Post Number Four

I feel that this week we really dove into some heavier material.

On September 27, To start this class Rob handed out an assignment that had multiple statements that described someone’s personal explanation of an orgasm. We were to determine whether or not it was described by a male or female. Out of ten statements I got 5 correct.  After the activity, Rob talked about Masters and Johnsons 4-phase sexual response cycle. I found it very interesting that there were so many things that happen within our bodies during sexual activity.  I was afraid that this class may be a bit awkward or uncomfortable at times but so far I am surprised as to how comfortable I am.

On September 29, During this class we watched a film clip and learned about variations to sexual response. The film clip was from, “Everything you wanted to know about sex but were afraid to ask.” This Woody Allen film focused on the stages a man goes through during sexual activity. It took the information and made it humorous. It was a lighter way to understand the material. After the clip we talked about Ellen Signer Kaplan, Rosemary Basson and Sigmund Freud. They each had their own responses to sex. Kaplan is a sexual therapist therefore she talked about her Three Phases of Sexual Problems and/or Dysfunctions. Her phases were desire, excitement and orgasm. Basson took a more feminist perspective and talked about intimacy. And last but not least Freud. He believed that sex was the engine that drives child development.  He believed that there is only one way for a woman to have a proper orgasm. He had two types of orgasms; vaginal and clitoral. He felt that clitoral orgasms showed the immaturity of the woman.  I feel that Freud was very close minded towards the purpose of sex. I think he felt that reproduction was the only reason to engage in sexual activity.

On October 1, Today in class we spoke a little bit about how Masters and Johnsons believed there was only one type of orgasm and that the 4-phase cycle did not only happen during intercourse but could happen during masturbation or oral sex. We also touched on how relationships placed an importance on sexual activity. Then we also talked about masturbation and how it is somewhat frowned upon. For the remainder of the class we did an flip chart activity. Rob asked us to determine some features of sexual diversity and commonality within our community. I will share one from each. We determined that the use of birth control and contraception’s were a diversity in our community as we felt many people feel differently towards the topic. We then determined that teenagers are pressured by peers to lose their virginity at an early age. We felt that was a commonality within our community.

This week was a very busy one for me. I have a couple of exams coming up and I am starting to feel the pressure of school again. I am very glad I chose to take this class. It is very informative and interesting. Well I think that is it for this week. I’m off to study for our upcoming exam! Wish me luck J