Overview
This introductory interdisciplinary course examines sexuality as a social, cultural, historical, political, and embodied phenomenon. It introduces foundational concepts including sexual identity and orientation, gender, sex, embodiment, heteronormativity, cisnormativity, intersectionality, social construction, stigma, privilege, and sexual citizenship.
Students analyze sexual socialization, relationships and intimacy, cultural variation in sexual norms, religion and morality, and the intersections of sexuality with race, class, disability, nationality, and other dimensions of social difference. The course also examines LGBTQ+ histories and communities, sexual politics and policy, media representations, sexual health and rights, consent and communication, and sexual violence.
Attention is given to the influence of family, education, medicine, law, religion, and other institutions on sexual experiences and social norms. Students evaluate scholarly and popular claims, interpret historical and cross-cultural evidence, locate credible sources, construct evidence-based arguments, and participate in ethical, respectful, and inclusive discussion of contemporary issues.
Learning Outcomes
- Define major theories, concepts, and terminology in sexuality studies, including heteronormativity, cisnormativity, intersectionality, social construction, stigma, privilege, and sexual citizenship.
- Compare social, cultural, historical, and political approaches to the study of sexuality.
- Analyze sexual identities, relationships, institutions, policies, and media representations through an intersectional lens.
- Evaluate historical, cross-cultural, scholarly, and popular claims about sexuality using appropriate evidence and source criticism.
- Locate, assess, and properly acknowledge credible academic and public sources relevant to sexuality studies.
- Construct evidence-based arguments concerning sexuality, sexual health, rights, consent, communication, and sexual politics.
- Apply respectful, inclusive, and ethically informed language and discussion practices when engaging with diverse experiences and contested issues.
Timetable
| Type | Length | Frequency | Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | 2 hours | Weekly | All semester |
| Tutorial | 1 hour | Weekly | All semester |
| Workshop | 2 hours | Fortnightly | All semester |
Assessment Schedule
| Type | Description | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Assignment | Critical analysis essay | 25.00% |
| Deliverable | Source evaluation portfolio | 15.00% |
| Quiz | Quizzes (4 × 5%) | 20.00% |
| Tutorial | Tutorial participation and discussion preparation | 10.00% |
| Test | Mid-semester test | 15.00% |
| Assignment | Evidence-based research essay | 15.00% |
Prerequisites
- Requirement 5 NCEA Level 2 English credits, externally assessed
Teaching Staff & Programs
This course is delivered jointly by faculty from the participating programs listed below. In line with the Douchewater Way, the University of Sexology tailors core instruction directly to each cohort's specific discipline — adapting curriculum to program needs rather than forcing students into a one-size-fits-all model. Learn more about our approach at The Douchewater Way.
