Course Syllabus

PSYC& 180Human Sexuality

Spring 2024 - 18648- 5 Credits

Professor Information

Professor Information

Instructor:  Liza Rendon, M.A., LMHC
Email: lrendon@tacomacc.edu
Phone: 253-566-5296

Office Location: Building F2, Room 22; Campus MapLinks to an external site.
Student Hours: Tuesday & Thursday 9:30a - 10:30a or Drop in: Zoom – Every Monday 8a-10a, (link), or by appointment on a day and time that works for you.

Welcome Message

Welcome Scholars to PSYC&180, Human Sexuality!

I am looking forward to being a part of your academic journey this quarter. I am  here to help you accomplish your goals and  aspirations. I am also here to build an academic space of inclusivity.

Bienvenida, Welcome, 

Professor Liza Rendon

Communication Policy

I am available, in person, on Tuesday and Thursday between 9:30 - 10:30a Building F2, room 22. I am also available on Zoom - Every Monday 8a-10a, (link) or by appointment on a day and time that works for you.

I am also available by email, at lrendon@tacomacc.edu, or through Canvas, on Monday – Friday. I do not check or respond to emails on the weekend. If an email is sent after 4:00pm on Friday, I will respond on Monday (unless Monday is a holiday, then I will respond on Tuesday).

Please set Canvas so that it sends you a message when I make a comment on your work. To do this, go to Canvas>Account>Notifications>Course Activities>Submission Comments. Click on the check mark for immediate notification to your home email or text, depending on what you prefer. You may also want to take a look at the other possible notifications and see what you would like to receive.

General Class Information

Class Information

Human Sexuality; PSYC& 180

Course Modality

PSYC& 180 is a hybrid - classroom and online course.  Hybrid online courses combine online learning with traditional classroom (on campus) instruction. This winter quarter, 2024, we will be meeting in-class on Tuesdays and Thursdays. 

Schedule and Location

First day of quarter:  Monday, April, 1, 2024; First in-person class Tuesday, April 2, 2024 at 12:30pm

• Building 19 Room 35 ;  Campus map

Last day of quarter: Friday, June 14, 2024; Last in-day class Thursday, June 6, 2024. 

Final:  Tuesday, June 11, 2024 to be submitted online

Catalog Description

Prerequisites

ENGL& 101 with a minimum grade of C (maybe taken concurrently).

Textbooks & Supplemental Materials

Good News - Your textbook is FREE!

See Course Calendar or weekly schedules for required chapter readings.

Textbook link, additional formats (pdf, online, MS Word, eBook), and additional information below: 

• Introduction to Human Sexuality
• Sexuality, the Self, and Society

Students request and purchase a Print on Demand copy via the Bookstore online. This way, students can use their federal financial aid or grant funds to cover the cost of the textbook. If students print off their OER textbooks themselves, like via the Library of Info Commons printers, then the cost of that printing is out-of-pocket and cannot be covered by financial aid or grant funds.

Technology Required

This is a web-enhanced course meaning that our course materials are available online via Canvas. You will need regular access to a computer and internet. Some assignments can be completed on your phone but others will be easier if done from a desktop, laptop, or tablet. If you need support using technology or learning how to use Canvas, please visit the Information Commons in Building 16 on the first floor at the end of the hallway.

• You need to be able to access and navigate Canvas
• Ability to down load class materials and submit discussion post and assignments from Canvas
• Call 253.566.5176 for live phone support or visit, my.tacomacc.edu/supportLinks to an external site. for an extensive knowledge base and support ticketing system.  

Learning Outcomes

Learning outcomes are what you will know by the end of the course if you complete the assignments and participate in class sessions. These learning outcomes align with the Specialization Learning Outcomes for a specialization in psychology. However, this class aligns with many specializations and can help you work towards your degree, even if it’s not in psychology. To learn more about specializations at TCC and their corresponding learning outcomes, visit the College Catalog.

Course Learning Outcomes

I have designed the class intentionally to meet these learning outcomes. If at any point during the quarter you think you are not on track to meet these learning outcomes, please come talk to me so I can help.

Instructional Methods Used

In this class, I use a mixture of lecture, discussion, reflective and group work activities. You can expect to:

• Be engaged in frequent classroom activities to build on the readings, and/or assignments;
• Work in small groups in class; and to
• Ask your instructor for clarification.

