Political Science: The Politics of Sex

The evolution of sexual politics within the United States. Includes examinations of shifting debates over marriage, reproduction, abortion, LGBT rights, sex education, and teen sexuality. Prerequisite: POLS 1300, POLS 1013, GSWS 1500, or GSWS 1010. Cross-listed with: GSWS 2765.

Prerequisite: POLS 1300, POLS 1013, GSWS 1500, or GSWS 1010. PACE students with permission and override. Cross-listed with: GSWS 2765 A, total combined enrollment = 41

Many of today's most divisive political battlegrounds concern sex and sexuality. While particular issues come and go, sex and sexuality have always been the subjects of cultural and legal policing. This course uses an interdisciplinary approach to explore the evolution of sexual politics within the United States. Among the questions we will consider are the following: How has sex and sexuality been regulated in American history, and by whom? Why, when, and how do particular aspects of sex and sexuality become the subjects of contention? How are issues of sex and sexuality affected by gender, race, and class? And to what extent are battles over sex and sexuality today similar to or different from earlier battles? By the end of this course, you should be able to: 1) demonstrate substantial knowledge and understanding of the ways in which culture, law and politics interact to regulate sex and sexuality; 2) recognize and articulate the ways that current battles over sex and sexuality are part of a moving stream of attempts to contain and channel sex; 3) demonstrate substantial knowledge and understanding of why the subjects of sex and sexuality can provoke such profound cultural fear and anxiety; and 4) demonstrate substantial knowledge and understanding of how cultural changes can create new avenues for sexual expression and can also inspire new battles to channel sex and sexuality into 'appropriate' venues.

This class combines lecture and discussion formats. Students should expect to spend 6-7 hours a week on coursework outside of class, with additional time for the semester paper. There is one required book: D'Emilio, John and Estelle Freedman. Intimate Matters: A History of Sexuality in the United States. 3rd ed. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2012. This book is available in both print (ISBN: 9780226923802) and e-versions, and costs under $30.

Grades are based on two exams (a midterm and a final), a term paper, and journal entries designed to encourage you to do the readings before class.