WAS FORMERLY TITLED VARIATIONS IN HUMAN SEXUALITY I
OPEN TO UNDERGRADUATES ONLY

Starting with the premise that sexual meanings and practices are
socially organized, the course first challenges assumptions about
the “naturalness” of sexual organization in the contemporary United
States by exploring the quite different ways sexuality has been
structured in other times and in other places.  Then we turn to the
diversity of sexual experience in the American context.  To further
dislodge notions that sex is a simple biological function, the
course will investigate the myriad meanings of sexuality.  While
some think that sex is for pleasure, others believe it belongs only
in the context of exclusive, loving relationships, and perhaps
should be primarily for reproduction.  Some use sex as a way of
achieving power over others.  Sexuality is also a source of
identity, self-esteem, and status.  While most see sexuality as a
private issue, the state has a stake in private sexual practices,
because sex is also a public health and social welfare issue.  How
people make sense of sex influences what kinds of sexual practices
and relationships they see as acceptable.  Who are acceptable
partners?  How many?  Of what age, race, gender?  Beliefs about
sexuality vary by gender, culture, religion, urbanity, age, cohort,
physical attractiveness and other dimensions.  And, it is not just
groups that vary; individuals themselves are frequently
inconsistent.  What people want may be different than what they do.
Sexual practices may not be related to sexual identities.  These
themes are explored through a variety of topics including: childhood
sexual socialization (including teenage sexuality and teen
pregnancy); adult masculinities/femininities and heterosexuality;
date rape; gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender identities;
relational sexuality (including heterosexual marital relationships
and lesbian/gay relationships); alternative sexualities
(pornography, S/M, non-monogamy, and public sex); sex work; and
sexually transmitted diseases.