Professor and Student Expectations

Chosen Names and Pronouns

Everyone has the right to be addressed by the name and pronouns that correspond to their gender identity. Class rosters don't list gender or pronouns, so you may be asked to indicate the pronouns you use so that I don't make assumptions based on your name and/or appearance/self-presentation. However, you are not obligated to share your pronouns. If you use a chosen name, please let me know. Chosen names and pronouns are to be respected at all times in the classroom. Mistakes in addressing one another may happen, so I encourage an environment of seriousness and openness to correction and learning. Thank you.

Professor Expectations

As your professor, I will work to create an atmosphere that will encourage and support your mastery of course concepts. As such, here are some expectations we will strive to practice:

You can expect me to….

• Have your work graded within a week 
• Ask you, "May I help you..." and give you feedback on your work
• Be patient with myself (and you too)
• Practice cultural humility 
• Being okay with being, good enough
• Be curious, and cultivate wonder
• Believe in you
• Treat everyone with respect

Student Expectations

I expect you to…

• • Demonstrate the guidelines and standards of engagement
  • Tell me when you need help
  • Be patient with yourself (and me too)
  • Practice cultural humility 
  • Being okay with being, good enough
  • Wonder and stay curious
  • Believe in yourself
  • Treat everyone with respect

Additional expectations include:

• Attend class: Class time is when we make meaning of the readings and assignments. It is important that you come to class and engage in discussions and activities.
• Engage in class: Attending class is the first step – coming to class ready to actively participate in the next step. Ask relevant questions. Take notes. Work cooperatively with other students.
• Check Canvas: Assignments and other assessments are in Canvas. Check Canvas at least three times per week to ensure you complete work on time and understand instructions.
• Respect others: Behave with respect toward each other including other students and your professor. Refrain from profane language or inappropriate/unrelated remarks. Refrain from wearing strong perfumes or colognes – this is a scent-free class.
• Communicate with me: Keep me updated of any circumstances that will not allow you to complete your work on time. I am here to help you learn and can be flexible if something unexpected comes up in your life.
• Self-Advocacy: Seek our resources you need to be successful. There are many resources available to help you succeed at TCC, for example the Writing and Tutoring Center, Access Services, and Counseling. Use the Student Resources Canvas page to access these resources and more.

If there is a concern with your behavior during this quarter, we will use the Student Code of Conduct to frame our discussion. For more information on TCC policies related to student behavior, please refer to the TCC Classroom Standards and Culture webpage.

Recommended Study Habits

You can expect to devote an average of two hours outside of class to the subject matter (readings and preparation, as well as substantive assignments and participation exercises) for every 50 minutes in class (i.e. one class session). As this is a five-credit class, you can reasonably expect an average of 10 hours of reading/homework each week. Before each class, read the chapter sections that correspond to that class day. Formulate questions about the content that you cannot answer on your own. Come to class prepared to ask those questions and deepen your understanding of the content.

I have tried to ensure that the workload is evenly distributed throughout the class, but if you find you have less than the normal amount of work one week, I suggest meeting with a classmate, going to the Writing and Tutoring Center, and/or attending a Supplemental Instruction (SI) session to review the concepts. Students who do well in this class are able to connect concepts within the class and beyond the class to their other classes and their personal experiences. The more time you spend building connections with the class material to other areas of your life, the better!

TCC Student Policies

TCC works hard to create a vibrant learning culture where you can succeed. Please refer to the college-wide standards and policies that support this important work.  Some of these policies include Religious Accommodations, Withdraw/Retakes, and the Student Code of Conduct.

Standards of Engagement

“Strive for intellectual humility. Everyone has an opinion.  Opinions are not the same as informed knowledge. [Does your] anecdotal evidence [connect to a] broader societal pattern? Notice your own defensive reactions and attempt to use these reactions as entry points for gaining deeper self-knowledge. Recognize how your social positionality (such as your own race, social class, gender, sexuality, ability-status) informs your reactions to your instructor and those whose work you study in the course” (Sensoy & DiAngelo, Is Everyone Really Equal, 2012).

