Beyond Porn: Sexuality, Health and Pleasure (221-0-20)

Instructors

Noelle Sullivan
847/467-2780
1800 Sherman Ave, Suite 1-200, #1-102, Evanston

Meeting Info

Harris Hall 107: Mon, Wed, Fri 3:00PM - 3:50PM

Overview of class

Threesomes. Squirting. Vibrators. Butt plugs. Multiple orgasms. You may have seen them in pornography, but have you ever wanted to study and talk about sex, and specifically, how to have a satisfying sex life? Many people look to pornography not just for entertainment, but also for education about what satisfying sexual encounters look like. Unfortunately, much of what people learn from pornography doesn't lead them to healthy and satisfying sexual encounters and relationships. This lecture class isn't actually about pornography. It goes beyond many presumptions about sex and pleasure depicted in pornography, the media, and popular culture, in order to equip students with information that can lead to more satisfying and healthy sexual experiences across their lifespan, regardless of how they identify, or who or what they like. The course also familiarizes students with a wide spectrum of human identities, practices, and attitudes towards sex and sexuality. The course includes lectures from guest speakers with expertise or experience in topics covered. Possible topics covered include: physiological and biological sex; gender & gender norms; sexual orientation; navigating sexual risks in a sex-positive way; sexual health disparities; sexual desire, arousal, and response; solitary sex & sex with others; sex toys; unconventional sexual practices; intimacy and effective communication; sexuality & aging; sexuality, disability & intimacy; sexual problems and solutions; sexual harassment and violence; hallmarks of great relationships; and yes, dotted through the quarter are some references to pornography.

Learning Objectives

• Recognize and articulate the relationship between societal norms, individuals' attitudes and traits, and the behaviors of individuals and groups when it comes to sex, gender, and sexuality.
• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of what social science and public health literatures tell us about how culture and power inform how people think and behave relating to sexuality and gender, and incorporate sex-positive cultural and scientific understandings into their own ideas about the ethical and political components of human sexuality.
• Develop the ability to critique theories, claims, and policies in the social and behavioral sciences and the wider public sphere through careful evaluation of an argument's major assertions, assumptions, evidential basis, and explanatory utility with regards to claims about ‘healthy', ‘normal' or ‘proper' human sexuality.
• Speak comfortably and knowledgeably about human sex and sexuality.
• Describe strategies for maximizing their own and their (current or future) partners' sexual health and pleasure, while minimizing risks for self and others.

Teaching Method

Class participation, guest speakers, lecture, online work, readings, writing assignments

Evaluation Method

polling, quizzes, final exam, homework, papers, readings, writing assignments.

Class Materials (Required)

All course materials will be provided in Canvas.

Class Attributes

Social and Behavioral Science Foundational Discipl
U.S. Perspectives on Power, Justice, and Equity
Social & Behavioral Sciences Distro Area

Enrollment Requirements

Enrollment Requirements: Pre-registration is reserved for Gender & Sexuality Studies students