I. COURSE DESCRIPTION

Human anatomy, physiology and behavior as related to sexual reproduction, including fertilization, pregnancy, childbirth and birth control. Consideration will also be given to genetics, homosexuality, sexually transmitted diseases, and sexual intercourse and response. Degree Applicable. UC/CSU

Why study Human Sexuality? 

Human Sexuality theorists tell us:

From the fact that our species has thrived, we can assume that homo sapiens has been engaging in sexual intercourse for at least 50,00 years, and our hominid ancestors for several million years before that. Until recently, however, we knew little about the meaning, quality, or context of human sexual activity.

Thanks to research during the last thirty or so years, we now understand much of the biology and psychology of this fascinating area of life. We can now ask questions and expect helpful answers regarding the contribution of sexuality to the meaning and quality of our lives.

In studying sexuality, we will review human anatomy, physiology and behavior as related to sexual reproduction, including fertilization, pregnancy, childbirth and birth control. Consideration will also be given to genetics, homosexuality, and sexually transmitted diseases as well as sexual intercourse and response. UC/CSU 3 units

In the box below type one reason why you feel it is important to study human sexuality.

II. COURSE OBJECTIVES:

Upon successfully completing this course, you will know. . .

• the scientific method with regard to sexuality research
• sexual and asexual reproduction
• the parts and functioning of the male and female reproductive anatomy
• the physiological responses during sexual arousal
• the mechanisms of genetic exchange and recombination in sexual reproduction
• the stages of prenatal development
• the difference between normal and abnormal embryonic sexual development
• the role of hormones with regard to sexual development 
• sexually transmitted diseases and their prevention

In addition, you will. . .

• demonstrate your understanding of course materials presented in the text, lectures, class discussions and exercises, through written examinations.
• determine your knowledge, opinions, patterns and preferences regarding course topics
• sharpen your critical thinking skills through interaction with course materials
• sharpen your writing and critical thinking skills by completing research reports
• develop communication skills through active participation in class discussions and exercises.

III. CAUTIONS:

This is a university-level course that requires certain academic skills. Therefore, you should be able to read at the English 101 level appropriate college-level writing and test-taking skills. Although we will not exclude anyone, if you do not have these skills you will find this course to be overwhelming. Assess your abilities and plan accordingly. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or concerns. See the first page for telephone and email addresses.

In the box below type, I understand this is a university-level course that requires certain academic skills. Therefore, I assert that I am able to read at the English 101 level appropriate college-level writing and test-taking skills. I will contact the instructor if I have any questions or concerns. 

IV. Online Instructions:

ON-LINE INSTRUCTIONS:

YOU MUST FILL OUT THIS SYLLABUS IF YOU INTEND TO TAKE THE COURSE!

It is your responsibility to make sure the instructor has the all the contact information stated at the top of this syllabus by the start of classes!! It is your responsibility to email the instructor if you have any problems or do not understand this syllabus. 

It is your responsibility to confirm your enrollment either via the Internet at http://bcregweb.barstow.edu/ or by calling (760)252-2411 x7700 if you are having problems accessing the course material.  After you have confirmed your enrollment go to http://www.bcconline.com/orient/ and read the password link.  Following this procedure will ensure you are helped in the fastest manner possible.

By enrolling for this class, the assumption is that you possess the necessary skills to read at the college level, to enter and perform research on the internet, to email using proper email etiquette and to post to the discussions.

When emailing your instructor: (jjelly2@bcconline.com) include your full name. Send all email with the name of the course in the subject line and Lesson No. or the words: problem, question or comment. Many times I receive email with no name in the body of the email.  Sign all email with your name as registered at school, or else you will not receive a reply and your assignment will not be graded.

You must explain the problem in the subject line, i.e., Marriage and Family, Research 1 -- no research available. Email without an appropriate subject line will be deleted and will not be read. With the current high incidence of viruses and unsolicited email I automatically delete all email without appropriate subject lines.'

Remember I do not answer email on the weekends, so 48 hours response time do not include Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and holidays. If an email stating problem, help, or question in the subject line is sent on Monday through Thursday you can expect a response within 24-48 hours.  If an email stating problem, help, or question in the subject line is sent on the weekends there will be a longer turn around time, but the email will be answered by Tuesday of the following week. 

Email assignments will have a one week turnaround time, and you should not expect an answer to a successfully submitted and completed assignment before the end of the one week turnaround time period.  Receiving graded assignments or answers to your questions before the above stated timelines have passed does not guarantee that you will receive replies that quickly in the future. 

