131-033 A History of Sexualities

This is a core subject for the interdepartmental program in gender studies.

Usually 25 points of first-year history, see Prerequisites, or first-year gender studies, see Prerequisites.

How has sexual identity and practice been understood, represented and expressed from the late 19th to the late 20th century? This course will analyse these themes with particular attention to theories of sexuality from the sexologists to Freud, feminism and queer theory. It will also explore the history of bisexuality, transvestism, and gay and lesbian movements. On completion of this subject, students should understand the ways in which sexuality both has a history, and is contested.

• demonstrate research skills through competent use of the library and other information sources;

• show critical thinking and analysis through recommended reading, essay writing and tutorial discussion, and by determining the strength of an argument;

• demonstrate understanding of social, ethical and cultural context through the contextualisation of judgements, developing a critical self-awareness, being open to new ideas and possibilities and by constructing an argument;

• be able to communicate knowledge intelligibly and economically through essay writing and tutorial discussion.

A research essay of 2500 words 55% (due mid semester), a reflective essay of 1500 words 35% (due at the end of semester) and tutorial participation 10%.