Your paper should be between 6-8 pages in length. Most students can’t imagine at first how
they could possibly have that much to discuss, but end up having a hard time stopping!
Autobiography: — The sexual literacy journey history is an analysis of the development of
your “sexual self”. It should attempt to answer the question, “How did I become the sexual
person I am today?” by considering your own development as it relates to the
developmental issues discussed in class and by considering what has influenced your beliefs,
attitudes, values and behavior in the area of sexuality and intimate relationships (e.g.
parents, religion, culture, media, peers, experiences).
It is not the case that one needs to have had intercourse or be currently sexually active in
order to be able to write this paper. It is also not necessary to disclose any personal
information beyond what is comfortable for you in order to write a thoughtful paper.
You may structure your paper any way you wish. Below are three possible suggestions:
Chronological — Important life events and experiences are related in chronological order and
their significance to your sexual development is discussed for each event/experience. The
focus should not be on the events themselves, but on how these experiences have
influenced the development of your sexuality.
Categorical — Your paper may be organized around one or more themes, or aspects, of your
development. Examples of developmental “themes” might be body image, self-esteem,
sexual orientation, or some significant aspect of your personality (e.g. shyness, fear of
intimacy). These themes may also be centered around the major contributors of your sexual
knowledge or information growing up (i.e. parents, peers, media etc.) For each theme,
discuss the significant life events and experiences, which have contributed to your
development in that area.
Major Event — Sometimes a single event, experience, or relationship early in life can
profoundly influence one’s sexual development. You may choose to discuss a major event or
relationship, illustrating how it has influenced all major facets of your sexuality (e.g., your
self-esteem, communication skills, attitudes toward relationships, family values, etc.). Your
autobiography will be graded according to the quality of thought that is evident in your
writing, and the way in which you demonstrate your understanding of the course material in
a creative, developmental way. The experience of writing the paper has been variously
described by students as fun, difficult, amusing, challenging, painful, and enlightening, but
always an exercise in personal growth. A paragraph reflecting on your own feelings about
what you’ve written makes a good conclusion to your paper.
A word about confidentiality:
Only the instructor will read your papers, and I treat the content of your papers as
confidential material. Please feel free to consult the instructor for support or help with this
assignment, or if you have any concerns about the assignment. I am eager to help make this
writing assignment a positive experience for you. I guarantee that if you put the effort into
it, this will be one of the most enlightening experiences of your college career.
QUESTIONS WHICH MAY HELP YOU IN THINKING ABOUT AND WRITING YOUR PAPER:

1. How do your current sexual attitudes and beliefs compare to those of your parents?
2. How do religious/spiritual values affect your sexual values and decision making?
3. Do your sexual values/attitudes and choices also reflect the culture in which you were
   raised?
4. In your opinion, what is the importance of sex in an intimate relationship? What are your
   personal expectations for a love relationship?
5. What do you feel are society’s expectations of you as a male/female? How early did you
   start to become aware of these expectations?
6. How easy or comfortable was communication about sex within your family? What
   messages did you get about love and sex by observing your parents’ relationship while you
   were growing up?
7. What was your primary source of learning about sex and sexuality while you were
   growing up?
8. How did you feel about your body’s changes at puberty?
9. What did your first significant sexual experience (not necessarily intercourse) teach you
   about yourself?
10. If you have children, what would you like to teach them about sexuality?