There are lots of factors, positive, negative (and neutral) to consider
in making informed and healthy sexual choices. Even sexually active people
need to review these choices, often.
photo: anitapatterson@morguefile
This assignment is about honing your DECISION-MAKING SKILLS and DECIDING WHAT IS BEST FOR YOU.
STEPS:
1. Research (see online links below)
2. Fill in NOTE-TAKING COLLECTION SHEETS (download here) -50%
3. Analyze notes.
4. Create Final product -50%
All research starts with questions.
- Am I PHYSICALLY ready to engage in sexual activity?
- What are the immediate and long-term consequences?
- Am I MENTALLY ready to engage in sexual activity?
- What are the immediate and long-term consequences?
- Am I EMOTIONALLY ready to engage in sexual activity?
- What are the immediate and long-term consequences?
- Am I SOCIALLY ready to engage in sexual activity?
- What are the immediate and long-term consequences?
- Am I FINANCIALLY ready to engage in sexual activity?
- What are the immediate and long-term consequences?
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RESOURCES
Fortunately there is a lot of information out there to help you (and also to sell you stuff, ideas and products, and to misinform you, too): the people you know; experts online and in print; professionals you can consult locally. Each source has a bias and point of view, but ultimately, after wading through all the information and advice, the decisions are yours. The following exercise will walk you through some of the resources available to you and hopefully, sharpen your critical-thinking and decision-making skills.
1 THE PEOPLE AROUND YOU: RECOGNIZING WHO INFLUENCES YOU
- PARENTS
- FRIENDS
- PEER PRESSURE
- SEXUAL PARTNER
- DOCTOR
- SCHOOL: COUNSELLOR, TEACHER, YOUTH WORKER
2 PROFESSIONAL ONLINE RESOURCES
- CHURCH OR FAITH-BASED INSTITUTIONS
Survey of teachings by faith groups on human sexuality
Abstinence Clearinghouse
Traditional Values Coalition: Empowering People of Faith Through Knowledge
- MEDICAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL PROFESSIONALS
sexualityandu.ca is the ultimate Canadian web site committed to providing accurate and up-to-date information and education on sexual health. An initiative of the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada, the site's mandate is to provide guidance and advice to help individuals develop and maintain a healthy sexuality.
Merck Manuals (keyword: sexuality)
Sexuality Information and Education Council of the U.S. (SIECUS)
(sites for parents)
Parenting Teens Teen Sex and Teen Sexuality - What Your Teen Needs to Know About Sex
3 MEDIA
The Erotic History of Advertising: Aromatic Aphrodisiacs: Fragrance
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DECISION - YOUR FINAL PRODUCT
Analyze the information you gather. Scan the NOTE-TAKING COLLECTION FRAME. Highlight the information that makes most sense to you.
Decide what's best for you, and know how and why you have come to your conclusions.
Document your responses in one of the following:
- Text: a short essay (250 WORDS MINIMUM), poem, journal, song
- Visual (poster, photograph, mind map, painting, drawing, collage etc)
- Performance: speech, skit,
- Multi-media: power-point, blog, pamphlet
- Other: your idea, ask the teacher
