McMaster University School of Social Work Social Work 3O03 Social Work and Sexualities

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1 1 McMaster University School of Social Work Social Work 3O03 Social Work and Sexualities Instructor: Robert Cosby School of Social Work Office: KTH Class Time: Wednesdays, 7:00-10:00 pm Office Hours: Wednesdays 5:30pm-6:30pm. Course Description The purpose of this course is to explore issues of sexuality, sexual diversity and social work practice from a Canadian perspective. It begins with three main assumptions: that sexuality is a fundamental aspect of the human experience; that sexuality is entrenched in social structures; and that in our society, heteronormativity prevails. The course will examine the intersection of sexuality and various forms of oppression including sexism, racism, classism, heterosexism and ageism. Throughout the course, students will be encouraged to integrate practice issues with critical reflection by covering topics of sexuality and aging, sexuality and gender, and sexual orientation. Course Objectives Each student will come to the class with their own knowledge, values, beliefs and prejudices about their own and others sexuality. This class is intended to provide an opportunity for students to discuss and grow in an environment of challenge, but also comfort. It is hoped that over the length of the course students will achieve the following: 1. To understand basic information about anatomy, physiology, psychology and sociology of sexuality and sexual health. 2. To broaden their awareness, knowledge and appreciation of sexual identity and sexual expression. 3. Increase their comfort when discussing and working with issues of sexuality. 4. Examine their own views, attitudes and values and how they have developed these views 5. Identify any biases, myths and/or stereotypes that may interfere with your ability to address your own or others sexual choices in an open and anti-oppressive manner. 6. Examine sexuality in our Canadian social context. 7. To explore various approaches to working with people in regards to issues of sexuality and sexual health. Fundamental Principles We are all part of a social world. We live in relationships with each other, institutions and our society. Social workers use their skills and knowledge to facilitate change in

2 2 these relationships particularly with and for those who are experiencing difficulties and who struggle with the impact of oppression on their lives. This emphasis on social justice is evident in the philosophical statement of the School of Social Work: As social workers, we operate in a society characterized by power imbalances that affect us all. These power imbalances are based on age, class, ethnicity, gender identity, geographic location, health, ability, race, sexual identity and income. We see personal troubles as inextricably linked to oppressive structures. We believe that social workers must be actively involved in the understanding and transformation of injustices in social institutions and in the struggles of people to maximize control over their own lives. Structure of the Course The course is divided into several major topic areas that cover sexuality issues and social work practice. The class will be in lecture format that will include videos, guest speakers, and discussion. There will also be time allotted to work in your small groups to prepare for group presentations. Course Reading Material Hyde, J.S., DeLamater, J.D., and Byers, E.S. Understanding Human Sexuality, Fifth Canadian Edition: McGraw-Hill Ryerson, 2012 Lecture Schedule: WEEK 1 Sept. 12: Introduction, Course outline, Why study human sexuality?, Class guidelines, Comfort zones, Choosing groups, Sexuality terminology. WEEK 2 Sept. 19 Sexuality in Perspective and Theory Chapters 1 & 2 WEEK 3 Sept. 26 Anatomy and Sexual Differentiation Chapters 4 & 5 WEEK 4 October 3 Childbirth, Termination of Pregnancy and STIs Chapters 6, 7 & 8 *REFLECTION PAPER DUE* *LAST DAY FOR PRESENTATION APPROVAL WEEK 5 Oct. 10 Sexuality and the Life Cycle Chapters 10 & 11

3 3 WEEK 6 Oct. 17 (Trans)Gender and Sexuality Chapter 13 *PRESENTATION OUTLINE DUE* WEEK 7 Oct. 24 Sexuality Orientation and Identity Chapter 14 Week 8 Oct. 31 Sexual Violence and Sex Trade Work Chapters 16 & 17 WEEK 9 Nov. 7 Week 10 Nov. 14 Week 11 Nov. 21 Week 12 Nov. 28 Course wrap-up and Exam review Course Assignments and Grading Attendance and Class participation 10% You are expected to attend all classes and to come prepared to engage in thoughtful discussions about assigned readings, as dialogue is essential to student learning. Participation refers not only to active questioning, sharing, listening and communication of ideas, but it also includes contributing to other student s learning by creating a respectful space where people can openly explore, test and challenge ideas. Please note: an attendance sheet will be circulated each week. It is your responsibility to ensure you have signed it. If it is not signed, I will assume you were not there.

