SOC339. Sociology of Sexuality and Gender (4cr)
How do we understand changes in sexual cultures, variations in sexual identities, and sexual interactions between men and women? This course is an introduction to the sociology of intimate relationships and sexual identities, including evolutionary psychology, Marxist theory, exchange theory, post-structuralism, symbolic interaction, queer theory, feminist theory and theories of masculinity. We also read case studies of the development of courtship in the United States, the sharing of sexual stories among Chinese women, hostess clubs in Japan and gay culture in Japan. All students participate in a joint class interview project and write several short analytical papers.
Prerequisite: SOC 201 or ANT 202 or instructor's permission.
Every other year (Autumn 2010)
Farrer (Syllabus)