The Sexuality Studies Minor offers a broad interdisciplinary investigation of sexuality as a crucial aspect of
human experience, integrating the study of sexuality into such fields as art, literature, psychology, sociology,
biology, and education. This undergraduate program encourages students to question the meaning of sexual norms in
a wide variety of cultural contexts. It fosters understanding of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and
heterosexual sexualities. Courses focus on the ways that sexuality shapes social traditions and identities, as well
as how such factors as race, class, and gender intersect with sexuality. These courses also challenge the
privileging of certain categories over others, examining how such social hierarchies function. The minor stresses
the importance of sexuality in all aspects of human activity and problematizes such terms as "natural" and
"normal," which are used to consecrate certain sexual expressions and vilify others. Sexuality Studies offers
students not only the opportunity to analyze the world in which they live, but also the chance to create the means
to re-envision society and enact social change. The minor involves one mandatory entry-level course, "Introduction to Sexuality Studies"
(SS 100), one Senior-Level course, "Advanced Topics in Sexuality Studies" (SS 400) and 9 credit hours of courses
with the "SS" designation. |
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Sexuality Studies is a program expressive of Western Illinois University's stated commitment to equality, social justice, and diversity and to creating a challenging educational experience in a supportive educational environment.
This site is a prototype for a program in development, not one that already exists at WIU. Your feedback is welcome as construction gets underway.