SOC 210 - Sociology of Sexualities

 
Description
This course is a sociological analysis of sexualities. As such, it focuses on the interactions between sexual identities, desires and activities and how they are shaped by the social context in which they exist. This includes cross-cultural and historical analyses of how sexualities are experienced and lived differently within these varied contexts. A particular focus is on the organization of sexual life in the contemporary world, including increasing sexual identities, consumer society and increasing global diversity.

1. Analyze the theories sociologists use to describe and explain sexual behaviors and identities and the ways that sociological research is used to build those theories.
2. Explain changes in the organization and meaning of sexual behavior in a variety of socio-historical contexts.
3. Examine how social institutions and organizations shape sexuality, including the ways that they define certain sexualities as normal and others as deviant.
4. Examine the relationships between sexual identities and cultural groups in an increasingly diverse context.
5. Analyze the development of individual sexuality over the life course, including how social context shapes that development.

1. Sociological approaches to understanding sexuality
2. Sociological theories about sexuality
3. Research techniques used to build theories and the relationships between theory and methods
4. The relationship between sexual identity, desire and behavior and what social forces shape this relationship
5. Sexuality and the life course, including sexual socialization
6. Institutional efforts to control sexuality and the impact of these efforts
7. The relationship between gender and sexuality in a variety of socio-historical contexts
8. Sex and consumer capitalism including pornography, sex work and the sale of other sex-related commodities
9. Sexuality and health, including sexually transmitted infections, pregnancy and contraception and trans health care
10. Sexuality and globalization, including sex tourism and sex trafficking

• Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
• Culture Society & Citizenship

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