Course for international guest/part time students

Faculty

Faculty of Education and Psychology

Organization

PPK Institute of Psychology

Code

PSYM21-MO-INTV-119

Title

Introduction to sexual psychology

Usual semester

Spring

Published semester

2025/26/2, 2026/27/1

ECTS

4

Language

en

Learning outcomes

Course objective The aim of the course is to provide students with an introduction to the fundamental concepts, methods, and applications of sexual psychology. The course focuses on the psychological interpretation of sexual functioning, identity, desire, and attachment. Special emphasis is placed on the biopsychosocial model of sexual health, the multicausal understanding of sexual dysfunctions, and the psychological comprehension of LGBTQ+ identities and sexual diversity.

Course content

• Competencies to be developed Knowledge: Students will gain a comprehensive overview of the historical and contemporary theories of sexual psychology. They will become familiar with the psychological aspects of sexual health, sexual development, and sexual dysfunctions. They will understand the psychological processes of identity formation and social experience related to LGBTQ+ identities. Skills: Students will be able to interpret sexual functioning and problems from various theoretical perspectives. They will learn to apply the acquired knowledge in counseling, preventive, and educational contexts. They will develop a sensitive and reflective approach to sexual diversity. Attitudes: Students will demonstrate openness and acceptance toward sexual diversity. They will approach sexual norms and societal expectations with critical and self-reflective thinking. They will be committed to scientifically grounded, empathetic communication. • Planned learning activities and teaching methods Lectures with presentations, small-group sessions, role-play and scenario-based exercises

Assessment method

Course requirements Active and engaged participation in seminar sessions. Making a presentation on a pre-agreed topic, with at least a passing grade. • Class attendance Attendance is mandatory. In accordance with the institutional regulations, students may miss no more than 30% of sessions (maximum 3 classes). Exceeding this limit results in failing the course. Exceptions are not allowed, even with a medical certificate. • Assessment method Assessment is based on the degree to which the written assignment meets the academic requirements (structure, referencing, use of relevant and current literature, etc.). • Grading criteria The grade is primarily based on the presentation, which may be adjusted positively or negatively based on in-class performance.

Recommended bibliography

APA (2015). Guidelines for Psychological Practice with Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Clients. https://www.unfpa.org/sites/default/files/pub-pdf/ITGSE.pdf Cass, V. C. (1979). Homosexual identity formation: A theoretical model. Journal of Homosexuality, 4(3). Flood, M. (2009). The harms of pornography exposure among children and young people. Child Abuse Review, 18(6). Goldfarb, E. S., & Lieberman, L. D. (2021). Three Decades of Research: The Case for Comprehensive Sex Education. Journal of Adolescent Health. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jadohealth.2020.07.036 Haberland, N., & Rogow, D. (2015). Sexuality education: Emerging trends in evidence and practice. Journal of Adolescent Health, 56(1). Meyer, I. H. (2020). Resilience and minority stress: Toward a theory of LGBT health. Psychology of Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity. https://doi.org/10.1037/sgd0000375 Owens, E. W., Behun, R. J., Manning, J. C., & Reid, R. C. (2012). The impact of Internet pornography on adolescents: A review of the research. Sexual Addiction & Compulsivity, 19(1– 2). Meyer, I. H. (2003). Prejudice, social stress, and mental health in lesbian, gay, and bisexual populations. Psychological Bulletin, 129(5). Peter, J., & Valkenburg, P. M. (2016). Adolescents and pornography: A review of 20 years of research. The Journal of Sex Research, 53(4–5). Riggle, E. D. B., & Rostosky, S. S. (2021). Positive LGBTQ+ identity development. Psychology of Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity. https://doi.org/10.1037/sgd0000452 UNESCO (2018). International technical guidance on sexuality education.

Programmes of the course