Gender and Sexuality in Society and Culture

Is sex only a question of biology? Is sexuality the “natural” consequence of sexual difference? How do difference and desire influence ethnicities and “race”? Since the 20th century these questions have been responded to in startling new ways. Masculinity and femininity are not seen as unique essences, but as cultural constructions: the term “gender” has changed our vision of the world. Also sexuality is not just seen as a sheer force of nature, but as a powerful social experience. Likewise, cultural difference, race and ethnicity have their own social histories and ideologies. This minor explores social constructions of femininity and masculinity, normal and perverse sexuality and racial marking through cultural texts like manifestos, music videos, novels, poetry, paintings, films, commercials, sculpture, scripture and historiography. It aims to connect present-day (cultural) activism to relevant genealogies of rigorous studies of gender, sexuality, and race.

The Gender and Sexuality minor supports all university study programs by teaching students how to use sophisticated conceptual tools to analyze difference and diversity. Courses can be taken as electives, with preference given to students who register for the entire minor.

Maximum number of participants: 60
Prospectus number: 5000MGENDN
Class number: 1377
Language: English