Professor Macklin presides over a "sex and the human condition" seminar at Bedford University in New York City. At the outset of the semester controversy rears its ugly head as it is unearthed that student government President Sarah had an affair with a professor, a fact that is about to be reported by the school newspaper, whose editor is Richard, a rich recovering alcoholic.
Lee's girlfriend breaks some news to him that will alter the course of their lives forever. Meanwhile, Owen has sex with Sarah's roommate, while a wistful Natalie continues to pine for him.
Professor Macklin tackles the subject of confidentiality after Lee’s life becomes newspaper gossip fodder, but the newspaper editor Richard tries to use the first amendment as his defense. Meanwhile, Sarah’s new relationship with an athlete has an ulterior motive unbeknownst to her.
Richard unknowingly begins dating Professor Macklin's ex-wife. Natalie begins to see a whole new side to Owen when he tries to handle a patient's crush on him. Meanwhile, the class is given the subject of sexual manipulation and begins to examine its consequences.
Owen tries to set up a perfect date with Natalie, as the class goes into a debate about what constitutes real love versus simply sex. This prompts Sarah to stop seeing her athlete boyfriend when she realizes what they have isn’t love. Meanwhile, Lee gets heavily addicted to internet poker, while things get sticky for Richard when he, Professor Macklin and Katrina run into one another at a concert.
The class topic for the week is passion. Zoe tries to find her passion, in the absence of one, and ends up vying to become the school mascot. Richard throws his muscle around with Katrina to utilize her connections with some high-ranking New York politicians.
A depressed Richard ends up with his former flame, Natalie, after Katrina decides to return to Professor Macklin, but Owen is soon depressed over his own loss of Natalie. Lee turns to a last ditch effort of purchasing a vital term paper after his gambling addiction spins out of control. Meanwhile, Zoe considers that one way to make Lee notice her is to lose her virginity to another guy.
Professor Macklin sets abstinence as the new class topic. When Owen asks Natalie for a chance to stay at her pad for a few days and she refuses, the two realize the dynamic between them has changed, but his haughty response further drives her into Richard's arms.