Human Sexuality - Hardcover

Simon LeVay; Sharon M. Valente

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0878934545 ISBN 13: 9780878934546

Publisher: Sinauer Associates Inc, 2002

Synopsis

Sexuality is a central but highly controversial aspect of human nature. In this new undergraduate textbook, Simon LeVay and Sharon Valente aim to help students understand the diversity of human sexual expression as well as the various perspectives from which sexuality can be viewed. These perspectives range from biology and medicine, evolutionary theory, cognitive science, social psychology, feminism, and cross-cultural studies to moral and political discourse. Rather than attempting to present cut-and-dried answers to contentious or unresolved sexual questions, the authors present solid data and a multiplicity of interpretive viewpoints. This approach helps students develop critical thinking, make informed decisions about their own sex lives, and contribute constructively and non-judgmentally to the social debate on sexual issues.

Human Sexuality is richly illustrated in full color, with photographs and innovative line art featuring "balloon-style" captions. Interspersed throughout are over 100 text boxes highlighting special topics in seven categories: Biology of Sex; Cultural Diversity; Personal Points of View; Research Highlights; Sex in History; Sexual Health; and Society, Values, and the Law.

Every copy of the textbook includes the interactive Exploring Human Sexuality Study Guide CD-ROM. This CD-ROM is keyed to the text, and features objectives, study questions, self-quizes,essay/discussion questions, key terms and animations

About this title

About the Author

SIMON LEVAY, Ph.D. is a British-born neuroscientist turned science writer and teacher. He was educated at Cambridge University, UK and the University of Gottingen, Germany. In 1971, he moved to the United States. He has served on the faculty of Harvard Medical School and the Salk Institute for Biological Studies, and has taught at Harvard, the University of California, and Stanford University, all USA. LeVay has authored over 40 scientific studies; the best known of these is a 1991 report in Science that described a difference in brain structure between heterosexual and homosexual men. This study helped spark a wealth of new research on the biology of sexual orientation. LeVay is the author or coauthor of nine books, some in the area of human sexuality and others on a broader range of scientific topics. JANICE BALDWIN, Ph.D. is a sociologist at the University of California, Santa Barbara, USA. She is co-author, with her husband John Baldwin, of numerous studies and articles in the area of sexuality and sex education, as well as the textbook Behavior Principles in Everyday Life, now in its fourth edition. The Baldwins co-teach an undergraduate Human Sexuality course that is regularly voted Best Course at UCSB. They also teach an advanced seminar course on the same topic. The Baldwins have been named as Best Professors on several occasions.

Review

". . . offers far greater coverage than most other texts. . . . the 'take-home' messages are clearly presented. . . . Thumbs up!" -- M. Betsy Bergen, Kansas State University

"The chapter 'Sex Hormones & the Menstrual Cycle' is exceptionally engaging and accessible. . . . the authors did a marvelous job..." -- Pauline M. Maki, National Institutes of Health

"The writing is engaging, clear, informative, and professional. It is probably the best of its kind." -- Martin Lalumière, University of Toronto

About this edition

• Publisher: Sinauer Associates Inc
• Publication date: 2002
• ISBN 10: 0878934545
• ISBN 13: 9780878934546
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 628