Sociology and Criminology

Sexualities / Intimacies / Intersections

Module code: L4062B
Level 6
30 credits in spring semester
Teaching method: Lecture, Seminar
Assessment modes: Coursework

Sexualities and intimacies are central to social life involving our bodies, emotions, identities, desires/non desires and our significant ‘others’. By exploring contemporary issues and debates surrounding sexualities and intimacies from intersectional, feminist and queer perspectives, this module will develop your understanding of how penalties and privileges our allocated to different bodies and practices.

We’ll examine the entanglements of sexualities and intimacies with gender, race, dis/ability and other vectors of power. These issues will be examined in relation to a range of topics such as:

• sexualities and disabilities
• sexual violence
• compulsory heterosexuality and non-monogamies
• asexualities
• asylum seeking.

Module learning outcomes

• Demonstrate a critical awareness and understanding of contemporary debates and issues around sexualities and intimacies
• Critically analyse and evaluate the ways in which gender, class, ‘race’ and ethnicity, dis/ability, age and immigration status intersect with issues of sexuality
• Demonstrate a critical and practical working knowledge of feminist, queer and intersectional approaches to sexualities and intimacies including research methodologies
• Apply relevant intersectional and queer theories of sexuality to real world instances, situations and/or experiences of sexualities to consolidate and extend knowledge
• Make appropriate use of empirical data and theoretical work to produce coherent and detailed written work for generalist and specialist audiences