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COLLEGE OF ARTS AND
SCIENCES
Department of Social
Sciences
NAME OF THE General Education
PROGRAM
COURSE TITLE Understanding the Self COURSE CODE SOC 100
PREREQUISITE/ CO- None COURSE UNIT 3 units
REQUISITE
COURSE OUTCOME CO2: Examine the different aspects of the self and identity
MODULE 4 Unpacking the Self – Part One
LESSON LEARNING After successful completion of this module, you should be
OUTCOME/S able to:
a. examine the different influences, factors, and forces
that shape the self; and
b. establish ability to demonstrate critical and
reflective thought in analyzing the development of
one’s self and identity by developing a theory of the
self.
TOPICS The Physical and Biological Self
The Sexual Self
WEEK / INCLUSIVE Week 5
DATE September 12-17, 2022
MODALITY Synchronous (MS Teams) and Asynchronous (Neo LMS)
LESSON PROPER
Introduction
Our concept of our self and the perception of people around us will always have
big effect on how we deal in a situation. Unpacking the self - to deconstruct, to
analyze the nature by examining in detail the adversities that may affect the self.
The Physical and Biological Self: What the Self is Made of?
People nowadays are too conscious on how they look. How they see themselves
in the mirror, how people will look at them and what will people say about them.
Physical self refers to the body which we interface with our environment and fellow
being. It is a tangible aspect of the person that can be directly observed and
examined.
a. What the Self is Made of?
Heredity- transmission of traits from parent to offspring
Genotype- specific information imbedded within our genes, can only be
determined by blood testing
Phenotype- physical expression of a particular trait, can be directly observed
Maturation- completion of growth of genetic character within an organism or the
unfolding of an individual’s inherent traits or potential
Genes- are small sections of DNA within the genome that code for proteins. They
contain the instructions for our individual characteristics – like eye and hair color.
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COLLEGE OF ARTS AND
SCIENCES
Department of Social
Sciences
b. The Biological Self
c. The Challenges of the Physical Self
a. Nature vs. Nurture
The development of the individual is caused by two interacting forces: heredity
and environment. Heredity [nature] is the transmission of traits from parents
to offspring it provides the raw materials of which the individual is made up.
While the environment [nurture] is the sum total of the forces or experiences
that a person undergoes from conception to old age. It includes family, friends,
school, nutrition and other agencies one is in contact with.
b. Environmental Conditioning
● Societal Expectations- issues like meeting the society’s standard of
physical beauty and body type
● Cultural Practices- how we take care of our bodies-nutrition and
sustenance-hygienic practices and standard of beauty and
attractiveness
The Sexual Self: Sexuality and Human Sexual Behavior
The human sexual behavior is defined as any activity – solitary or between two
persons – that induces or brings sexual arousal. Classified in two types of behavior,
the solitary and the socio-sexual.
a. Solitary Behavior
Commonly called as self–gratification or self–stimulation that leads to
sexual arousal and generally, sexual climax. This takes place in personal and
private as an end in itself. Nowadays, humans are frequently being exposed to
sexual stimuli especially from advertising and social media. Some adolescents
become so much aggressive when they respond to such stimuli. The challenge
is to develop self-control so that to balance suppression and free expression.
b. Socio-sexual Behavior
Socio-sexual behavior occurs between only one male and one female.
Physical contact involving petting (hugging and kissing) is considered as an
ingredient of the learning process and eventually of courtship and selection of a
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COLLEGE OF ARTS AND
SCIENCES
Department of Social
Sciences
marriage partner. A behavior may be interpreted by society or individual as
erotic depending on the context in which the behavior occurs. Example, kissing
as a gesture of intimacy between couples while other sees this as respect and
reverence.
c. Challenges of the Sexual Self
Sexual Reproductive Diseases
1. Chlamydia
2. Gonorrhea
3. Syphilis
5. Human Papillomavirus
6. Herpes simplex virus
7. HIV, AIDS
d. Responsible Sexual Behavior
o Respect for one’s body
o Maturity in thoughts and deeds
o Being guided by one’s personal beliefs and core values
o Being future-oriented
o Practice abstinence while you’re young
o Engage with safe sex; use oral contraceptives and condoms
ACTIVITY/ EXERCISE/ ASSIGNMENT
Activity 1: Forum via NEO LMS
Discuss how will you maintain a healthy physical and sexual self.
Activity 2: Critical Essay
List and analyze at least five (5) influences, factors, and forces that shape your
physical and sexual self.
SUPPLEMENTARY LEARNING MATERIALS
Watch: The Physical Self: The Self as Impacted by the Body
Link: [Link]
Watch: Unfolding the Biological Self
Link: [Link]
REFERENCES
Alata, Eden Joy Pastor et al. Understanding the self. Manila: Rex Bookstore, Inc., 2018. pp. 125
City: Books Atbp. Publishing Corp. 2018.
Arcega, Analiza F. et al. Understanding the Self. Quezon City: C & E publication, Inc. 2018.
Demello, M. (2014). Beautiful Bodies. Pp 173 – 188. And Fat and Thin Bodies. 189 – 205. In Body
Studies: An Introduction Roufledge.
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COLLEGE OF ARTS AND
SCIENCES
Department of Social
Sciences
Lugue & De Leon (2001). Textbook on Family Planning. Rex Printing.
