Document Type

Syllabus

Publication Date

Spring 2024

Course Description

What does sociology have to do with sexuality? Sexuality is generally conceived of as an intensely personal and private issue. Sexuality is seen as simply being a part of “human nature.” In this course, we will question these taken-for-granted assumptions concerning sexuality. We will investigate the social complexity of sexuality as the meanings and embodiments of sex are constantly under negotiation both publicly and privately. In order to achieve this goal, we will look at cultural and historical understandings of sexuality, in addition to assessing current beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors in the United States. We will see how our sexuality is affected by larger social structures and power differentials such as our gender, race/ethnicity, social class, age, religion, ability, and location. The course begins by addressing methodological issues with studying sexuality in the social sciences. Next, we look at various agents of sexual socialization. We then explore how people embrace various sexual practices and identities. The effects of technology are examined. Finally, we discuss various kinds of commercial sex with special attention to the feminist debates regarding sex work.

Student Outcomes

1) To appreciate the sociological study of sexuality and the associated methodological quandaries. 2) To explore the diverse array of sexual identities, practices, and lifestyles existing in our society as well as other societies both contemporarily and historically. 3) To understand how the sexual self is socialized through various agents of socialization. 4) To recognize how larger social structural and cultural conflicts (especially race/ethnicity, class, and gender) affect the embodiment of sexuality. 5) To explore the impact of technology on sexual practices, definitions, and identities. 6) To appreciate the diversity of experiences in commercial sex and to move beyond dichotomous theorizing about sex work.

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