Online classes are NOT conducted via instantaneous transmission.  Just as I am giving you a NINE day period to complete your work, I am to be given SEVEN days to reply to your assignments.  In addition, the above stated timelines apply to ALL students and ALL responses to your questions and concerns. 

I appreciate your understanding of the above stated timelines and will respond to ALL questions and concerns about this class within the timeframes stated above.

A posting place at the top of the discussion page indicates the instructor’s message board to you. Be sure to check this each week so that you don’t miss messages and clarifications; remember that sometimes no instructor posting will have been made.  Students are not to post in the instructor's posting area.  Should you have a concern with your class please email me your question.  It is not appropriate for students to post their concerns in the instructor's posting area. Students who post in the instructor's posting area will receive a warning and their posting will be deleted unanswered.  Students who ignore the warning and post again to the instructor's posting area will be dropped from the class. 

At the conclusion of the class students may find out their grades by calling (760) 252-6868 (local or out of state) and (877) 336-6868 (toll free within California).  You may also find out your grade by going on the Internet at http://bcregweb.barstow.edu/.  I do not email or post student grades and will not respond to inquiries about grades at the conclusion of the course. 

In the box below type, I understand and agree to abide by the online instructions written above.

IMPORTANT:

You will not officially start this course until after you have completed the orientation sessions at http://www.bcconline.com/orient/. No work should be completed until AFTER the you have reviewed the orientation area.  The orientation area will answer many frequently asked questions about online instruction and also provides tutorials on common problems students encounter while doing online courses.  If you are experiencing technical difficulties and/or need to learn how to use our courseware you should first check the orientation area to see if it answers your technical question.  If your technical question is not answered on the website you may then email the  webmaster@bcconline.com with your question. 

If your question pertains to class materials you should email jjelly2@bcconline.com. The webmaster cannot answer course related questions, and Dr. Jelly does not answer technical questions. Remember that you must state your full name, problem, question or concern and your class name in the subject line when asking a question.

In the box below type, I understand there is one meeting for this course (the final). If I am unable to take the final on the main campus, or at Barstow College's Ft. Irwin or Miramar sites, I understand it is my responsibility to find a proctor and completely fill out the proctor from.  I understand I must fill out the syllabus in order to complete this course and that completing the online orientation before beginning my course work is mandatory.  I realize that I should email the instructor with any class related questions.  I also understand that I should first check the orientation area for answers to my technical questions and can email the webmaster@bcconline.com my technical questions ONLY after checking the orientation area for the answer to my question first.

Requirements:

• There is no prerequisite for this course. However there are several requirements in order to take the class:
• An Internet browser to access web pages. Netscape 3.0, Internet Explorer 3.0 or the equivalent is the minimum.
• An email address to receive class materials. A free email account such as Hotmail or Yahoo is acceptable.
• The ability to structure your own time to do the readings, weekly assignments and be prompt. There are no make-ups.  Be sure to schedule the midterm and the final in your personal scheduler.   Do not plan to move, get married, go on vacation or any other such activity during these times. The midterms and the final are a significant portion of your grade.
• The ability to create and submit college level written materials.
• Facility with using email, the discussion groups, the web, and word processing.
• If you do not have Internet access you may use the computer lab on campus; be sure to check times available for each lab to coordinate with your schedule.

In the box below type, I understand and have the ability to meet the requirements listed above.  Further I have the necessary materials to complete this course

Resources for you

Online classes are administered under the Distance Education division and as such there are no regular class meetings. Sometimes the terminology and/or the breadth of the class may seem to be daunting or overwhelming to you. If so, you may also attend on campus classes when possible for extra reinforcement. Check the spring schedule for time and place. Please identify yourself to the instructor prior to the start of class so that extra credit can be assigned.

In the box below type, I understand I can attend class courses if I need additional help, or that I may contact bctutorial@bcconline.com if I need to have a tutor for this course.

Presentation of Material

There will be weekly online "discussion" sessions and five of the discussions involve an extra activity intended to explore the course materials. These sessions are required and must be conducted within the time frame provided and noted on the home page of the course. (see web page). At the end of the time frame, the instructor will comment; no postings to the discussion group will be permitted after the instructor has made the concluding post. Students should not post before the dates listed for each discussion question, unless they have received prior approval. There will be on-line quizzes pertinent to each lesson/assignment/chapter which you will take during the one week period allocated to each lesson.

