Sexuality Studies Program Overview

We take pride and pleasure in fostering camaraderie among students and faculty. At its best, Sexuality Studies is a community of scholars committed to recognizing and contending with the intellectual, political and emotional stakes of studying sexuality. We explore sexuality as it intersects with gender, race, class, ability, nation, and other categories of difference. Our work is shaped by feminist thought, queer studies and queer of color critique, critical race theories and methodological innovation.

Mission

The mission of the Sexuality Studies program is to advance multidisciplinary teaching, research and advocacy in sexuality studies, sexual literacy, well-being and social justice. Faculty and students explore processes and variations in sexual cultures, sexual identity and gender role formation, and the social, cultural, historical and ethical foundations of sexuality, intimate relationships and sexual health. The program has a long commitment to community building and focuses on issues of social justice and sexuality, including the impact of factors of social inequality — such as poverty, racism, marriage equality and homophobia — upon sexual well-being and sexual health across the lifespan. This is emphasized through the program's commitment to

  • Educate the next generation of leaders in research and dissemination of knowledge
  • Excel in teaching graduate and undergraduate students advance quality research on sexuality, gender, and social justice
  • Integrate analyses of race, racism, heterosexism, homophobia, ableism, poverty, and culture into all aspects of our program
  • Advocate for social policy on sexuality, sexual health, sexuality education, and human rights, shaped by social justice and diversity
  • Through these efforts, shape the field of sexuality studies in the 21st century
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