ATS3715 - Sexuality and society - 2017

This unit will investigate the meaning and construction of sexualities in Western culture, using a range of theoretical approaches; explore the relationship between gender and sexuality; investigate the regulation of sexuality through a variety of social institutions; explore a range of areas such as sex education, sexual relationships and intimacy, sexual identities, gender identities, prostitution, pornography and sexual health; and examine the cultural representation of various sexualities and the impacts of these representations.

Upon successful completion of this unit students will have:

1. Become familiar with a range of theoretical understandings of sexuality in Western society.
2. The ability to use these approaches to analyse a variety of areas in which sexuality is experienced in social life.
3. An understanding of the diversity of sexual desires, practices and identities.
4. Increased awareness of the gender differences in perceptions and experiences of sexualities.
5. An understanding of the range of social institutions that reinforce and challenge notions of sexuality.

Within semester assessment: 100%

Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study. A unit requires on average three/four hours of scheduled activities per week. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher directed learning, peer directed learning and online engagement.

See also Unit timetable information

Dr Kirsten McLean

Sociology

Twelve credit points of second-year Arts units. It is highly recommended that students only take this unit after they have completed two gateway units in Sociology.

ATS2715