In the Teacher’s Syllabus:
REACTION PAPERS:
Each student is required to participate in 2 learning activities outside class this semester and then write 2 reaction papers summarizing what you did and learned. The purpose of this assignment is for you to learn something about yourself, your relationships and/or any topic related to human sexuality and sexual health. Due dates are listed in class outline. Papers need to be turned-in during class. Papers may NOT be left in my mailbox or emailed. You may turn papers in early if you’re going to be absent the date it’s due. You may have someone bring your paper in for you if you are not able to attend class. NO LATE PAPERS WILL BE ACCEPTED.
Each paper is worth 25 points. Papers will be graded on both content and format. This is a college class and I expect to receive college material – including proper grammar and spelling. Papers need to be typed and stapled. Papers need to be 1-3 pages long (either single or double-spaced). Pick-up and save your graded papers until you receive your final grade for the class. Point breakdown is listed with format.
You may not use class speakers, class activities//AV, or required reading for your reaction papers. Your learning activities need to take place this semester. You may not write about past interesting sexual experiences.
EXCEPTION: You may write about past negative, painful, and/or abusive experiences and relationships to facilitate further healing. Many students find it helpful to be able to do so. Describe what happened, how it affected you, and whether you are still affected by it now. Your personal papers are completely confidential.
SUGGESTED ACTIVITIES FOR REACTION PAPERS:
1. Read an article from a magazine or journal.
2. Read chapters from The Guide to Getting it On.
3. Watch relevant TV programs and documentaries. A great source for
documentaries is www.topdocumentaryfilms.com. Netflix also has
many interesting documentaries.
5. Take surveys and/or give them to others to take/discuss with you. 6. Attend a relevant lecture, workshop or conference.
7. Read a book related to sexuality or relationships. Look at the list of
recommended books I’ve provided. You are not limited to that list. 8. Watch a movie relevant to class. Do look at the list of movies I’ve
recommended. You are not limited to that list.
9. Individual “Field Trips” to community agencies, sex toy stores, Museum
of Tolerance, or more controversial places like an adult book store, erotic dancing, gay establishment/event, dungeon, or nude beach. In
order for these to count it needs to be a new experience for you. You are only allowed 1 paper per activity. For example you can’t write about visiting 2 toy stores or going to 2 gay clubs.
10.Interview persons whose sexuality or sexual experiences/socialization is different from yours. Prepare by making a list of relevant questions.
11.Have a detailed conversation with a friend or someone you’d like to be closer with about each other’s sexuality. Prepare by making a list of relevant questions.
12.Participate in small group discussions with other classmates or friends. 13.Explore non-pornographic sexual websites. See list of recommended
websites. You are not limited to these websites.
14.Accept some of my challenges!
15.Anything else that would be meaningful to you. I do encourage you to
think about activities or projects that would be personally meaningful. You may create a special project or do some research of your own. Do not participate in activities that are against the law for reaction papers.
REQUIRED FORMAT FOR REACTION PAPERS:
1. All papers should be properly identified with your name and class, and whether it’s Reaction Paper #1, Reaction Paper #2, or Extra Credit Papers.
2. Clearly identify what you did and what it was about. List reference. Include your reasons for choosing this activity or topic. For example:
a. Title of article, author, source, date.
b. Title of TV program/documentary, channel, date. c. List place you visited
d. State your project (interview, challenge, etc.)
3. List 5 statements of information or facts you learned (things you learned about topic, person, yourself, etc). Please number your statements and make sure they are clearly visible. Do not imbed them in paragraphs.
4. Summarize your reactions, feelings and opinions regarding your learning activity. This should be the main part of your paper. I want to know what you got out of the activity and why you responded the way you did. How does this relate to your life?