In the box below type, I understand how the materials will be presented and agree to turn in all of my assignments on time.  I further realize late postings receive no grade.

Proctor Statement:

There will be one on campus meeting for the final exam. If you cannot attend the exam meeting you will have to find a proctor approved by the instructor, for example, a librarian or education officer, and an approved site, such as a library or an education center, to take the exam. Send the instructor the name, location and fax number of the proctor.  The computer labs at Barstow College will be proctoring your exam if you come to campus. The Barstow College Library does not proctor exams. Proctors for this course must have access to a  working fax number, and proctor information must be received by the end of the third week of class!

You must fill out the student syllabus prior to starting the class materials.  Failure to fill out the syllabus form for this class will result in your failing the class, as you will not be able to access the course materials after week one!

General Proctoring Guidelines:

• Residents of the following cities should take their proctored exams at the Barstow Community College Computer Commons: Barstow, Hinkley, Yermo, Daggett and Newberry.

• Residents of Ft. Irwin should take their proctored exams at the Ft. Irwin Satellite location or the Barstow Community College Computer Commons.

• All other students should find individual proctors that meet the following guidelines:

• All proctors must be librarians, military educational officers, college professors, professional proctors (such as our lab aides) or clergy.

• The proctor must have a professional email address and phone. (Hotmail, Yahoo, Excite, AOL, Netscape, Earthlink, Verizon, Netzero etc email accounts are unacceptable).

• The email address should correspond to a school or business.

• All proctoring at Barstow Community College should be done by our designated proctors in the Computer Commons.

• Individual proctoring issues can be forwarded to either the instructor or the Instructional Technology Center staff at 760-252-2411 x7319 for resolution.

• If an instructor has allowed a student to use a proctor that does not meet the guidelines above in the past please contact the Instructional Technology Department and the instructor will be appropriately counseled.  Please be aware this instructor will follow all established guidelines.

• Individual cases may arise where special circumstances dictate the instructor has to use her professional judgment to determine if a local resident needs to use a proctor off campus. If you feel you have such a special circumstance, you must contact your instructor via email to explain your situation.  The instructor will then determine if she feels you need special assistance and if your proctor is appropriate.

In the box below type, I understand there is one meeting for this course (the final). If I am unable to take the final on the main campus, or at Barstow College's Ft. Irwin or Miramar sites, I understand it is my responsibility to find a proctor with a email address.  I understand my proctor must meet the general proctoring guidelines listed above.  I understand I must fill out the syllabus in order to complete this course and that completing the online orientation will result in a five point bonus, if I copy and paste the answers I receive into an email sent to my instructor.

V. REQUIRED MATERIALS

Textbook:

Hyde, J. S., DeLamater, J. D. Understanding Human Sexuality, 9th ed. McGraw Hill

In the box below type, I have my textbook for BIOL/PSYC 11 or I will have it by ______.
 

VI. ASSIGNMENTS AND METHODS OF EVALUATION

*Attendance at all class discussions. (See Class Policies below.)

*Required reading. Assigned material must be read before class discussion (online).

*Active participation in class discussions and exercises.

*Exams.

*Methods of Evaluation Online

*Midterm Examinations (2 tests) 100 points each

*Final 200 points

Participation 160 points

(16 online discussion questions)

Quizzes 160

(16 quizzes)

Extra Credit -- Lesson Seventeen 20 points

Bonus for completing orientation surveys by 2nd week of course.   5 points.

Total 740 points

Important Notice:

Please understand that participation in the discussion groups represents class attendance and is an integral component of course work. Failure to participate (3 postings per lesson discussion panel ) in at least 80 percent of the discussions will result in a failure (F grade) of the class.

 

The final grade for the course will be based on the following scale:

90-100% A 
80-89%   B 
70-79%   C 
60-69%   D

Lessons and Chapters:

In the box below type, I have read, understand and agree to abide by the assignments and scales of evaluation listed above.

VII. CLASS POLICIES

TEACHING PHILOSOPHY:

The underlying teaching/learning philosophy of this class is that students are ACTIVELY responsible for their own success and the development of their own potential as scholars and as human beings. The instructor does not "give" grades, rather, the student earns whichever grade he/she receives.

ACADEMIC HONESTY: Plagiarism is claiming as your own a paper, report, article, outline or speech which in whole or in part was prepared by someone other than yourself. Plagiarism can result in failure of the course.

