Discover the intricate dynamics of gender and sexuality in this comprehensive course, designed to deepen your understanding of these fundamental aspects of human identity. You will explore a wide range of topics, from the biological development of sex characteristics to the social constructs of gender, and from the variability in sexual behaviors to the cultural factors influencing gender fluidity and rigidity.
The Psychology of Gender and Sexuality
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The Psychology of Gender and Sexuality
This course is part of Psychology in Everyday Life Specialization
Instructor: Kyle Smith
Included with 
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
Beginner level
Recommended experience
12 hours to complete
3 weeks at 4 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
What you'll learn
What gender and sexuality are and how they develop over the lifespan
What factors impact the development of gender identity and sexuality
The positive and negative ways that romantic and sexual relationships are formed, flourish, and end
Details to know
Shareable certificate
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Recently updated!
March 2025
Assessments
40 assignments
Taught in English
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This course is part of the Psychology in Everyday Life Specialization
When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.
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There are 13 modules in this course
This module introduces you to your PsycLearn Essentials course. Find out what’s included in this course and how to navigate the modules and lessons. You’ll also learn valuable study tips for successful learning.
What's included
7 readings
This module introduces you to the concepts of sex assigned at birth, gender identity, sexuality, and love and romance over the lifespan.
What's included
1 video1 reading2 assignments
This module highlights the differences between sex and gender. It also covers the concept of gender dysphoria based on this sex and gender distinction.
What's included
1 video6 readings3 assignments
Biological changes related to sex assigned at birth occur across the lifespan. This module will cover the prenatal development of sex characteristics, the development of sex characteristics during puberty, and the connection between puberty and body image. It will also discuss climacteric across genders.
What's included
3 videos13 readings5 assignments
Gender, gender identity, and gender expression begin to develop early in life and are influenced by a number of factors. This module cover theories of gender development in several areas, including historical, cognitive, and social learning theories, as well as biological and evolutionary theories.
What's included
1 video12 readings4 assignments
There is no doubt that culture plays a large role in shaping gender and how we view feminine, masculine, and androgynous traits. This module will explore similarities and differences across sex and gender, how rigid gender norms and gender roles influence day-to-day behaviors, and the connection between gender roles and personality.
What's included
2 videos6 readings4 assignments
In this module, you will learn about diverse sexual identities and the course of development over the lifetime.
What's included
1 video4 readings3 assignments
In this module you will learn about sexual activity over the lifespan, including types of risky sexual behavior, pornography, and sexual violence. Possible consequences of sexual behaviors, such as sexually transmitted diseases and pregnancy, will also be discussed.
What's included
1 video10 readings6 assignments
In this module you will learn about sexual attraction, which can take a romantic form, a sexual form, or a mix of both. You will also learn about different romantic relationships, including marriage, divorce, singlehood, and polyamorous relationships and how they may change over the lifespan.
What's included
1 video8 readings4 assignments
The concepts of sex assigned at birth, gender identity, sexuality, and love and romance over the lifespan are described.
What's included
16 readings8 assignments
This module contains a cumulative quiz.
What's included
1 assignment
This module contains a glossary, course references, and a list of contributors to the course.
What's included
3 readings
This module provides a variety of information and tools from the American Psychological Association (APA) that will help inspire you as you complete your coursework and plan your career goals. Explore APA resources on various psychological issues and scholarly research and writing; a list of sites providing valuable resources on diversity, equity, and inclusion in psychology education and in the professional community; resources on a career in psychology; and links to career opportunities at the APA.
What's included
8 readings
Instructor
Offered by
Recommended if you're interested in Psychology
American Psychological Association
American Psychological Association
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Frequently asked questions
Access to lectures and assignments depends on your type of enrollment. If you take a course in audit mode, you will be able to see most course materials for free. To access graded assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience, during or after your audit. If you don't see the audit option:
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When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. Your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free.
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