Sex and Society: An Introduction

This seminar is an introduction to sociological literature on the pleasures, power, and problems of sex. It is impossible to understand sexuality as separate from other dimensions of the human condition—economics, politics, work, family, race, and gender. Therefore, we will place sexuality in dynamic interaction with larger social issues. In particular, we will examine questions related to morality, sex work, desire and fantasy, the science of sex, and sexual politics. Class materials include sociological, scientific, and philosophical texts and films. Students should leave the course with an appreciation for sexuality as a social, not just personal, phenomenon. 3 hrs. sem.