PE 4450 - Politics of Gender & Sexuality

Institution:

SUNY College at Old Westbury

Subject:

Politics

Description:

This course examines constructions of gender and sexuality as well as gender and sexual heirarchies in the United States. The particular definitions of "gender" and "sexuality" that we sometimes take for granted today have been produced and contested over time; they are not necessarily stable and can be re-produced and re-contested. We will examine these historical contestations while also taking into account that these terms as we often use them today--very particular and value-laden definitions of these terms--have contributed to shaping our ways of thinking. Consequently, they have also contributed to shaping our identities, our opportunities, our social behaviors, and our laws. After beginning with historical and theoretical overviews, we will then analyze the development and implementation of public policies in such areas as childbearing and abortion, affirmitive action, sexual harassment, forcible rape and domestic violence, marriage, nonmarital sex, welfare reform, and political participation and representation. We will investigate questions such as what role can, does, and should the state play in regulating gender and sexuality--what is the dividing line between protecting versus policing gender expression and sexual expression? How have certain constructions of gender and sexuality been used to wield power against people of color, people in poverty, and people who are unmarried? How has such oppression been resisted and what have been the effects of such resistance?

Credits:

4.00

Credit Hours:

Prerequisites:

Corequisites:

Exclusions:

Level:

Instructional Type:

Lecture

Notes:

Additional Information:

Historical Version(s):

Institution Website:

www.oldwestbury.edu

Phone Number:

(516) 876-3000

Regional Accreditation:

Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools

Calendar System:

Semester

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