This document provides an overview of the topics that will be covered in Week 2 of the course "Sex & Spirituality". The week will focus on sexuality, including defining what sexuality encompasses, its various components, and how culture has shaped understandings of sexuality. It will introduce sex positivity and discuss why sexuality and spirituality are being discussed together in the course. The goals for the week are to provide historical background on the study of sexuality, introduce sex positive ideas, consider influences on understandings of sexuality, and critically explore views of sex and sexuality. Students are asked to watch two linked videos, complete a Google form, and respond to reflection questions on the course site.

1. WEEK TWO:
SEXUALITY
Wellness 090: Sex & Spirituality
Instructor: Jamie Lynn Haskins, MDiv

2. WHAT IS SEXUALITY?
Sexuality encompasses nearly every aspect of
our being, from attitudes and values, to
feelings and experiences. It is influenced by
the individual, family, culture,
religion/spirituality, laws, professions,
institutions, science, and politics.

3. SEXUALITY HAS MANY
COMPONENTS
When we talk about sexuality, we're talking
about a complex concept with many facets.
These include:
1) The act of having sex
2) Sexual reproductive organs
3) The physical experience of sex and sexual
desire
4) Gender and gender identity
5) Attraction to others

4. Our understanding of
sexuality is shaped by
many forces.
religious or spiritual beliefs
popular culture
friends and family
educational experiences (such as Sex
Education)
These include:

5. OUR CULTURE HAS A
COMPLICATED
RELATIONSHIP WITH SEX
AND SEXUALITY.
Our culture often shames sexuality
and views it as "dirty" or something
to be hidden. This can often
complicate our own relationship with
sex and our sexuality.

6. Sex Positive
Sex positivity is a relatively new cultural
movement.
To be sex positive is to be comfortable
with one's own sexual identity and the
sexual behavior of others, with the
purpose of promoting healthy, safe,
smart and consensual sex.
It is a framework that counselors,
medical professionals and universities
are using to educate and talk with young
people about issues relating to sexuality
and sexual health.

7. WHY ARE WE TALKING
ABOUT SEXUALITY AND
SPIRITUALITY IN THIS
COURSE?
Throughout history, spirituality has often
offered harmful views of sexuality that led
to shame and a lack of understanding
about sex and intimacy.
Spirituality has incredible resources it can
lend to the sexual experience but we must
first deal with the shame and hurt before
we can move toward sex positivity.

8. THIS WEEK'S GOALS:
The goal of this week's class is to:
1) Provide a historical background regarding the
study of sexuality as a discipline
2) Introduce you to sex positive ideas.
3) Ask you to consider what influences your own
understanding of sexuality.
4) Critically explore how you understand sex
and sexuality.

9. What does this week's class entail?
1) After completing this slide show, please
view the two videos linked below.
2) After viewing the videos, complete the
Google form found on Blackboard.
3) Answer the reflection questions posted on
Blackboard and respond to the answers of
two of your classmates.
Videos to watch:
1) Let's Talk About Sex: A Crash Course
2) How to Have a Healthier, Positive
Relationship to Sex