A new class remedies that by discussing not just mechanics, positions and processes, but also emotions, relationships and communication.

Sexuality "is not just a physical issue, but also an emotional issue. It's a part of our culture and a part of our lives," said Cynthia Christopherson, who teaches the human sexuality class for the department of family and consumer studies. "You really can't teach human development without teaching this."

The department recently made the class a permanent offering and will require it of students seeking certification in family-life education.

Sexuality classes have long been offered in other departments, but this may be the first to put social and emotional issues at the core of the curriculum.

"It's sort of the foundation of family development. We wanted to emphasize that aspect," said department chairwoman Cheryl Wright.

Many students who completed the course this month said it should be required for all students, regardless of department or major.

"Everything I knew I learned in my sorority. And half of it was wrong," said Allison Frost, 25. She and several other students agreed that what they learned in Utah public schools and from their parents was inadequate.

"They tell you you can get HIV, but they don't tell you how to prevent it," said Bree Phillips, 24, of the only formal sex education she received in high school.

Christopherson said one of the main purposes of the class is to correct misinformation. On the first day, she had each student write down one question about sexuality.

The queries showed a need for information and discussion that go beyond simple anatomical fact:

"My 2-year-old has started to become very interested in her vagina. How should I react?"

"I think that I may have had an orgasm only once in my marriage. What am I doing wrong? I feel like I have no sex drive. My poor husband . . ."

"What were people in nonreligious communities taught about masturbation?"

"What is the deal with the male ego?"

Student questions offered a launching pad for conversations covering everything from gender issues, sexism and virginity, to sexual technique, diseases and miscarriage.

"Every once in awhile a question or issue comes up that takes me aback a bit," said Christopherson.

"There are some embarrassing topics, but it's part of being human."

Another aim is to dispel myths, including: size matters ("It's not the size of the ship; it's the motion of the ocean," said Christopherson.); men want sex more than women do ("True, but women care about their sexuality just as much as men do."); and drinking makes your libido go up ("In reality, it's a depressant. You drop your inhibitions, but it affects the function.")

Christopherson strives to keep the dialogue respectful, especially when confronting the most sensitive topics.

Several students cited a panel discussion on homosexuality as the most enlightening part of the class.

"They would answer any question because we didn't know anything. I had no idea what women did," said student Jessica Feil, 28.

Christopherson said she always tries to tread carefully around such topics.

"Values play such a huge role in [sexuality], especially in the state of Utah. Never once has a student been asked to give up their values," she said. "But we need to be knowledgable about what's going on in society."

The professor also aims to keep it professional. Apparently, she's successful.

"You don't leave this class turned on," said one student.

Several of the students said they are leaving the class better students, and better people.

"In my parents' case, I believe in the stork," said Feil. "But I think, overall, ignorance is always a disadvantage. Some things I now know from this class can work to my advantage."

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Values play such a huge role in [sexuality], especially in the state of Utah. Never once has a student been asked to give up their values," she said. "But we need to be knowledgable about what's going on in society.

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-Cynthia Christopherson, about her Human Sexuality class.