Overview of Course

Humans are sexual beings from the moment they are born until they die. What does it mean to be a sexual being? How does culture influence sexuality? Cultures around the world have many different perspectives, beliefs, values, laws, and ideas about sexuality. In this course we will use cross-cultural and developmental frameworks to examine the sociocultural aspects of sexuality in our home countries and the countries we will visit. Students will gain an understanding of the diversity and breadth of human sexuality while we compare and contrast issues related to sexuality along our voyage. Students will learn how sexuality is influenced by culture, society, family, media, religion, and other institutions. Students will explore how sex is depicted in popular culture and topics including sexual expression, reproductive rights, contraceptive use, sexual orientation, sexual exploitation, pornography, sexual assault and trafficking, abortion, sexual stereotypes and double standards, and sexuality education across the various places we will travel.