in the syllabus. Students who are not present will receive 0 points, unless otherwise arranged with the instructor. 4.) Team Presentation (125 pts) & Peer Evaluations (50 Points): To be presented in class November 28 and November 30, 2011 Students in this course will be challenged to plan and carry out a team-based media project, called "What's it like?" This project will allow students to go through an experience, and share that experience with others in the class using a digital recording device. Teams will be comprised of approximately 4-5 students. Each team will strategize how to best go through the experience, write a script, and then capture it on video. Each team will then present their video to the class and describe their experience in a 10-15 minute presentation. Further information on this assignment will be discussed in the first few weeks of class and will be posted on Blackboard. If you anticipate having to miss your own team s presentation, contact the instructor immediately to arrange an alternative assignment. Peer evaluations are due the day you present. Syllabus Page 3
5.) Exams (3 Exams, 100 points each): Exam #1- September 19, 2011, Exam #2- October 12, 2011, Exam #3 November 21, 2011 Each exam is non-cumulative and comprised of questions covering the videos, handouts, power point lectures, guest speaker lectures and/or assigned readings from the textbook (see course schedule). The 3 exams may be comprised of true/false, multiple-choice, short-answer, and/or essay questions. On each exam, I will test you only on the subject matter listed prior to the exam date on the syllabus. Make-up exams may be arranged in very rare circumstances; however, if you do not contact me BEFORE the exam, no make-up exam will be given. 6.) Class Participation (100 points): Each Class Period Participation: The nature of this course includes discussion of sensitive and potentially controversial or embarrassing material. I expect sensitivity, peer support, tolerance, and diplomacy in all student interactions. Strive to remain open to alternative viewpoints and opinions. Your active participation is valued, but also expected. Active participation includes attentiveness and engagement in classroom discussion. Reading the assigned material prior to class will greatly facilitate your ability to participate in discussions. You will not be expected to share your own personal experiences unless you so desire. However, respect is essential. I expect that all comments/questions will be met with respect and dignity. Attendance: Attending class is expected, unless specifically excused by me with prior arrangement. To determine excused status, you are expected to notify me of impending absence(s) or provide written documentation of necessity of absence no later than one week following the absence. Written documentation must be from appropriate health, academic, or other professionals (medical doctor, police officer, etc.). Tardiness: Students arriving late to class are a considerable source of disruption and distraction to me and other students. I reserve the right to deduct points from your final grade if you are repeatedly tardy. Disruptions: Please demonstrate mutual respect for others learning environment by silencing all phones and not text-messaging, gaming, or conducting private conversations with those around you. All electronic devices should be put away (i.e., in purses/backpacks) and not in visible sight. 7.) Extra Credit Assignment (up to 15 points): Due November 28, 2011 Students will have the opportunity to earn up to 15 extra-credit points by completing an optional film review assignment or by participating in one of two research study phases. After viewing the film, students should write a 2-3 page review (12-point Times New Roman font, double-spaced, 1-inch margins) in which they discuss: 1) their personal reaction to the film, and 2) how the film portrays issues related to sexuality and health (referencing text and class content). Late papers will not be accepted. Students must see the film in order to complete this review. Acceptable films include: And the Band Played On, Kinsey, MILK, Philadelphia, Kids, The Education of Shelby Knox, Juno, Knocked Up, and A Jihad for Love, Precious, and The Laramie Project. Additional information about the choice of film will be provided in the first few classes of the term. Syllabus Page 4
Grading Scale and Criteria: Student Performance Assessment: Syllabus Quiz 25 points Homework Assignments (5 x 50 points each) 250 points 12 Steps to Using a Condom 50 points Team Project (125) + Peer Evals (50) 175 points 3 Exams (100 points each) 300 points Class Participation 100 points Total possible points 900 points Grading: Your grade in this class is based on the number of points you earn during the semester: A 810-900 B 720-809 C 630-719 D 540-629 F 0-539 Grading Policies: Attendance: There are no + or grades given in this course. If you are having problems with the course material, or meeting deadlines, e-mail me to request an appointment to discuss the options and develop a plan to assure you can successfully complete the course. Late assignments: Late assignments will be given a 5 point per day penalty. A documented emergency is the only situation where late points will be waived. A student must receive permission from the instructor to submit an assignment later than a week after the due date. COURSE POLICIES Attending class is expected, unless specifically excused by me with prior arrangement. Because