Our goal is to engage with scholarly evidence, empirical studies, challenged theories, and practice critical thinking and communication skills. Engagement can look like: opening and reading class Announcements, watching assigned films, and listening to assigned podcasts/radio segments, being focused by answering and asking questions, taking notes, employing interdependence in online discussions, while also demonstrating informed and transformative knowledge, and professionalism. Additionally, engagement includes demonstrating professionalism. 

Professionalism. The Association of Psychological Science reported, government, private, and non-profit organizations listed what professional skills they seek out in college-educated employees.  Some of the top professional skills included (Sleigh & Ritzer, 2004; Landrum & Harold, 2003):

• Showing interest in and motivation toward the task at hand
• Maintaining composure when challenged
• Demonstrating sensitivity and respect toward others, particularly when personal experiences or differing opinions are being shared
• Being receptive to feedback and constructive criticism (e.g., a willingness to learn and improve)
• Awareness of personal responsibility as a listener or audience member
• Being on time, as an indicator of professional courtesy and respect
• Being prepared for the task at hand
• Being courteous to everyone, regardless of position [or status]

Netiquette refers to using common courtesy in online communication. All members of the class are expected to follow netiquette in all course communications and use these guidelines:

Respect: This course welcomes diversity of belief and the free expression of ideas.  This is a learning community in which everyone should feel comfortable and safe to participate and share ideas. Everyone in our hybrid and online classroom – students and instructor – will be treated with respect at all times.   This includes but is not limited to refraining from rude or disparaging comments.  It is never appropriate to make jokes at another person’s expense or to put down a classmate or instructor. 

Additional Standards of Engagement: 

• Attendance: Attendance is tracked in this class. There are certain in-class activities that you can only get points for if you are present. These happen frequently (at least once a week) and cannot be made up.
• Due Dates: All assignments are due by 11:59pm the day of the due date, unless otherwise listed on Canvas.
• Cell phones & other electronic devices: If you need to take a phone call or use your phone for a non-class purpose, please leave the room temporarily so that your screen does not distract others.
• Children in class: By college policy, children are only permitted in the classroom if approved by the instructor. Please talk to me if you need to bring your child to class so that we can ensure a positive learning environment for the class.
• Food/beverages in class: No open drinks or aromatic foods, please. This will be handled on a case-by-case basis to keep our classroom comfortable for everyone.
• Suspended operations: In the event of the campus closing due to inclement weather, a power outage, or another unexpected event, please check your Canvas messages for updates on how we will adjust our course schedule. You may be asked to watch videos in place of in-class time or complete an additional assignment to stay on schedule. In the event you are unable to access Canvas via the Portal, please use this direct link: https://tacomacc.instructure.com/courses/coursenumberhere.

Classroom Concerns/Disputes/Final Grade Appeal Process

If you have questions or concerns about this class, please talk to me about them. If we are unable to resolve your concerns, you may talk next with the Chair, Andrew Cho in Bldg. F1 Rm: 64 or acho@tacomacc.edu. If you think that your final grade has been given in error, please see the final grade appeal process.

Academic Dishonesty

In this class, academic dishonesty will result in a failing grade (“E”) for the assignment or the quarter. Direct copying is prohibited, while incorrect citation and referencing will result in points taken off. I also reserve the right to remove any inappropriate posts on Canvas such as, but not limited to, profanity or plagiarism. In such a case, you will lose posting privileges and be given alternate assignments. As stated in the TCC Catalog, “Students are expected to be honest and forthright in their academic endeavors. Cheating, plagiarism, fabrication or other forms of academic dishonesty corrupt the learning process and threaten the educational environment for all students”. The complete Administrative Procedure for Academic Dishonesty is available on the TCC website.

Graded Items

Assessment Structure

Each assignment meets one or more CLO, PLO, and or DLO. More details about the below assignments are outlined in Canvas. Each assignment has a rubric, which can also be viewed in Canvas. Read assignment directions thoroughly. I am available via email to answer any questions, give clarification, or receive suggestions.

Engagements: May include, and not limited to: video/media activities, a reflection, summary, analysis, critical thinking, cultural humility, creativity, or a combination of all.

