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WHERE: Joe Crowley Student Union Room 317
WHEN: Thursdays 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm January 31: Introduction Facilitator: Nicole & Lisa Review course procedures & requirements to create a safe space, build a class contract, and outline a forum for discussion regarding our expectations. February 7: Communication & Consent in Relationships Facilitator: Mark Discuss the importance of honesty & communication in relationships. Topics include communication inhibitors, assert/respect consent, non-consent, desire, and boundaries (including sexual boundaries). February 14: Anatomy, Sex, & Gender Facilitator: Kris Pittman Discuss topics ranging from commonly perceived views of anatomy to an analysis of the social construction of gender & anatomical sex. We’ll also explore the spectrum of gender expression and identity as they relate to our own lives. February 21: Power & Privilege Facilitator: Mark & Jenni Look at how systems of oppression shape the ways in which individuals engage in the world and how power and privilege influence the ways we live our lives. This includes an analysis of the “-isms” and how power and privilege play a role in providing choices, opportunities, and access. February 28th: Women’s Health, Menstruation, & Motherhood Facilitator: Jenni Discuss internalized expectations for vaginal “cleanliness,” empowered gynecologist visits, and information about pelvic exams & pap smears. Celebrate the menstrual cycle while educating ourselves about ways of maintenance. Other topics covered include pregnancy, abortion, miscarriage, birth, and motherhood and the effects they have on sexuality. March 7: Contraception and Sexually Transmitted Infections Facilitator: Christopher Daniels Discuss safer sex methods, contraception options, STIs and STDs. March 14: Portrayals of Women in the Media Facilitator: Elli & Kari Look at how we internalize views of beauty and attractiveness, leading to competition, acrimony, and unhealthy relationships to our bodies. We also explore how sexuality is portrayed in popular media and analyze how such portrayals are influenced by age, race, class, etc. |
March 28: Body Image Facilitator: Kari & Elli This meeting revolves around a body image assignment, in which we share and explore personal experiences: how it feels to be inside our bodies, the different ways we view ourselves and others, what shapes our self-images, and how this may affect our lives. We discuss readings pertaining to body image, sexual self-image, and loving one’s body. April 4: Sexual Practices & Orientation Facilitator: Nicole & Michelle Looks at society’s views of, and factors shaping our sexuality including heterosexism, religion, culture, and ethnicity. Topics: sexual practices (including BDSM) and the variety within, the spectrum of sexual orientation and the expression of our sexual desires. April 11: Self-Love, Pleasure, & Orgasm Facilitator: Jenni & Lisa Looks at different models of the sexual response cycle as well as discuss the physiological and psychological factors of orgasms. We also discuss methods of self-pleasure, erogenous zones, female ejaculation, and negative and positive views of self-love/masturbation. April 18: Pornography, Erotica & Sex Work Facilitator: Nicole, Abigail & Lisa Discuss pornography and erotica in a variety of mediums, as well as various forms of sex work. Discussion focuses on variety, effects on women’s sexuality, taboos surrounding pornography, and other types of this work. April 25: Relationships Facilitator: Lisa Discuss the spectrum of relationship types and the importance of honesty and communication in sexual and non-sexual relationships.Discuss the spectrum of relationship types and the importance of honesty and communication in sexual and non-sexual relationships. May 2: Sexual Harassment, Violation of Boundaries & Gender-Based Violence Facilitator: Mark & Elli Through personal stories with boundary violations we build a larger framework around the underlying factors and impact of sexual harassment and discrimination. Through our experiences and a discussion around the victim-survivor paradigm, we also take an in-depth look at gender-based violence. May 9: Women’s Empowerment & Final Projects Explore the process of empowerment and the resulting power gained from the journey. We talk about the importance of challenging systems of oppression, community building, and individual empowerment. The last week is also devoted to presenting final projects/papers and reflection. |
