You will work independently to research a current issue/special topic in sexuality. You must choose a current topic relating to human sexuality. Please choose 2 current articles from a reputable popular press (e.g., LA Times, NPR) AND 2 empirical articles from peer reviewed journals that are related to your topic of choice.
You will be writing about the main points of these articles. The articles will preferably present contradicting/opposing opinions on your topic. As you know, sexuality can be controversial. So please explore both sides of the “argument”.
PART 1
Topic submission and intro and annotated references (5 points)
You will start your introduction part of the paper with introducing the topic, the prevalence, statistics, why this is important and then introduce your paper. For example “In the following, I will be discussing how this topic is covered by scientific and media sources” Don’t copy this…but a version of this.
In this section, please make sure to justify 1) why this topic is important 2) main statistics 3) main controversy around it 3) Introduction to the rest of the paper 4) APA formed annotated reference.
PART II (30 points)
You will write a 4-5 page paper on a topic of your choice
You must choose a current topic (please see below for more topic choices) relating to human sexuality (examples include : new research in the field of human sexuality, sexting, paraphilias, sex workers, abortion, etc.). Then, you must choose 2 current (published within the past 12 months) articles from reputable popular press outlets (such as The New York Times, Time Magazin, etc.) AND 2 empirical articles from peer reviewed journals that are related to your topic of choice. You will be writing about the main points of these articles: main results etc.
The articles will, preferably, present contradicting/opposing opinions on your topic. As you know, sexuality can be controversial so explore two sides of the “argument” in your paper.
You will start your introduction part of the paper with introducing the topic, the prevalence, statistics, why this is important and then introduce your paper. For example “In the following, I will be discussing how this topic is covered by scientific and media sources” Don’t copy this…but a version of this.
Then, you will be writing about the main points of these articles: sample, research method they used(surveys, case study, interviews etc) and their main findings, etc.
In the conclusion, I will need you to think about the implications of what you learned and make a recommendation about this topic. Implications mean: What does this mean for this population, or for this topic… what should we do with all this information. This will also be the conclusion part of your paper. A basic summary of what you learned and the implication/recommendations that you make.
Please include an APA reference page.
PART III: REFLECTION ABOUT SELF (5 points)
IN ADDITION:
At the end of your paper, please include a one page reaction paper as to what you learned from your experience answering the following questions:
What did I learn about myself in doing this paper?
What were my values about this topic before and after the paper?
What was the most challenging part of working on this topic?
What is my growth are in regards to this topic?
What will I be doing/thinking differently about this topic in the future?
Some of the topics that you can cover include but are not limited to:
1-Pornography, different types of porn, “porn addiction”, impact of porn on relationships etc….
2- Prostitution (sex workers), background of prostitutes, different views on it, impact to society etc.
3-Jealousy, sexual jealousy, affairs, and domestic violence etc.
4- Strip clubs, exotic dancers, backgrounds of exotic dancers, different views on it etc.
5- SMBD- different types, how it impacts relationships, backgrounds of people into SMBD etc.
6- Any of the paraphilias that interest you: how they impact the well being of the person, how does it impact relationships etc.
7- Female circumcision- types, short and long term effects, different perspectives on it etc.
8- Monogamy vs. Swingers/polyamorists- common practices, different views on it, how does this affect relationships? Etc.
9- Sex toys, different types, different usages, benefits, and costs to the relationship etc.
Please note that these are just suggestions, and are in no shape or form all inclusive of what needs to be covered. Your research topic should determine how you will tackle the project.