• Use a minimum of three sources – textbook is a required source; class material, and academic/scholarly sources may also be used
• Gauge your understanding of course content, developmental theoretical perspectives, models, and frameworks
• Will include APA citation and APA References page

Video Activities: Will consist of viewing a brief video, require you to take notes, and apply your knowledge by answering a few questions on what you learned. (side note: by default Canvas assigns video activities as "quizzes.")

Discussions - post and response(s) - Posts and Responses will follow netiquette. 

• Use a minimum of three sources – textbook is a required source; class material, and academic/scholarly sources may also be used
• Gauge your understanding of course content, developmental theoretical perspectives, models, and frameworks
• Will include APA citation and APA References page

Discussion Board - Human Sexuality Scholar Center  - An opportunity for students to meet Participation requirements, this space can be used as a

• a space to post/respond to weekly Scholar Center Topics
• debrief space (e.g. on class discussions, lectures, how you are engaging with assignments)
• perspective checking space (e.g. asking/answering questions, needing/giving validation, seeking/providing clarification)
• an open platform and forum (e.g. share ideas, theories, where you see connections, seek/provide feedback)
• Post community events 

This space demonstrates participation. Please see the Syllabus for guidelines on participation and netiquette. I will be checking in once a week, for participation, and to provide support when explicitly asked. In essence, I would like this space to be a collaborative, Human Sexuality Scholar Center, a hub for you, as a scholar, on your journey.

Final - Your Final - Human Sexuality Educational is a project (not an essay or exam). You will have your choice of a topic to focus/highlight: Contraception, Sexually Transmitted Infection, or Abortion. The Final will be published in week by week 7. 

Assessment Structure

Hybrid/Online Participation/Attendance Guidelines

Required participation: For a 5-credit course, expect to dedicate 10+ hours total for each week. 

Regular participation: Regular in class and online attendance/participation is required. Meaning attending in class meetings and engaging with our Canvas materials at least three (3) times a week.

Several actions define participation in Canvas and collectively describe events where a user takes an action within a course. Canvas tracks participations for both students and instructors, and report participations in Canvas Course Analytics for just student participations.

The following student actions will generate analytics course participation [for this class]:

• Announcements: posts a new comment to an announcement
• Assignments: submits an assignment
• Discussions and Scholar Center: create a post or posts a new comment to a discussion

*** Participation in-class is 100 points for the quarter.

Students are given one (1) excused absence for the quarter.

After the first absence, students will lose 2 points for each in-class absence.***

Other acceptable evidence of academic participation in a hybrid or online/distance program include:

• student submission of an academic assignment related to the course content
• documented student participation in an interactive tutorial or computer-assisted instruction
• a posting by the student showing the student’s participation in an online study group that is assigned by the institution
• a posting by the student in a discussion forum showing the student’s participation in an online discussion about academic matters related to the course
• an email from the student or other documentation showing that the student-initiated contact with a faculty member to ask a question about the academic subject studied in the course

The definition of academic participation and academically-related activity does not include activities where a student may be present, but not academically engaged, such as:

• Participating in a student-organized study group
• Logging into an online class without active participation
• Participating in academic counseling or advising

Break down of points for Participation/Attendance: 

Grading

Grades will be posted to Canvas as soon as assignments are graded, usually within a week. If you think there has been an error, see me as soon as possible to have it corrected. If you need assistance accessing your Canvas account, please ask for help at the Information Commons in Building 16 or review the Canvas module in our Canvas course. Final grades will be assigned using the following scale:

Table 2: Grading

Graded Item Submission Guidelines*

Assignments will be submitted to Canvas or in-class. Canvas submissions can be hand-written, typed, Power Point/Prezi/Panapto or similar platforms. Creativity is encouraged. 

Late Work

Late work policy: All assignments are due on Monday, by 11:59 pm (right before midnight), of the following week. Assignments submitted within 48 hours of due date/time may or may not receive partial credit and may or may not receive feedback.

Student Resources

During this quarter, you may encounter a need that goes beyond this class that affects your academic performance. We are here to help you be successful. You have access to great resources on campus and people ready to support you. Login to Canvas and access the Student Resources course to learn about some of these excellent resources.

Access and Accommodations

Your access in the learning environment is important to me. If you have already established disability accommodations with the Access Services office, please communicate your approved accommodations to me at your earliest convenience so we can discuss your needs in this course. You can request that Access Services email your Letter of Accommodation to me, or you can provide me with printed copies.

