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2015/16 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

SLSP3982 Sex Work: Theory, Policy and Politics

20 creditsClass Size: 160

Module manager: Teela Sanders
Email: t.l.m.sanders@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable

Year running 2015/16

Pre-requisite qualifications

At least 20 credits at Level 1and 2 (40 in total) from a social science related discipline or the appropriate discovery theme.

This module is approved as a discovery module

Module summary

- Why do men buy sex?- Is a brothel like any other business?- What is the relationship between sex and drug markets?- Would it be better to license brothels and have toleration zones?- Is it exploitative to sell sexual labour?- How do sex workers control their work?- Why is there a mass sex economy in the West?This module explores the complexities of the sex industry: from men who buy sex, women who work as sex workers on the street, as escorts or in massage parlours, third parties that own and manage business, and those who are exploited through unregulated markets. We will examine the cultural context of buying sex in the West, the development of the 'sex economy' as entertainment, including lap dancing bars , stag weekends, and sex tourism. The law, criminal justice and social policy relating to prostitution and sex work will be examined in the UK and within a wider global focus. What does the sex industry tell us about gender, racial and sexual inequalities and why does the sex industry have such a prominent place in the culture of late modernity?This module will make you think about sex in a whole new way. A ten week module consisting of one lecture and one seminar a week where heated discussions take place, at the end of which students are assessed through a 5,000 word essay.Contact: Dr Teela Sanders t.l.m.sanders@leeds.ac.uk

Objectives

On completion of this module, students should:
- be familiar with contemporary debates on globalisation, consumerism, prostitution, sex tourism, the commercial sexual exploitation of children;
- be able to relate these debates to sociological questions concerning structure and agency, and the articulation of gender, race and class;
- be able to demonstrate an ability to think, discuss and write about these debates critically and sociologically.

Skills outcomes
Oral and written presentation skills, research skill, IT skills.

Syllabus

The module aims to introduce students to debates on globalisation and the global sex trade within broader questions about the articulation of gendered, racialised, sexualised and ages power, consumerism and identity. It traces the historical legacy of Western forms of sexual exploitation and explores debates on globalisation and consumption by looking at supply and demand sides of the global sex trade.

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Lecture	10	1.00	10.00
Seminar	10	1.00	10.00
Private study hours			180.00
Total Contact hours			20.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			200.00

Private study

40 hours preparing for lectures, 60 hours preparing for tutorials, 60 hours preparing for essay, 20 hours on independent research for presentations.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Attendance at tutorials

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Essay	5,000 words	100.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		100.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 14/04/2015

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