Module: Sexual Health

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Sexual Health
Module Code	HEA1004 (ITS: NS218)
Faculty	Nursing, PsyT & Comm Health	School	Science & Health
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

Description

This module introduces students to debates about sexuality, sexual identities, gender identities, sexual orientation and sexual health in society.

Learning Outcomes

1. Demonstrate an understanding of the field of sexuality studies within a sociological perspective
2. Describe the social theories about sexuality and how they relate to current debates about sexuality and sexual health
3. Discuss of how religion, family, culture, ethnicity and gender influence our concepts and theoretical approaches to the study of sexuality in a changing Ireland.
4. Explain the theories and principles of sexual health & sexual health promotion

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	24	In class learning
Online activity	10	Interaction between students and lecturer
Independent Study	55	Reading for understanding
Independent Study	34	Students devising their own learning strategies
Total Workload: 123

Section Breakdown
CRN	20514	Part of Term	Semester 2
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Tracey Harrington	Module Teacher

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Essay	n/a	100%	n/a

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Introduction to sexuality studies & sexual health
Overview of module

Socio-historical developments in sexuality and sexual health
The development of sexuality studies. Sexuality attitudes/ knowledge and practices. Theoretical influences. Definition of sexuality. Defining sexual health.

Sexual identities & communities
What are sexual identities? Heterosexual, gay, lesbian, bisexual or any other. Impact of Heteronormativity. How does sexual identity affect individuals. Sexual expression. Sexual communities.

Culture,gender and sexuality
Exploration of the interaction between culture and sexuality. Gender expectations within different societies/cultures.The sociology of gender. Is there a maleness and femaleness to sexuality Transgender issues Gender Recognition

The politics of sexuality
Using HIV/AIDS as an example where the private meets the public and becomes political. Contemporary issues of concern in relation to sexuality

Sexual health
Importance of sexual health and how it relates to concept of health. Sexually Transmitted Infections. Sexual health promotion. Sexual Consent. Sexual health across the lifespan

Indicative Reading List

Books:

Gargi Bhattacharyya: 2002, Sexuality and Society: An Introduction, 8, Routledge, London, 193, 041522903
P. Aggleton, P. Boyce, H. L. Moore, R. Parker (Eds.): 2012, Understanding New Sexualities, Routledge, 9780415673471
Jackson, Stevi; Scott, Sue; Ray, Larry: 2010, Theorizing sexuality, McGraw-Hill : Open University Press,
edited by Michael S. Kimmel, Rebecca F. Plante: 2004, Sexualities: Idenitites, Behaviours and Society, 10, Oxford University Press, New York, 487, 0195157605
Parker, Richard G.: 2007, Culture, society and sexuality, 2nd ed., Routledge, New York, 0415404568
translated and with an introduction by Guy Oakes: 1984, Georg Simmel, on women, sexuality, and love, Yale University Press, New Haven, 0300039344
edited by Phillip L. Hammack and Bertram J. Cohler: 2009, The story of sexual identity, Oxford University Press, New York ; Oxford, 9780195326789
Wellings K, Mitchell K & Collumbien M: 2012, Sexual Health a Public Health Perspective., Open University Press,
edited by Mike Cole: 2006, Education, equality and human rights, Routledge, London, 0415356601
Peterson, Nicholas E; Campbell, Whitney: 2012, Handbook on Sexuality: Perspectives, Issues and Role in Society,

Articles:

Dept of Health, Ireland: 2015, National Sexual Health Strategy,

Other Resources

None