EDUC 122G Learning Sexualities

How and what do we learn about sexualities in New Zealand? Learning about sexualities is viewed as occurring both formally (e.g., through sexuality education) and informally (e.g., through the media) in a diversity of social sites. Schools are examined as one significant site where students are offered sexual meanings. The historical derivation and current context of contemporary education about sexuality along with its social effects are investigated.

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

1. Gain a foundational understanding of how we learn about sex and sexualities in Aotearoa-NZ schools through the 'official' and 'unofficial' culture of these institutions.
2. Develop skills to enable a critical analysis of schooling and issues of sexuality.
3. Understand the social effects of learning about sexuality at school and how these offer prescriptions of 'normal sexual behaviour' which are gendered and heteronormative.
4. Acquire knowledge concerning how meanings about sexuality are shaped by particular historical, political and social contexts.
5. Study in depth, pertinent readings in key areas covered by the course. 
   

'This course was so valuable to me, not only in an academic sense but also personally. I thoroughly enjoyed this course and would recommend it to others as it challenged my thoughts and is guaranteed to have changed my life for good.'

'This is an amazing course and has provided me with a huge amount of important information. It has widened my world view and given me tools to understand life better.'

'This was an excellent General Education course that challenged my thinking and gave me the opportunity to learn outside of stricter science-based subjects that require different critical thinking skills altogether. A challenging and enjoyable course.'

'I took this course just to fill in a timetable gap – but I became really interested in the subject as the lecturers progressed – good to see such passionate lecturers! Looking forward to learning more from you in the future.'

'Great course, broadened my perspectives and gave me different tools for academic critique that I wouldn’t have learned in other courses.'

'Great class, one of my favourite subjects this year. Happy I took it!'

View the Digital Course Outline

Contact the Student Hubs

Browse Course Catalogue