3 ECVET/ECTS / EQF Level 7 / 1st year of study – STS
Module description
This module provides a comprehensive understanding of the development of gender identity, sexual orientation, and the nature of child sexuality through an interdisciplinary approach encompassing sexology, sexual medicine, clinical sexology, and sexual therapy. Special emphasis is placed on the biological, psychological, and sociocultural aspects of sexual development from childhood to adolescence, focusing on normative development, clinical challenges, and relevant ethical guidelines. Participants will gain deeper insight into key research, diagnostic criteria, and treatment models, as well as competencies for working with children, adolescents, and their families in the context of sexual health and identity.
The module includes:
- Development of Gender Identity – theoretical models, biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors, gender dysphoria, and clinical approaches to supporting children and adolescents, gender roles, and social stereotypes.
- Sexual Orientation – differentiation from gender identity, psychosocial developmental processes, LGBTQ+ identities, challenges of coming out, and coping with stigma and discrimination.
- The Nature of Child Sexuality – developmental stages of child sexuality, normative and atypical patterns of sexual behaviour, the impact of digital media and social networks, education on healthy boundaries and privacy.
- Sociocultural and Legal Aspects – legislative framework on gender identity and sexual orientation, children’s rights in the context of sexual health, the influence of culture, religion, and tradition on sexual identity.
- Professional Support and Interventions – clinical and therapeutic approaches in working with children and adolescents, prevention of stigmatization and discrimination, counselling and psychotherapeutic methods to support families and professionals.
Learning Outcomes
Competencies:
By the end of the module, students will be able to:
a) Critically understand gender identity, sexual orientation, and child sexuality from an interdisciplinary perspective.
b) Recognise developmental stages and key challenges in the field of sexual health in children and adolescents.
c) Apply clinical and counselling interventions in work with children, adolescents, and their families.
Knowledge:
By the end of the module, students will acquire:
a) Theoretical and empirical knowledge in the field of sexual health within the context of identity development.
b) Understanding of medical and psychotherapeutic approaches in working with the sexual development of children and youth.
c) Insight into contemporary trends, clinical challenges, and ethical guidelines in sexual therapy.
Skills:
By the end of the module, students will develop:
a) The ability to analyse and interpret research in the field of sexual health.
b) The skill to recognise and understand challenges in the development of gender identity and sexual orientation.
c) The capacity to apply ethical standards and professional guidelines in sexual therapy and counselling.
Assessment of Knowledge and Competencies
The module is assessed through:
– Presentation – clinical case analysis in the context of gender identity, sexual orientation, and childhood sexuality.
– Presentation – overview of relevant literature and research in the field of sexual health.
– Discussion – evaluation of ethical challenges in working with children and adolescents.
Total Learning Hours:
| Total learning hours: 90 hours | Independent study (literature, assignment preparation): 30 hours |
| Contact hours (lectures, exercises, presentations, practicum, clinical practice, supervision): 50 hours | Knowledge assessment (exam and presentations): 10 hours |