the class only meets once a week, each absence results in missing a substantial portion of course material. I will take attendance at the beginning of each class. Unexcused absences will affect your final grade. To determine excused status, you are expected to notify me of impending absence(s) or provide written documentation of necessity of absence no later than one week following the absence. Written documentation must be from appropriate health, academic, or other professionals (medical doctor, police officer, etc.). Working, going on family vacations, cruises, etc. will not be considered excused. I reserve the right to deduct points from your final grade for unexcused absences. Tardiness: Students arriving late to class are a considerable source of disruption and distraction to me and other students. I will record attendance at the beginning of each class period. I reserve the right to deduct points from your final grade if you are repeatedly tardy. Plan ahead Syllabus Page 5
to arrive in class on time. I will not repeat announcements and other information provided at the beginning of the class session; therefore, you are responsible for obtaining such information from a classmate. Student Athletes: I expect you to provide me with a detailed list of dates you will be missing class due to athletic events. I also expect you to e-mail me before each absence so that any materials provided in class can be set aside for you. Upon your return to class, it is your responsibility to check with your peers regarding lecture notes, changes to the schedule, or announcements made in class during your absence. Please note that instructors provide periodic assessments of your academic performance in the course to the Athletics Department. See Institutional Policies section for Emergency Preparedness for Academic Continuity. Permission to Use Lectures: Instructor Expectations: Incomplete Policy: Class Participation: All unauthorized recordings of class are prohibited. Recordings that accommodate individual student needs must be approved in advance and may be used for personal use during the semester only; redistribution is prohibited. I welcome the opportunity to assist you individually; feel free to contact me with questions, concerns, etc. The best and fastest way to reach me is by e-mail: hhelmy@health.usf.edu. E-mail from your usf.edu account is the preferred method of contact, and please sign your full name. It is best not to spell out the title of our course (spam filters will catch the word sex and your message will be quarantined!). Please include SHDM in the subject line of your message. COPH policy: http://publichealth.usf.edu/academicaffairs/academic_procedures.html The nature of this course includes discussion of sensitive and potentially controversial or embarrassing material. I expect sensitivity, peer support, tolerance, and diplomacy in all student interactions. Strive to remain open to alternative viewpoints and opinions. Your active participation is valued, but also expected. Active participation includes attentiveness and engagement in classroom discussion. Reading the assigned material prior to class will greatly facilitate your ability to participate in discussions. You will not be expected to share your own personal experiences unless you so desire. However, respect is essential! I expect that all comments and questions will be met with respect and dignity. Confidentiality: Open and candid discussions are strongly encouraged. Because of this exchange of sensitive and sometimes personal matters, you are required not to discuss a classmate s personal information with others outside of our class. Syllabus Page 6
Course Calendar * Schedule and syllabus are to change at the discretion of the instructor. You are responsible for any announcements made in class. Pop quizzes regarding reading material will be given without notice. Topic Day Date Readings* Assignments Due* Introduction to Class M 8/22 Syllabus Get books Dimensions of Sexuality W 8/24 Chapter 1 Kinsey and Human M 8/29 No readings watching a Syllabus Quiz Sexuality documentary about Alfred Kinsey Body Image W 8/31 In-Focus: Body Image HW 1 Due: Body Image NO CLASS M 9/5 NO CLASS - LABOR DAY NO CLASS Female Sexual Anatomy W 9/7 Chapter 4 Male Sexual Anatomy M 9/12 Chapter 5 HW 2 Due: Male and Female Anatomy Worksheets Sexual Response and W 9/14 Chapter 6 Arousal Exam 1 M 9/19 Exam 1 Good luck! Contraception W 9/21 Chapter 7 HW 3 Due: Condom Scavenger Hunt Contraception/Pregnancy M 9/26 Reading TBA continued Conception, Pregnancy and W 9/28 Chapter 8 + Reading TBA Birth Unexpected Pregnancy Outcomes M 10/3 In-Focus: Unexpected Pregnancy Outcomes Gender Dimensions W 10/5 Chapter 9 + Reading TBA Sexual Orientation M 10/10 Chapter 10 Exam 2 W 10/12 Exam 2 Good luck! STIs M 10/17 Chapter 15 HW 4 Due: STI Worksheet STIs cont W 10/19 Reading TBA HIV/AIDS M 10/24 In-Focus: HIV/AIDS Forcible Sexual Behaviors W 10/26 Chapter 14 Sexual Dysfunction and M 10/31 Chapter 16 Therapy Group Work Day W 11/2 Group Work and 12 Steps Condom Demonstrations Sexual Consumerism M 11/7 Chapter 17 Alternative Sexual W 11/9 In-Focus: Alternative Sexual Behavior Behavior Sexual Ethics, Morality and M 11/14 Chapter 18 Law Sexual Communication W 11/16 Chapter 3 and Wrap-up Exam 3 M 11/21 Exam 3 Good luck! W 11/23 NO CLASS - THANKSGIVING NO CLASS HOLIDAY NO CLASS Group Presentations M 11/28 Group Presentations Group Presentations W 11/30 Group Presentations Prepare for 12 Steps Condom Demonstration HW 5 Due: Sex Sells Advertisements Syllabus Page 7
