Sociology and Criminology

Sexualities / Intimacies / Intersections (Aut)

Module code: L4062A
Level 6
30 credits in autumn semester
Teaching method: Workshop
Assessment modes: Coursework

Sexuality and sexual politics are central to social life. On this module, you will explore, assess and apply intersectional and queer approaches to issues surrounding sexuality and its entanglement with gender, race, ability and other vectors of power. You will engage with cases of sexual politics, from LGBT demands for rights and inclusion, to queer anti-assimilation activism, to LGBT asylum seeker claims.

These cases, together with theoretical and empirical endeavours around topics such as sexuality, space and the body; homonationalism; sexual violence; compulsory heterosexuality and homonormativity, will enable you to analyse the social importance of the intersections of sexuality from a sociological perspective. You will be invited to apply your learning to your own empirical research and lived experience.

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