Psychology 159D: Psychology of Sexual Aggression

The purpose of this course is to examine current psychological theory and research relating to the causes and consequences of rape and other forms of sexual aggression.  It is designed to acquaint you with some of the key issues, questions, and findings in this field, as well as to allow you to develop some of the critical skills needed by research psychologists.  As a senior seminar, the course also serves as a capstone experience for psychology majors.  It also serves as the second course in the Disciplinary Communications curriculum for the psychology major; thus, substantial time will be devoted to developing your written and verbal communication skills.  The course is organized topically.  We begin by reading and thinking about the social construction of masculinity and femininity (especially through representations in the media) and how these constructions might contribute to sexual aggression.  The bulk of the course is devoted to an examination of psychological processes related to victimization and perpetration.  The course concludes with a discussion of several special topics and an examination of rape prevention and education.