T451 Topical Seminar in Media and Society, Section 4523
Topic: Sex and the Media

Prerequisites: T205 or T207 or consent of instructor

Course Objectives:  This course will examine the role and portrayal
of sex and sexuality in media from a historical, economic, legal and
social scientific perspective.  The course will include sections in
which we track the evolution of media sexuality as well as consider
the economic impact of sexually related content in various media.
We will also consider the storied legal history of censorship and
media sex.  Finally, we will spend a good deal of time examining the
potential social and psychological effects of exposure to sexual
content in the media.  Some of the content covered in lectures,
discussions, screenings and readings will be from more mainstream
media, and hence less likely to be found offensive by students.
Students should be aware however, that we will also be discussing
and screening content that some individuals could find very
offensive; including highly explicit pornographic content.  The
primary objective of this course is to provide students with an
understanding of the various social, psychological, legal, and
economic aspects of media presentations of sex and sexuality.

Course Format:  The course will be medium in size.  It will include
lectures, class discussions, and screenings, and in-class
presentations.  In addition, several speakers from various
professional backgrounds will give guest presentations.  The entire
class will also visit the Kinsey Institute as a group for a tour and
presentation.

Requirements the course will meet:  This course is taught as part of
the Media and Society undergraduate major area.  It may count toward
COAS and / or Department of Telecommunications 300-400 level course
requirements.

Required Texts:  A collection of required readings from various
essays and book chapters will be available.