Social Construction of Sexuality

WMST/SOCY 1006

Recitation Syllabus

Fall 2006

 

*This syllabus should be used concurrently with Dr. Brown’s syllabus

 

 

Teaching Assistant:    Zach Owens

Office:                         Ketchum 35

Email:                         Zachary.Owens@Colorado.edu (the best way to contact me)

Office Hours:              Wednesdays from 11am to 1pm, and by appointment

 

 

     SECTION                            DAY                              TIME                         LOCATION

Lecture-Dr. Brown

Tues/Thurs

11am-11:50

EKLC E1B20

021

Wednesday

8:00-8:50am

KTCH 301

022

Wednesday

10:00-10:50am

CHEM 145

023

Friday

8:00-8:50am

KTCH 301

024

Wednesday

3:00-3:50pm

MCOL E186

Students can only attend their scheduled recitation time and may not attend other recitation sections for class credit.

 

 

Overview:

 

The recitation for this course provides us a further opportunity to expound upon the ideas presented in Dr. Brown’s lecture.  The class size for each recitation will be significantly smaller than the general lecture, giving us more opportunities for one on one communication as well as a time to bring up questions from the lecture.  My primary goal for this class is to encourage your understanding of the course through feedback and discussion.  This class will consist of a mixture of lecture, discussion, and student presentations.  At all times, I will actively encourage your participation in class discussions and debates.  As you are most likely aware, this is a very unique class that deals with subject matter that often times is not dealt with openly in our society.  I am in hopes that each of you will feel comfortable discussing topics that some may consider controversial and taboo.  We will be very frank and open in this class; we will be discussing some of the most private aspects of our lives.  I will openly share my sexuality with the class, and I encourage each of you to feel free to discuss any sexually related matter in this class without discomfort. 

 

 

 

Expectations:

 

All students should feel comfortable discussing the topic of human sexuality and how it relates to society as a whole.  While you are free to bring up any aspect of sexuality for discussion, I do ask that you do so in a respectful way.  We will be discussing ideas and theories in this class that you may disagree with, but it is important to remember that we are all free to make our own choices regarding our sexuality.  What some of us consider perfectly acceptable others will find disturbing.  If you wish to make comments disagreeing with me or another classmate, please do so in a way that does not attack another person’s choices regarding their own sexuality.  Similarly, you are expected to refrain from making derogatory comments dealing with differences of race, religion, gender differences, sexual orientation, and other potentially sensitive issues.  We will have a very open environment in this class, and your respect for others and their beliefs is required.  To facilitate your participation, please arrive in class having read all the required material for the week.

 

 

 

Grading:

 

You will be able to earn 75 out of 400 points for your grade for the course through recitation.  There will be six quizzes during the semester, each consisting of ten questions, earning you up to ten points per quiz.  Material on the quizzes will include topics covered in lecture and recitation, as well as the required reading.  Quizzes will be unannounced and cannot be made up at a later date.  The other 15 points will be earned through group presentations you will give during recitation.  You will conduct one 10 to 15 presentation with one other student from your class at a time assigned to you during the semester.  Times and partner assignments will be discussed during the first few recitation classes.  These presentations should reflect your knowledge of the material covered in both lecture and recitation, so your attendance in both classes is crucial to conducting an effective presentation.  You are free to choose your own topics for these presentations with your partner, insomuch that the information is relevant to this course.  I will be available to help you get started on your topics if you would like my assistance.  All students will be expected to adhere to the University’s policies on academic honesty (for information on the honor code, please see www.colorado.edu/academics/honorcode).

 

 

 

Final Notes:

 

Handouts will be given throughout the semester to supplement this syllabus, so please keep all of this information together.  Please be on time for class, and you can expect the same from me.  Cell phones should be turned off prior to entering class, as a ringing phone causes a very unnecessary disturbance.  If there is an extenuating circumstance that requires you to keep your phone with you (such as childcare/emergency situations), please let me know this as soon as possible.  Otherwise, it could be potentially embarrassing for you if I answer your phone for you while discussing sexually charged material.  I expect full participation from all students, so if there is an issue that you feel will inhibit you from this, please visit me during my office hours or make an appointment with me to discuss any sensitive issues.  If you feel that your personal belief system or moral standards will prohibit you from engaging in the material of this class openly and actively, you are encouraged to drop the class.  Most of all, I wish to welcome you to a very informative class that will be like no other you take here at the university.  I am always available to speak with you privately, so please feel free to get in touch with me outside of class.  While this class will be fun and unique, we must remember that it is a serious class that is heavily grounded in sociological theory, and your full attention and diligence will be required for earning a high grade.  Welcome!