Discovering Human Sexuality

Now in its fifth edition, Discovering Human Sexuality has established itself as a popular and widely praised text that respects diversity both in the sexual world and among the students who read it. The backgrounds of the authors--in biology, sociology, teaching, and writing--have made possible a text that is multidisciplinary, authoritative, sex-positive, and a delight to read.

The scope of Discovering Human Sexuality ranges from homosexuality in ancient Greece to the recent Harvey Weinstein sexual harassment scandal, while covering a stunningly diverse array of topics. Questions considered include: How does the menstrual cycle work? What’s ＂splitting the bamboo＂? Can premature ejaculation be treated? If a man has undetectable levels of HIV, can he have sex without condoms? Which sex offenders will repeat their crimes? Is there a gay gene? What’s wrong with polygamy? Why do some transgender youth ＂desist＂? Is emergency contraception abortion? How do recent changes in Title IX regulations affect the rights of college students? This book gives factual answers to important questions and provides material for informed debate for issues without a single solution.

Simon LeVay is a British born neuroscientist turned science writer and teacher. 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. He is the author or coauthor of twelve books, including Gay, Straight, and the Reason Why: The Science of Sexual Orientation, Second Edition (OUP, 2017).

Janice Baldwin and John Baldwin are sociologists at the University of California, Santa Barbara. They have been collaborators and writers on many papers and projects in the area of sex, sexuality, and sex education. The Baldwins co-teach a dynamic undergraduate Human Sexuality course at UCSB that has been regularly voted the Best Course there, and they have been named Best Professors multiple times. They also co-created-with their upper division students-a sex information website: SexInfoOnline.