Sexuality and Space

RDK Herman

Geog 474/674, Fall 2005
Mondays, 6:30PM  - 9:15PM

Description:

This course examines the spatiality of gender/sexual identities and practices.  It investigates the production and performance of such identities, and how these identities are enabled and constrained by different types of spaces. Sexual behaviours occur within different contexts of legal and moral regulation which serve to define what gender/sexual identities and practices are permissible or acceptable in public or private spaces. Gender/sexual identities will thus be considered as negotiated constructs and performances, as acts of submission and resistance to dominant socio-spatial constructs. 

The course will be conducted in three parts: first, we will gain a firm grasp on how discourses and institutions (legal, medical, religious) construct and regulate the formation of gender & sexual identities. Cross-cultural case studies will be utilized to highlight how gender/sexual-identity constructs are culturally bound.

Second, we will examine varieties of 'alternative' sexual/gender identities, considering their spatial manifestations, the normalizing forces that affect the persons involved, and how these 'alternative' identities help us understand how ideas of ÒnormalÓ heterosexualities are constructed within dominant discourses.

Finally, we will turn to heterosexual identities and practices to see how they too are constructed and enforced by socio-spatial practices.  We will also consider the spatiality of 'peripheral' heterosexual practices such as prostitution and sex tourism.

The overall objective of this course is that students gain a firm understanding of how sexual and gender identities are constituted within socio-spatial contexts.

Learning Outcomes:

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

  • Explain how gender and sexual identities have come to be constituted in Western discourse over the past 200 years;
  • Identify ways in which spaces define or reinforce sexual-gender identities and practices; and
  • Identify ways in which sexual-gender identities and practices define certain spaces.

Required texts:

  • Foucault, Michel (1978) The History of Sexuality: An Introduction New York: Vintage Books
  • Bell, David and Gill Valentine, eds. (1995) Mapping Desire: Geographies of Sexualities London and New York: Routledge.
  • Course reading package

Course Requirements:

Readings Summaries: 10 points

For each week, weeks 2-13, you are required to write a one-page typed summary (2 pages for graduate students) of the week's readings.  These will be graded on a scale of Check-plus, Check, Check-minus. These are due in class on the day for which those readings were assigned, and will not be accepted more than one week late.

Class Participation: 20 points

There is no point in going to university if you do not go to class.  Hence, unexcused absences are not tolerated, and will count seriously against you.  Especially in a course such as this, where in-class discussions are an essential part of the pedagogical process, and where meetings occur only once per week, it is essential that you attend class.  Excused absences involve doctor's note or other documentation of your need to miss class. For other than excused absences, you will lose points as follows:

First absence 

Lose two points

2 lost total

Second absence

Lose four more points 

6 lost total

Third absence

Lose six more points 

12 lost total

Fourth absence

Lose eight more points      

20 lost total

Work in the classroom may involve active participation and work in small groups.  Obvious and sustained failure to participate in these exercises will be called to your attention, and may result in a lowering of your class participation grade.

Examinations ( Two midterms at 10 points each; final examination at 20 points)

Two short-essay midterm exams and a final exam will be administered during the semester. The midterms will not be cumulative, but the final may ask you to draw on everything you have learned during the semester.

Research Paper (30 points)

All participants will produce a research paper by Week 14 of this course.  The paper shall be on a topic approved by the instructor, on any aspect of gender/sexuality and space.  Papers that engage both field observation and literature review are encouraged.  Field observation involves investigating an actual space or place, and how it constructs (or is constructed by) gender/sexual identities and/or practices.  Students are encouraged to meet with the instructor throughout the semester to discuss their topic and the progress of their work, including submitting of drafts (not required).  The topic must be confirmed by Week 7 of the course.

See separate instructions for paper, plus "Style Guide" for detailed technical instructions on producing a paper for this course.

  • 12-15 pages for undergraduates, plus bibliography and maps
  • 20 pages for graduate students, plus bibliography and maps

 

Evaluation: 

Readings Summaries

10

Midterm Two

10

Class Participation

20

Final Exam

20

Midterm One

10

Research Paper

30
   

Total:

100

For Undergraduates: This course uses plus-and-minus grading based on a 100-point scale.  In the event that the total points possible is not 100, a percentage scale will be used to determine your grade out of 100%. 

Excellence--in either performance or effort--is expected.    Mediocrity is not rewarded.

A

92-100

B-

79-81

D+

66-68

A-

89-91

C+

76-78

D

62-65

B+

86-88

C

72-75

D-

59-61

B

82-85

C-

69-71

E

0-58

For Graduate Students: Plus-and-minus grading is not available at the Graduate Level, hence the grade breakdowns will be as follows:

A

89-100

D

59-69

B

79-89

E

Below 59

C

69-79

    

 

COURSE POLICY

General Guidelines: General

a)       Students are expected to master the texts and to attend all classes

b)      Students are expected to participate in in-class group activities

c)       Assignments and exercises should be attended to at the proper times.

d)      Cell phones are not to be used in class at any time, ever.

e)       There is no coming and going from the room, except during scheduled breaks.

Late assignment policy:  

Assignments due Tuesday will be accepted no later than Friday, losing 10% of the total possible grade for each day late. If you realize that your paper will be late, you should notify me. 

Academic dishonesty:

Academic dishonesty is not accepted in this course. Cheating on a test or handing in plagiarized materials will result in an automatic failing grade for the course.

Students with Disabilities:

This course is in compliance with Towson University policies for students with disabilities.  Students with disabilities are encouraged to register with Disability Support Services. Students who suspect that they have a disability but do not have documentation are encouraged to contact DSS for advice on how to obtain appropriate evaluation. A memo from DSS authorizing your accommodation is needed before any accommodation can be made.

IF YOU HAVE A PROBLEM:  

Come see me.  If you are having trouble either in the class, or coming to class, or getting the work done, don't let it slide without letting me know.  I'll try to salvage what we can for you.

 

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Towson Geography  |  RDK Herman