Gender and Sexuality Courses at St. Olaf College
(Courses from 2007-2008)
Fall 2008
Family Studies 253: Human Sexuality
Instructor: Sharon Powell (Syllabus)
This course explores the varied dimensions of human sexuality as they relate to, affect and are affected by past and present human relationships. Sexual problems and issues are re-examined for the development of personal value framework and for the enrichment of family life. The course emphasizes critical thinking skills applied to current issues in human sexuality (e.g. gay marriage, gender issues, sexual violence). Students examine issues in contemporary research and ethics in sexuality.
Religion 344: Feminist Christian Ethics
Instructor: David Booth
How might the Christian ethical systems which have dominated western culture look different if women's experiences and perspectives had been more centrally included? This course focuses on the continuities and contrasts between traditional Jewish and Christian ethics and the feminist and womanist ethical challenges to them which have emerged over the last quarter century. Prerequisite: completion of BTS-B and BTS-T.
Sociology/Anthropology 260: Marriage and the Family
Instructor: Trina Smith
This course provides a social science understanding of the "contemporary American family" and analysis of marriage and family issues from a cross-cultural perspective. Students discuss issues of dating and mate selection, marital and parent-child relationships over the family life cycle, gender issues, work and family roles, and problem-related issues affecting families (divorce, violence and death) caused by rapid changes in society.
Interim 2009
Religion 209: Introduction to Feminist Theology
Instructor: David Booth
Students examine traditional Christian doctrines in light of feminist critiques and reformulations. The course focuses especially upon language and images of God, the person of Christ and the work of redemption and understandings of human nature. Students evaluate arguments for and against the compatibility of Christianity and feminism. Prerequisite: BTS-B.
Sociology/Anthropology 246: GLBT Lives and Issues
Instructor: Bruce Nordstrom-Loeb
This course explores the lives of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people from several social science perspectives. We'll look at whether gender and sexual orientation (both heterosexual and homosexual) are socially constructed or biologically natural, and what cross-cultural and historical examples can tell us. We'll look at controversies over the family and religious status of GLBT people, why homosexuality has become such a political issue, and movements for change. Offered during Interim.
Spring 2009
American Studies 301: Gender and Sexuality in Twentieth Century United States
Instructor: Mary Titus
In this seminar, we will explore selected "moments" in the intertwined histories of gender and sexuality, approaching each from more than one disciplinary perspective. We might begin with George Chauncey's historical study Gay New York: Gender, Urban Culture, and the Making of the Gay Male World, 1890-1940 followed by selections from the fiction and poetry of Harlem Renaissance figures such as Langston Hughes, Bruce Nugent, and Claude McKay. We will probably consider the significance of Alfred Kinsey, including his current incarnation in the film "Kinsey." We'll likely read "A Streetcar named Desire" by Tennessee Williams, view the film version starring Marlon Brando and Vivien Leigh, and then read a revision of the play titled "Belle Reprieve" written and staged by the lesbian-feminist theater company Split Britches. Other places we might land and explore together include the birth control pill, the Vagina Monologues and/or performance art, and the contemporary transgender movement. At all times we will draw on historical and cultural studies, sociological and psychological writings, literature, film, and feminist and queer theory to enrich our understanding. Each seminar member will undertake an extensive independent research project that will contribute to the content of the seminar in the final third of the semester.
Family Studies 253: Human Sexuality
Instructor: Sharon Powell (Syllabus)
This course explores the varied dimensions of human sexuality as they relate to, affect and are affected by past and present human relationships. Sexual problems and issues are re-examined for the development of personal value framework and for the enrichment of family life. The course emphasizes critical thinking skills applied to current issues in human sexuality (e.g. gay marriage, gender issues, sexual violence). Students examine issues in contemporary research and ethics in sexuality.
Religion: Theology and Sexuality
Instructor: David Booth
Course description forthcoming. Prerequisite: BTS-B / Fulfills BTS-T.
Sociology/Anthropology 260: Marriage and the Family
Instructor: Ryan Sheppard
This course provides a social science understanding of the "contemporary American family" and analysis of marriage and family issues from a cross-cultural perspective. Students discuss issues of dating and mate selection, marital and parent-child relationships over the family life cycle, gender issues, work and family roles, and problem-related issues affecting families (divorce, violence and death) caused by rapid changes in society.
Sociology/Anthropology 261: Gender in Cross-Cultural Perspective
Instructor: Bruce Nordstrom-Loeb
This course compares gender patterns and issues in various cultures around the world, such as Latin America, the Middle East, India, the U.S., and East Asia. How do cultural expectations for women and men vary? Why do some societies have more gender equality than others? How do economic and political change, including globalization, impact gender roles? How do U.S. and Third World feminism compare? Offered Fall or Spring Semester.
Women's Studies 399: Discourses Gender
Instructor: Diane LeBlanc
The course provides a capstone to the major. Taught as a seminar, it offers an opportunity for students to integrate their studies of women across disciplines and to become more aware of the intricate web of gender, race, culture, and class that informs women's experiences. Prerequisite: Women's Studies 121. Offered each Spring Semester.