If you have a disability or health condition that may benefit from accommodations to ensure access and support success in this course—and have not yet established services, please contact Access Services at (253) 460-4437 or access@tacomacc.edu.

Access Services offers resources and coordinates reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities and/or temporary health conditions. Services are established through an interactive process that begins with an intake appointment. Access Services is located in Building 7.

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

Throughout the course we will be examining, identifying, discussing, and asking, “How does culture influence human sexuality?” The Syllabus gives a Standards of Engagement statement on how we will engage online or in class. To expand on the Syllabus' statement, here are four guiding principles for the quarter:

Nonjudgmental attitude - uphold an ideal of reserving judgment on the actions of others (Halonen & Gray, 2016). We are all life-long learners, and like you, others have learned from their experiences. Let us commend the successes rather than shame or disconnect.

Respect for differing realities - recognize that individuals' perceptions and reality are shaped by culture and personal experiences. As a result, no two people have exactly the same reality (Halonen & Gray, 2016). Additionally, everyone in this class and our TCC campus, "...has the right to respectfully identify any barriers to their inclusion without fear of being punished by the professor" (Reid, L., Tacoma Community College, 2020). 

Appreciation for individual differences - maintain a [flexible] regard for the uniqueness of each individual. Consider using psychological theories [/models/frameworks] as ways of exploring and explaining differences (Halonen & Gray). Notice the strength that comes from diversity. 

Flexibility - [I will] encourage [your] ability to shift viewpoints...to gain a more complete picture of what we wish to understand (Halonen & Gray). 

We can easily practice our flexibility by looking at a rock. Looking at one side of a rock will give you one perspective. When the rock is turned to the other side, maybe it is not as smooth, there may be different markings, such as speckles of granite or chiseled by time and water. Now, turn the rock to another side, what do you notice, another perspective. When we are feeling stuck or challenged, consider taking a different view - a different perspective (Peggy Zorn, Saint Martin's University).

Land Acknowledgement

We must acknowledge that TCC was built on the ancestral territory of Coast Salish peoples, specifically the Puyallup, who have called this area home since time immemorial. The 1854 Medicine Creek Treaty forcibly removed them to the Puyallup reservation to make way for settlers, and we recognize that the privilege of our campus being located on this land has come at great cost to indigenous people. We honor the resilience of the Puyallup Tribe and its people, who still live here, defend their rights, and contribute greatly to the well-being of all the people of this region.

 (Links to an external site.)Description: Map of Coast Salish linguistic distribution in the early to mid 1800s. This file was derived from:✦ Canada British Columbia location map.svg✦ USA Washington location map.svg

Sources:

Map by Hillary Rudd; https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Coast-Salish-territories-drawn-by-Hillary-Rudd-2004-Thom-2005-p-61_fig3_322702552

Safety

We care about the safety of our campus and community and all of us are needed in order to create a safe and secure learning environment. Please review the full list of safety resources available to you, which are listed on our TCC Ready website. Additionally, please watch this brief video to familiarize yourself with our general safety practices. Please program the Public Safety number into your cell phone (253-566-5111) or 5111 from any campus phone (If this number is inoperable due to an emergency, dial 253-495-4146) and sign up for TCC Alerts! to receive emergency notifications to your cell phone.

(Online classes can exclude the following paragraph.)

In the event of an emergency, refer to the Emergency Procedures flipchart located near the door of every classroom. This quarter, we are located in Building xx, Room xx. Our nearest exits are to the [left/right] after exiting the room. Please review the campus map in order to orient yourself to where we are on campus. In the event of an emergency where we need to evacuate, please follow my instructions to safely direct us to a safe and secure location on campus.

Class Calendar

Every attempt will be made to maintain this schedule, but schedule changes may occur during the quarter. Check Canvas for the most updated schedule.

Syllabus Subject to Change

Please note: This syllabus is subject to change. Students will be notified of any changes as soon as possible using multiple means of communication. Please check Canvas for the most updated schedule and assignment list during the quarter.

Privacy and Data Collection Policies

If you have questions or concerns about Privacy and Data Collection Policies at TCC please review the following websites:

Tacoma Community College's Privacy Policy

Tacoma Community College: Data Confidentiality and Security Policy