Gender and Sexuality

This course on the science of gender and sexuality is perfect for anyone looking to deepen their knowledge of concepts related to sex, gender, sexuality, sexual identity, and love and romance. The course begins by differentiating between the concepts of sex assigned at birth and gender. You will learn about gender as a social construct, and sex based on biological characteristics.

Then the course moves on to describe the scientific research behind sex development and gender development. The course explains the biological development of primary and secondary sex characteristics over three developmental periods: prenatal development, puberty, and midlife. Beyond sex characteristics, the psychological, emotional, and social correlates of puberty and climacteric changes in midlife are discussed.

The course discusses several theories of gender development, including historical, cognitive, and social theories, as well as biological and evolutionary theories. Then the course examines cultural variability in gender and related concepts, which reinforces the social underpinnings of gender. The connection between gender roles and personality highlights characteristics that are traditionally associated with gender, as well as how these characteristics have changed over time.

Next, the course focuses on aspects of sexuality, including sexual identity and sexual behaviors. You will learn about a range of diverse sexual identities within the LGBTQIA+ communities. The discussion of sexual behaviors includes a look at sexual activity over the lifespan, as well as risky sexual behaviors, and sexual violence. The course provides research that explores related factors and possible outcomes of risky sexual behaviors and sexual violence.

Last, the course examines romantic relationships, beginning with the processes of romantic attraction and love. You will learn about several common adult relationship statuses, such as single, married, divorced, and polyamorous, and the prevalence and psychological correlates of each. By the end of the course, you will be equipped with the skills to discuss the development and current understanding of sex assigned at birth, gender, sexuality, and love and romance. This knowledge can be applied in day-to-day interactions, professional settings, and your personal life.

Learning objectives

• 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.