Why?
Sexuality lies at the core of our identities as human beings, yet education and research in sexuality still lag behind other fields. As a result, many men and women are ignorant about their sexual bodies, have difficulty communicating on sexual matters, make unwise choices in their own sex lives, or hold prejudicial opinions concerning the sex lives of others. The objectives of this course are to help you (1) make more informed decisions about your own sex lives, (2) evaluate the many statements, moral arguments, and research findings concerning sexuality that you are exposed to on a daily basis, and (3) deal with sexual issues that may arise in your future careers.
What?
This 3-unit lecture course replaces a course taught at Stanford for over 30 years by Prof. Herant Katchadourian. It emphasizes diversity—both in sexual feelings and expression and in the variety of academic approaches to the subject. Topics covered include the evolutionary context of human sexuality, sexual biology, sexual behavior, attraction and arousal, relationships, sexual minorities, atypical sexual expression, pregnancy and childbirth, contraception and abortion, sexual dysfunctions, sexually transmitted diseases, sexual development and aging, coercive sex, prostitution, and pornography. There is the option of writing a term paper: students who wish to do this should register for 4 units.
Who?
The instructor, Simon LeVay, is a neuroscientist who is particularly well known for a 1991 study on the brain basis of sexual orientation. He is the author or co-author of 8 books including the course textbook, Human Sexuality (Sinauer Associates, 2002).
When?
Winter quarter, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12.45 to 2:00 PM.