INSTITUTIONAL POLICIES The most recent version of the Institutional Policies information can be found on the Academic Affairs Forms page at http://health.usf.edu/publichealth/forms.html (Fall 2010) Student Handbook: http://www.sa.usf.edu/handbook/ Student Conduct: Disruption of Academic Process/Academic Integrity of Students: Academic Dishonesty/ Plagiarism: USF Student Rights/Responsibilities: http://www.sa.usf.edu/srr/page.asp?id=81 USF Student Code of Conduct: http://www.sa.usf.edu/srr/page.asp?id=88 Disruption of the academic process and violations of the policies regarding academic integrity will not be tolerated. Review USF policies on Disruption of the Academic Process and the Academic Integrity of Students at: http://generalcounsel.usf.edu/regulations/pdfs/regulation-usf3.025.pdf Plagiarism will not be tolerated and is grounds for failure. Review USF Academic Dishonesty and Disruption of Academic Process Policy at: Undergraduate: http://www.ugs.usf.edu/pdf/cat1011/2010-2011draft.pdf#page=61 Graduate: http://www.grad.usf.edu/inc/linked-files/usf_grad_catalog_2010_2011.pdf#page=42 The University of South Florida has an account with an automated plagiarism detection service (SafeAssign), which allows instructors and students to submit student assignments to be checked for plagiarism. I (the instructor) reserve the right to 1) request that assignments be submitted as electronic files and 2) submit students assignments to SafeAssign, or 3) request students to submit their assignments to SafeAssign through myusf. Assignments are compared automatically with a database of journal articles, web articles, the internet and previously submitted papers. The instructor receives a report showing exactly how a student s paper was plagiarized. NOTE: An institution may not release a paper to a plagiarism detection software without the student s prior consent unless all personally identifiable information has been removed, such as a student s name, social security number, student number, etc.. Note that a paper/essay is considered an educational record and an institution may not ask a student to waive their rights under FERPA for the purpose of submitting papers to plagiarism detection software. For more information about Plagiarism and SafeAssign, visit: Plagiarism tutorial: http://www.cte.usf.edu/plagiarism/plag.html SafeAssign: http://media.c21te.usf.edu/pdf/student/bbstud_subsafeassgn.pdf Syllabus Page 8
Cheating Statement: Undergraduate Academic Policies and Procedures: Special Accommodations: Holidays and Religious Observances: Emergency Preparedness: Student Grievance Procedure: The USF College of Public Health expects students to maintain academic honesty in all courses. By virtue of being registered in an public health course, students agree to refrain from cheating. If cheating in any form (academic dishonesty) is detected, appropriate action will be taken. (Refer to USF Academic Dishonesty Policy). Undergraduate: http://www.ugs.usf.edu/pdf/cat1011/2010-2011draft.pdf#page=61 Graduate: http://www.ugs.usf.edu/pdf/cat1011/2010-2011draft.pdf#page=46 Students in need of academic accommodations for a disability may consult with the office of Services for Students with Disabilities to arrange appropriate accommodations. Students are required to give reasonable notice (typically 5 working days) prior to requesting an accommodation. Students with Disabilities Services: http://www.sds.usf.edu/ Students: http://www.sds.usf.edu/students.asp Faculty: http://www.sds.usf.edu/faculty.asp http://www.grad.usf.edu/inc/linkedfiles/usf_grad_catalog_2010_2011.pdf#page=42 http://generalcounsel.usf.edu/policies-and-procedures/pdfs/policy-10-045.pdf In the event of an emergency, it may be necessary for USF to suspend normal operations. During this time, USF may opt to continue delivery of instruction through methods that include but are not limited to: Blackboard, Elluminate, Skype, and email messaging and/or an alternate schedule. It s the responsibility of the student to monitor Blackboard site for each class for course specific communication, and the main USF, College, and department websites, emails, and MoBull messages for important general information. Review USF Academic Grievance Policy at: http://generalcounsel.usf.edu/policies-and-procedures/pdfs/policy-10-002.pdf Undergraduate: http://www.ugs.usf.edu/pdf/cat1011/2010-2011draft.pdf#page=56 Graduate http://www.grad.usf.edu/inc/linkedfiles/usf_grad_catalog_2010_2011.pdf#page=50 Student assistance is provided by Division of Student Affairs, Office of the Student Syllabus Page 9
Ombudsman. http://www.sa.usf.edu/ombudsman RESOURCES FOR STUDENTS Library Resources: Creating Citations & Using Refworks: Netiquette (online communication etiquette for online courses): Plagiarism & Safe Assign: USF Email Accounts: Blackboard Tutorials: Elluminate Live Tutorials: (for online courses) USF Library Resources and Services: http://www.lib.usf.edu/ Shimberg Health Sciences Library: http://health.usf.edu/library/ Shimberg Health Sciences Library Tutorials: http://library.hsc.usf.edu/ (follow links under Instructional Services section) http://guides.lib.usf.edu/citingsources http://eta.health.usf.edu/publichealth/standards/syllabus/online_netiquette.pdf See Academic Dishonesty/Plagiarism Section http://health.usf.edu/publichealth/eta/pdf/myusf_email.pdf http://media.c21te.usf.edu/bbstudents.html http://media.c21te.usf.edu/elluminatestudents.html Syllabus Page 10