Gender and Sexual
Fluidity Specialization

In this course, students will examine, compare and contrast key personality theories. Drawing on classic and contemporary sources, students will consider Freudian, post-Freudian, behaviorism, and social learning theories. Students will also examine more contemporary theories on personality, such as those put forth by cognitive, humanistic, and positive psychology.

In this course, you will examine dimensions of human sexuality from physiological, psychological, social, and cultural points of view. You will examine these dimensions via recent empirical research. You will also spend time reflecting upon, and in some cases, debunking preexisting ideas and bias, as personal reflection and growth are critical components of multicultural competence. Topics include an overview of stages of sexual identity development, cultural and individual variations, and stigma and discrimination.

In this course, you will explore the way in which gender is understood and how it is informed by socialization, physiology, biology, and stereotyping. Gender differences are often overemphasized; in actuality, there are fewer differences than often assumed. Issues of transgender and intersex variations will be discussed minimally, as these topics are the focus of another course. Central to this course will be an opportunity to rethink and reintegrate ideas about gender differences and gender similarities across cultures. Further, the course will conceptualize gender on a spectrum instead of as a binary construct and explore historical milestones in the gender equality movement.

In this course you will be introduced to factors that influence and impact individuals who identify as transgender. Terms such as gender queer, gender variant, intersex, cisgender, and transitioning, among others, will be discussed. Stages of male to female and female to male transitioning and how to offer support at each stage will be explored. Stigma and barriers to care will be examined as well as strengths-based, affirming model of care for assessment, support, treatment, and advocacy. You will learn to conceptualize cases from a holistic, multicultural perspective and acknowledge that all people regardless of group or identity are informed by their larger context and culture.

In this course you will review the full spectrum of human sexuality and the individual’s development of sexual identity and orientation. The full range of identities will be explored including asexuality, gay, lesbian, bisexual, pansexual, and others. Stigma and discrimination as they relate to these groups will be explored in addition to your own bias related to these groups. Historical milestones in the LGBTQ+ movement will be explored. You will examine a strengths-based, holistic, affirming model for treating this community. Your learning will culminate in learning how to educate others on the topics and to advocate for the populations described in this course.

The Capstone course in Gender and Sexual Fluidity is an opportunity to demonstrate a range of professional competencies and communication skills, reflecting the knowledge, critical thinking, sensitivity to ethics and diversity, and appreciation of research that has been acquired during the MA program. The Capstone course culminates in a review of the evidence based practices related to a specific issue in the field of Gender and Sexual Fluidity.