Sexuality and Science
(Cognitive Science)
Instructors:
Michael Dietrich, Associate Professor of History and Philosophy of Biology
Michael.Dietrich@Dartmouth.EDU
Veronica Fuechtner, Associate Professor of German
Veronika.Fuechtner@Dartmouth.edu
Schedule:
Tuesday/Thursday, 2 – 3:50pm (X-Hour on Wednesdays, 4:15 – 5:20pm)
Location:
Description:
In this course we will first investigate the emergence and definition of sexual science as a scientific discipline in 19th and 20th Century Europe and the United States. Then, we will analyze different theoretical texts on sexuality that are representative for a wide historical and theoretical spectrum. Finally, we will relate the class material to contemporary political discussions on gender and sexuality such as sex change or gay marriage.
As an interdisciplinary course, we will address the differences and similarities in disciplinary investment and perspective on this topic, especially the tension running not just across but within the disciplines between nature and culture, sexuality as biology and sexuality as social and cultural construct. We will also emphasize how scientific discourse is construed as such and how it permeates society from popular culture to legislation.
Texts:
(Available at Wheelock Books)
•Fausto-Sterling, Anne (2000) Sexing the Body: Gender Politics and the Construction of Sexuality. Basic Books
•Foucault, Michel (1990) The History of Sexuality:An Introduction. Vintage.
•Freud, Sigmund (1905) Three Essays on the Theory of Sexuality.
•Rosario, Vernon A., ed., 1997. Science and Homosexualities. New York: Routledge.
•Terry, Jennifer. (1999) An American Obsession
•Course Reader
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