1. Students will demonstrate an understanding of science as a way of knowing about the natural world and how human sexuality has evolved to become part of our natural biological world through scientific research. They will be able to explain and apply scientific methods, from scientific interpretation of experimental data, evidence, the patterns of inheritance and how genetics and evolution influence human development, sexuality, reproductive anatomy and physiology, adaptations as they pertain to human sexuality, and biological differences of human sexual identities, orientation, and genders.
Specific outcomes: Students will:
- Gain scientific knowledge (terminology, classifications, methods, etc..) about the evolution and biological foundation of human sexuality.
- Understand the influence of genetics and evolution on human development and human sexuality.
- Identify anatomical parts of reproductive systems (anatomy), and understand/describe the functioning (physiology) of these anatomical parts through the lifespan of a human.
- Be aware of signs of sexual health and disease and how to minimize risk of diseases.
- Use comparative approaches among different species to learn about sexuality in the natural biological world.
2. Students will demonstrate knowledge of human sexuality as it relates to different human cultures and the physical and natural world through study in life science and the physical sciences, and how this influences biological systems.
Specific outcomes: Students will:
- Learn fundamental principles of the historical scientific research and development of human sexuality.
- Gain knowledge about evidence accumulated from the scientific study of human sexuality.
- Increase awareness of different scientific views concerning sexuality in relation to biological sex, chronological age and maturity, biological sexual orientation, and cultural backgrounds that influence these biological conditions in humans.
3. Describe and apply evolutionary concepts in terms of inheritance, adaptation, and diversity of life. Students will systematically explore issues, objects, or works through the collection and analysis of evidence that results in informed conclusions or judgments using both inquiry and analysis.
Specific outcomes: Students will:
- Learn to analyze and critically evaluate ideas, arguments, misconceptions, and points of view relating to information relevant to the biological evolution of human sexuality.
- Learn to apply course materials (to improve thinking, problem solving, and decision making), using information relevant to the biological evolution of human sexuality.
- Increase awareness of misconceptions surrounding biological human sexuality and why certain ideas should be considered scientific misconceptions.
4. Students will demonstrate disciplined processes of actively and skillfully conceptualizing, applying, analyzing, synthesizing, and/or evaluating information gathered from, or generated by, observation, experience, reflection, reasoning, or communication, as a guide to belief and action. Students will explain the mechanisms of information storage, expression, and exchange in biological organisms, and reflect on the relevance of the evolution of human sexuality in life sciences in a broader context.
Specific skills: Students will:
- Develop a clearer scientific understanding of the biological evolution of human sexuality.
- Facilitate open and healthy communication and understanding of the scientific and biological basis of human sexuality.