Course Goals:
This course will examine the history of sexuality in North America from European encounters with First Nations people to present debates over gay marriage, paying careful attention to how gender, race and class affect sexuality. Topics to be covered include: changing ideas/practices around courtship and marriage; the development of gay/lesbian/queer identities; sexual violence and slavery; the sexual revolution; sexually transmitted diseases; sex and the Cold War; birth control, and sex work.
Learning Outcomes:
- You will be able to explain how attitudes towards gender and sexuality in North America have changed from the 17th century to the present. As part of this, you will be able to explicate some of the uncertainties/contradictions in the history of gender and sexuality
- You will gain experience at interpreting difficult primary documents, such as novels, diaries and movies.
- You will improve your written and analytical skills by writing two papers and a take-home final.
Requirements:
Primary Source Analysis (5 Pages): 25%
Essay (7-8 Pages): 35%
Exam: 30%
Reading Responses: 10%
Textbooks Required:
No Required textbooks
* Please note: This is a preliminary web course description only. The department reserves the right to change without notice any information in this description. The final, binding course outline will be distributed in the first class of the semester.
