Fall 2018 - SA 337 J100
Sexuality and Society (S) (4)
Class Number: 2140
Delivery Method: In Person
Overview
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Course Times + Location:
Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2018: Thu, 5:30–9:20 p.m.
Surrey
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Instructor:
Jillian Deri
jhderi@sfu.ca
Office: TBA
Office Hours: TH 21:30-22:30
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Prerequisites:
SA 101 or 150 or 201W.
Description
CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:
The categories that organize our understandings of sex, gender and sexuality have powerful histories and roles in organizing social relations in western society. Social activists and academics contest the naturalness of these categories, particularly that of the binary opposition between male and female, and related assumptions about sexuality and sexual orientation. This course encompasses a range of perspectives on sex/gender identity, sexuality, and the relationship between the two. These perspectives include feminist, lesbian and gay, and queer and transgender challenges to traditional understandings of sex/gender identity and sexuality.
COURSE DETAILS:
Gayle Rubin, in 1984, argued that, “sexual acts are burdened with an excess of significance,” meaning that sexuality is disproportionally judged, regulated and punished. The social terrain has shifted significantly since then, yet this sentiment persists. In our hyper-sexualized culture, sex is often overemphasized as being of central importance to consumers, while simultaneously, authentic sexual experiences are scarcely represented. This seminar is a frank and critical look at the intersection of sexuality and social life since the Sexual Revolution. Starting from a Feminist Intersectionality perspective, we will look at how sexuality acquires its meaning through social relations. Intersectionality rejects moral absolutism and instead prioritizes diversity by developing understandings of sexual variation, while retaining a critical lens on the effects of sexuality. Students will learn multiple approaches to study sexuality (including feminisms, queer theory, sociological), then critically analyze and apply such perspectives to a range of social issues that intersect with sexuality (including gender, race/ethnicity, class, media, health, ability, emotions, technology). This course interrogates the intricate connection between the mind, the body and society.
Grading
- Presentation 15%
- Annotated bibliography 10%
- Midterm project 20%
- Research paper proposal 5%
- Final research paper 35%
- Participation 10%
NOTES:
Grading: Where a final exam is scheduled and you do not write the exam or withdraw from the course before the deadline date, you will be assigned an N grade. Unless otherwise specified on the course outline, all other graded assignments in this course must be completed for a final grade other than N to be assigned.
Academic Dishonesty and Misconduct Policy: The Department of Sociology and Anthropology follows SFU policy in relation to grading practices, grade appeals (Policy T 20.01) and academic dishonesty and misconduct procedures (S10.01‐S10.04). Unless otherwise informed by your instructor in writing, in graded written assignments you must cite the sources you rely on and include a bibliography/list of references, following an instructor-approved citation style. It is the responsibility of students to inform themselves of the content of SFU policies available on the SFU website: http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student.html.
Materials
REQUIRED READING:
All readings will be posted on Canvas as well as being available through SFU’s Library database. Further readings and videos may be assigned in class.
Registrar Notes:
SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://students.sfu.ca/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating. Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.
Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community. Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS