INTRODUCTION TO SEXUALITY STUDIES

Introduction

This first module will introduce you to the field of sexuality studies. We will start by asking questions about what sex and sexuality are, and will then consider the history of the academic study of sex. You will learn about the emergence of sexual sciences in the 19th century as well as some of the most significant feminist, gay, lesbian, and queer contributions to the field in the 20th century.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, you should be able to: 

• Recognize some key figures in the development of sexuality studies
• Describe how several disciplines and political perspectives have impacted the formation of sexuality studies 
• Explain a number of key terms in sexuality studies, such as biological essentialism, the social construction of sexualities, sexual objectification, sex negativity and sex positivity

Moving Forward

Each module contains a Big Idea + Lesson page, an Assigned Resources page, and a Summary page. Visit each section below by clicking or tapping the images and work through the assigned activities to complete this module.