2008/09 Undergraduate Module Catalogue
SLSP3070 Sexuality and Society
20 creditsClass Size: 100
Module manager: Dr Sally Hines
Email: S.Hines@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2008/09
Pre-requisite qualifications
40 credits at level 2 from programmes of study within the Faculty of ESSL or related disciplines.This module is approved as an Elective
Module summary
The module aims to introduce students to the social, cultural and political debates and controversies of the 20th century that have focussed on sexuality. This module examines how ideas about and attitudes to sexuality have changed since the end of the nineteenth century. Using a sociological approach, it explores social understandings and cultural representations of sexuality, and examines the historical and political contexts of changing ideas about 'normal' and 'transgressive' sexualities.Objectives
On completion of the module, students should:- Be able to analyse the ways in which particular sexual identities are defined as 'normal' or 'transgressive'.
- Be able to examine the historical, social, cultural and political processes in which these definitions have emerged.
- Be able to illustrate how these can be applied to various forms of cultural representation and movements of social change.
- Be able to relate these themes to sociological questions concerning structure and agency, social movements and politics, and families and intimate practices.
- Be able to relate these areas to social and cultural discourses around, and practices of, gender, race, age and class.
- Be able to demonstrate an ability to think, discuss and write about these areas critically and sociologically.
Learning outcomes
On completion of the module, students should:
- Demonstrate knowledge of and critically evaluate debates about the formation of sexual identities.
- Understand the significance of historical, social political and cultural contexts in contributing to changing idea about sexual identities and identify the key moments in the development of 20th century understandings.
- Analyse and discuss examples of changing representations and social movements around sexuality.
- Appreciate the contribution the discipline of Sociology can make to the analysis of sexuality.
Skills outcomes
On completion of the module student will be expected to have acquired the following transferable skills:
- Oral skills through participation in seminar discussions and presentations
- Research, ITC and study skills
- Writing skills
- Critical and independent thinking
- Working independently and using initiative
Syllabus
The module's starting point is an exploration of the Western history of sexuality from the 19th Century onwards. The module examines the development of dominant ideas around sexuality, and addresses the impact of these discourses upon contemporary understandings and practices of sexuality.
- Introduction: Studying Sexuality
- Modern Conceptions of Sexuality and the Rise of Sexology
- The Making of the 'Homosexual'
- Post-war Sexualities: From Control to Liberation 1945-1967
- Battles around Sexuality: AIDS, Clause 28; the Age of Consent; Prostitution
- The 'Sex Wars': Sexuality and Feminism
- Kings, Queens and Gender Deviants: Transgender Sexualities
- Sexuality as a Discourse: Queer Theory
- Intersecting Sexualities: Class, 'Race' and Gender
- Sexualities, Relationships and Intimacies
Teaching methods
Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
Lecture | 11 | 1.00 | 11.00 |
Seminar | 10 | 1.00 | 10.00 |
Private study hours | 179.00 | ||
Total Contact hours | 21.00 | ||
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200.00 |
Private study
40 hours preparing for lectures, 60 hours preparing for tutorials, 60 hours preparing for essays and exams, 19 hours on independent research for presentations.Opportunities for Formative Feedback
Attendance at tutorialsParticipation in tutorials
Assessed essay
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 websiteLast updated: 08/03/2010
Browse Other Catalogues
- Undergraduate module catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate module catalogue
- Undergraduate programme catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate programme catalogue
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