Sexualities Cluster

This cluster will explore human sexualities from a variety of disciplinary and topical perspectives. While we tend to speak of sexuality in the singular, it actually encompasses a broad array of behaviors and beliefs which differ quite radically across cultures and time. Bodily sex, reproductive functions, and erotic expressions are all part of what we call "sexuality" and can be viewed from multiple vantage points, for example, historically, cross-culturally, biologically, through literature or the arts. All of the courses begin with the presumption that sexed bodies and expressions of desire are both socially constructed and highly contested. Furthermore, sex and sexuality are interwoven with other social categories, such as gender, race, class, and nationality. This topic will enable a complex exploration of the constitutive work of sexuality in the formation of social institutions and power relations. Finally, this is a theme which lends itself to interdisciplinary education, cutting across the divides between the arts, humanities, social sciences, and physical sciences.

Cluster Coordinator: Ann Mussey
Office: NH 470
Phone: 503-725-8441
E-mail: musseya@pdx.edu

Sophomore Inquiry: Sexualities

This course will look at sexuality with its multiple meanings as body, desire, identity, and reproduction from a variety of different perspectives. We will consider sex and sexed body as historical constructions and explore the debates about the role of biology and culture in shaping desires, practices, and identities. We will then look at specific examples in which sexualities are regulated by societies. Finally, we will explore the interweaving of sex, race, class, and nationality.

This SINQ leads to the Sexualities Cluster.

Approved Cluster Courses: Academic Year 08-09