The instructor assumes that registration in this class reflects a motivating value to the student. Students are expected to understand their own unique and most productive learning styles and maintain motivation in order to integrate the material covered in the readings and in class or discussions and to be able to recall this material.

In the box below type, I understand what plagiarism is and know that committing plagiarism will result in failure of the course.

STANDARDS FOR PARTICIPATION:

Instructors have the authority to establish standards for in classes. It is each student’s responsibility to meet these requirements or the instructor may lower the grade or drop him/her from the course.

If the student misses more than 10% of all class assignments for any reason, he or she may fail the course. Remember, it is the student’s responsibility to drop a class, not the instructor’s. If the student does not drop, but remains on class roll, a grade of F may result.

It is suggested that each student on campus or online employ effective time management skills and protect the time schedule necessary to ACE this course. You may find it helpful to construct a "master" time schedule for the forthcoming semester (include study periods) and share it with your family and friends so that they will know in advance of the semester what to expect of you. There are no make-ups. Be sure to schedule the midterm and the final in your personal scheduler. Do not plan to move, get married, go on vacation or any other such activity during this class unless you are a great time manager. Only hospital emergencies which are documented and/or verifiable TDY will allow you to make up work or perform an extra project. The midterms and the final are a substantial portion of your grade.

In the box below type, I understand the standards for participation and agree to abide by them.

STANDARDS FOR WRITTEN WORK: Written reports, presentations, quizzes and class exercises will be executed with proper grammar in accordance with standards expected at Barstow College. Points will be deducted for incorrect spelling and improper grammar.

In the box below type, I understand the standards for written work and agree to abide by them.

VIII. INTERNET RESEARCH

Internet research can be a fun and fascinating way to learn more about our subject. In order to utilize the extensive resources of the Internet students may be required to research a website and post their findings on the discussion group each week. It is important, however, to remember that students cannot post duplicate Internet sites. Once a site has been posted as homework to a discussion posting, other students must find a different site on which to report. If a site is extensive and the instructor believes that more than one student could use the site, the instructor will notify the students of her decision in the discussion group.

Evaluating Internet Resources

Purpose

Audience

Consider the intended audience of the page, based on its content, tone and style. Does this mesh with your needs?

Consider the Source

Web search engines often amass vast results, from memos to scholarly documents. Many of the resulting items will be peripheral or useless for your research

Source

Author/producer is identifiable

Author/producer has expertise on the subject as indicated on a credentials page. You may need to trace back in the URL (Internet address) to view a page in a higher directory with background information

Sponsor/location of the site is appropriate to the material as shown in the URL

Good Indicators for Valid Resources:

.edu for educational or research material

.gov for government resources

.com for commercial products or commercially-sponsored sites

Mail-to link is offered for submission of questions or comments

Bad Indicators for Valid Resources:

~NAME in URL may mean a personal home page with no official sanction

http://geocities.com, http://angelfire.com, http://tripod.com, http://xoom.com are all free home page sites usually maintained by an individual -- not an authority on the subject. 

Content

Accuracy

Don't take the information presented at face value

Web sites are rarely refereed or reviewed, as are scholarly journals and books

Look for: point of view/evidence of bias

Source of the information should be clearly stated, whether original or borrowed from elsewhere

Comprehensiveness: Depth of information: determine if content covers a specific time period or aspect of the topic, or strives to be comprehensive.

Use additional print and electronic sources to complement the information provided -- if necessary.

Currency

Look to see if site has been updated recently, as reflected in the date on the page. See if the material contained on the page is current

Links

Are links are relevant and appropriate?

Don't assume that first links in a website search engine are the best available. Be sure to investigate additional sites on the topic before posting to the discussion group.  The first site you investigate may not be the one you want to post.

Style and Functionality

Site is laid out clearly and logically with well organized subsections

Writing style is appropriate for the intended audience

Site is easy to navigate, including

Clearly labeled Back, Home, Go To Top icons/links

Internal indexing links on lengthy pages

Links to remote sites all work

Search capability is offered if the site is extensive

Bookmarks or favorites are such a time saver!

To make a bookmark in Netscape Communicator or a favorite in Internet Explorer:

Go to the page

Hold down the CTRL key and TAP the D key ONCE

I understand the standards for researching on the Internet, how to make a bookmark or favorite and that it is not a good idea to just post the first website I find without conducting further research.

A syllabus is not a contract between instructor and student, but rather a guide to course procedures on attendance, requirements, grading, and objectives. The instructor reserves the right to amend the syllabus when emergency circumstances dictate. Students will be duly notified.