Table of contents

The course is connected to the following study programs

Recommended previous knowledge

SEX404-G Basic Sexology I (10 ECTS credits)

Learning outcomes

On successful completion the course, the student will have:

Knowledge

  • knowledge of and insight into sexual diversity
  • knowledge of sexual abuse, harmful effects and legislation as a basis for preventive work

Skills

  • developed a critical attitude to the presentation / use of sexuality in various media

General competence

  • an understanding for the interaction between systems in society and human sexuality
  • developed methodological competence, ability to develop or take part in educational arrangements which promote a positive view for children and adolescents with regard to own body and sexuality, and a preparedness for taking action in sexual situations

Contents

The course SEX401 comprises the last five (of twelve) topics in basic sexology.

SEXUAL DIVERSITY

8: Normality and diversity / sexual expression, sexual cultures and sub-cultures

Anthropological and social science research regarding gender and sexuality

Normality

Religion, legislation, norms and ethics

Traditions and rituals regarding gender and sexuality:

  • male circumcision
  • female circumcision
  • other rituals of conversion

Egocentric, gender-focused and etnocentric thinking

Trans-cultural society and sexuality:

  • Value-pluralism or value-puritanism?

Sexual competences:

  • heterosexualities
  • bisexualities
  • homosexualities
  • sexual experimentation

Sexual cultures

Trans-sexuality, transvestism and other variations of gender identity

  • affirmation of gender identity through surgery
  • gender crossing, gender mixing and gender cruising

Sexual arousal:

  • establishment of sexual response cycles
  • sado-masochism
  • fetishism
  • other variations of arousal

Sexual habits:

  • culture conditional habits
  • intrapersonal patterns
  • Interpersonal patterns

Auto-eroticism:

  • Sexual fantasies and dreams
  • Masturbation

Being single, marriage, partnership and other lifestyle choices

TRANSGRESSION OF BOUNDARIES AND SEXUALITY

9. Transgression of boundaries

Legislation in various countries at various times

Sexual abuse

  • physical and mental
  • towards children and adults

Harmful effects caused by sexual activity

Regulations regarding sexual activity

The law in regard to:

  • sex pressure, harassment and sexual abuse
  • pornography
  • prostitution

Physical and psychological consequences by sexual abuse

Sexual abusers

Penalty and treatment

10. Sexuality and society

  • Anthropological research and approaches
  • Socio-biology
  • Debate regarding sexuality as essence and/or social construction
  • Sex surveys and epidemiological studies
  • Moral/ethics regarding sexuality in society
  • Economy, ideology and law
  • Religion and sexuality
  • Teaching about sexuality and birth control
  • Sexuality in organisations
  • Feminism and men´s movement
  • HIV and sexuality
  • Prostitution

11. Sexuality and media

Sexual entertainment:

  • TV, film/video, internet
  • Literature
  • Erotics and pornography

Sexuality and eroticism in commercials

Sexual education:

  • sex advice columns
  • telemarketing services
  • sexual education through film/video

Public rooms as melting pots for sexual educational habits

Public opinion, prejudice and stereotypy

Possibility for presentations via self-chosen medium (interactive media)

12. Prevention and information

Sexual education in

  • pre-school
  • primary and secondary school
  • upper secondary school
  • organisations

Preventing sexual abuse of children

Preventing unwanted pregnancies

Preventing sexually transmitted diseases, HIV/AIDS

Teaching and learning methods

  • Working in groups

Students participate in inter-disciplinary basis groups. The intention of the groups is to prepare for experience exchange and development of knowledge through casework.

  • Seminars

The seminar is a dialogical working method in which students are active and participating, and it invites students to reflection upon personal understanding of and in clinical practice.

  • Lectures/Conferences
  • Self-study

Students are expected to work independently according to the reading list throughout the course.

Estimated student workload is 405 hours.

 

Examination requirements

  • Approved the work requirement log keeping. See Guidelines in the course brochure.
  • Attendance requirements must be met. See course brochure for details.

Examinations

A graded 5-hour written individual school examination.

Student evaluation

The person responsible for the course, in consultation with the student representative, decides the method of evaluation and whether the courses will have a midterm- or end of term evaluation, see also the Quality System, section 4.1. Information about evaluation method for the course will be posted on Canvas.
Last updated from FS (Felles studentsystem) Oct. 15, 2026 7:57:54 AM