Sex. The three-letter word that involves decisions, communication, relationships, break-ups, one-night stands and drama. Human sexuality is a part of every person’s life and the focus of a class offered at Kent State.

Although the class is not required, many students and professors suggest the class as a learning experience.

“I have many students who come up and tell me that they think it should be required for all students because it provides a base for all parts of their world,” said Jennifer Ray-Tomasek, one of the classes’ professors. “For instance, communications is at the heart of relationships. Learning to have an understanding of communication is important.”

Rebecca Bennett, sophomore middle childhood education major, agreed.

“The most interesting subject that we talked about in class was the unit on love and communication,” Bennett said. “I would definitely recommend this class to other students because it teaches you valuable things about life in general, things that college students should be aware of.”

There are many different subjects covered in Human Sexuality. Among the list are media, gender formation and roles, anatomy and physiology, research, sexual orientation, sexually transmitted diseases, pregnancy, abortion, adoption and relationships.

Professor Laurie Wagner chooses to teach the class because of the issues that need to be taught.

“Without accurate information about sexuality, people suffer,” she said. “Whether they choose to express it or not, every single person has sexuality and deserves an opportunity to understand their body, feelings, relationships, risks and enormous responsibility of being sexual.”

Sexuality in today’s society is a hot topic.

“I find the rates of teen pregnancy, unintended pregnancy, sexual assault, rape, divorce and ignorance about basic body functions totally unacceptable,” Wagner said. “Also unacceptable to me is the pressure people experience to be ‘sexy,’ sexually active, abstinent or to fit some ‘norm’ that is usually not based on any actual facts.”

Human Sexuality is a class that people are encouraged to take. To gather a better understanding of sexuality or communications, sometimes a classroom setting is needed, professor Irene Axiotis said.

“One of the things to consider is that information about sexuality issues is available in a lot of places – magazines, Internet – but a class at the college level helps a student to make more informed choices about information presented to them,” she said.

Contact features correspondent Rebecca Mohr at [email protected].