4 4 Reflection Paper Due in class week 4: October 3, % Students will prepare a reflection paper 3-5 pages exploring the development of their own sexuality. This is also an academic reflection and you will be expected to integrate reading material. What has influenced the development of your sexuality? What messages did you receive about your sexuality and about sexuality generally in your childhood, adolescence and adulthood? 30% Part 1 Presentation Summary (5%): Students must submit a one page summary by October 17, outlining their presentation. Part 2 Presentation (25%): Students will work collaboratively in groups (6-10 people per group, depending on class size) and present on a topic from the list below (preferably) or choose a topic and have it approved by the instructor no later than October 3. This is an academic presentation and you will be expected to integrate reading material (course text, journal articles, etc.) into the presentation. You will also be expected to submit a reference list on date of presentation. Be sure to reference all PowerPoint slides appropriately (APA style). Time length of presentation will be minutes (depending on class size) and students must adhere to time allotment. Timelines must be adhered to, if presentation goes over allotted time, the group will be penalized 5% for every 5 minutes over. You must engage the class in discussion and the group will also be penalized if this does not occur. Topics: 1. History of sexuality; 2. Sexuality and (dis)ability; 3. Sexuality and technology; 4. Sexuality and media; 5. Sexuality and HIV/AIDS; 6. Sexuality and religion; 7. Medicalization of sexuality; 8. Globalization of sexuality; 9. Sexuality and social work; 10. Sexuality topic discussed in class; Exam 40% To be scheduled during December exam period Exam will be on reading material and discussion from class (inclusive of guest speakers and group presentations). Format to be determined by instructor prior to exam and will be discussed in class. Please see course policies below for missing exam. Please Note: all assignments are to be submitted in class on the due date unless authorized by the instructor. Late papers will be penalized 5% per day (unless authorized by instructor). Please note that this penalty includes Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays.

5 5 Written Assignment Expectations: 1. The assignments must be typed and double spaced (12 pt font). One inch margins. Hard copies must be submitted. Electronic copies of papers will not be accepted. 2. The assignment must be properly referenced (APA style). 3. All written work will be marked on grammar, clarity of writing, and organization as well as content and analysis. 4. Be sure to keep a copy of your assignment. 5. In exceptional circumstances an extension will be granted if discussed and agreed upon prior to the due date. If you are absent due to medical reasons, please refer to the following link and follow instructions: Course Policies Rescheduling of tests and exams are granted only on medical and compassionate grounds, as deemed appropriate by the student s home faculty administrative department. In the Faculty of Social Sciences, student must provide documentation to support a re-scheduled test or exam to the Associate Dean s office prior to a due date and within one week of a test or exam. Failure to do so will result in a late penalty for paper submissions and a grade of zero (0) for exams. Student Responsibility Students are expected to contribute to the creation of a respectful and constructive learning environment. Please read the material in preparation for class, attend on time and remain for the duration of the class. A formal break will be provided in the middle of each class. In the past, students & faculty have found that non-course related use of laptop computers and hand-held devices during class to be distracting and at times, disruptive. Consequently, students are expected to only use such devices for taking notes and other activities directly related to the lecture or class activity taking place. Please try to remember to turn off your cell phone before class starts. Please check with the instructor before using any audio or video recording devices in the classroom. Privacy Protection In accordance with regulations set out by the Freedom of Information and Privacy Protection Act, the University will not allow return of graded materials by placing them in boxes in departmental offices or classrooms so that students may retrieve their papers themselves; tests and assignments must be returned directly to the student. Similarly, grades for assignments for courses may only be posted using the last 5 digits of the student number as the identifying data. The following possibilities exist for return of graded materials: 1. Direct return of materials to students in class;

6 6 2. Return of materials to students during office hours; 3. Students attach a stamped, self-addressed envelope with assignments for return by mail; Arrangements for the return of assignments from the options above will be finalized during the first class. Academic Integrity You are expected to exhibit honesty and use ethical behaviour in all aspects of the learning process. Academic credentials you earn are rooted in principles of honesty and academic integrity. Academic dishonesty is to knowingly act or fail to act in a way that results or could result in unearned academic credit or advantage. This behaviour can result in serious consequences, e.g. the grade of zero on an assignment, loss of credit with a notation on the transcript (notation reads: Grade of F assigned for academic dishonesty ), and/or suspension or expulsion from the university. It is your responsibility to understand what constitutes academic dishonesty. For information on the various types of academic dishonesty please refer to the Academic Integrity Policy, located at The following illustrates only three forms of academic dishonesty: 1. Plagiarism, e.g. the submission of work that is not one s own or for which other credit has been obtained; 2. Improper collaboration in group work; 3. Copying or using unauthorized aids in tests and examinations. Support Services I want everyone to be able to learn in the best possible way for them. If you have particular learning needs due to health, mental health or disability issues please contact me and the Student Accessibility Service. The Student Accessibility Service can help you identify your accommodation needs so that you can negotiate them with me and other professors. The Student Accessibility Service also offers other academic support services for all students such as courses on improving your writing skills, time management and study habits. The Student Accessibility Service offers group and individual consultation about effective learning strategies, essay writing, and study habits; accommodations, assistive technology, advocacy and support for students with disabilities; and personal counseling. If you believe these services may be helpful to you, contact (905) x 28652; sas@mcmaster.ca MUSC B107.

7 7 Policy Effective September 1, 2010, it is the policy of the Faculty of Social Sciences that all communication sent from students to instructors (including TAs), and from students to staff, must originate from the student s own McMaster University account. This policy protects confidentiality and confirms the identity of the student. It is the student s responsibility to ensure that communication is sent to the university from a McMaster account. If an instructor becomes aware that a communication has come from an alternate address, the instructor may not reply at his or her discretion. Forwarding in MUGSI: *Forwarding will take effect 24-hours after students complete the process at the above link The instructor and university reserve the right to modify elements of the course during the term. The university may change the dates and deadlines for any or all courses in extreme circumstances. If either type of modification becomes necessary, reasonable notice and communication with the students will be given with explanation and the opportunity to comment on changes. It is the responsibility of the student to check his/her McMaster and course websites weekly during the term and to note any changes.