Module overview
In this module you will explore some major philosophical questions related to sex, sexuality and gender. We will consider general questions about the nature of sex, sexuality and gender: What makes an act sexual? What is a sexual orientation? What is gender? We will connect general theories to concrete issues in the ethics of sex, sexuality and gender, discussing issues such as whether monogamy is permissible, legal protection of sexual orientation and the role of gender in public and private life.
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Transferable and Generic Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- convey ideas concisely and clearly .
- work effectively to deadlines.
- undertake, with adequate supervision, independent work, including identifying and using appropriate resources.
- take notes from talks and written materials.
- think independently and support your views with arguments.
Knowledge and Understanding
Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- how to relate these issues to issues in other areas of philosophy that you have studied, such as Ethics or Feminism.
- the key features of the theories of the nature of sex, sexuality and gender covered by the module, the core arguments for each view and the key objections.
- topics in the ethics of sex, sexuality and gender covered by the module. You will be able to describe and assess the possible positions that might be taken on each issue, the core arguments for each view and the key objections.
Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- examine critically and dispassionately views which can appear provocative and contentious.
- interpret, synthesise and criticise complex texts and positions.
- express and debate ideas in writing, in an open minded and rigorous way.
- present views and arguments in a clear and engaging fashion.
Syllabus
The syllabus may vary from year to year. Topics might include:
- General theories of the nature of sex, sexuality and gender:
Can we pick out necessary and sufficient conditions for an act to count as sexual? What are the ethical implications of different ways of understanding sex? What is a sexual orientation? What is gender?
- The ethics of sex, sexuality and gender
We often choose a small selection of concrete issues or situations which raise issues of sexual ethics, or specific ethical questions related to sexual orientation and gender. Topics might include: monogamy and polyamory, the ethics of pornography; sexual objectification; sexual orientation, gender identity and first person authority.
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
Teaching methods include
- Lectures
- In-class discussion
- One-on-one consultation with module co-ordinator
Learning activities include
- Attending classes
- Contribution to class discussion
- Doing independent research for and writing assessed work
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Wider reading or practice | 30 |
| Lecture | 33 |
| Follow-up work | 29 |
| Preparation for scheduled sessions | 29 |
| Completion of assessment task | 29 |
| Total study time | 150 |
Resources & Reading list
Textbooks
Igor Primoratz (1999). Ethics and Sex. Routledge.
Alan Soble. The Philosophy of Sex: Contemporary Readings. Rowman & Littlefield.
Robert B. Baker, Kathleen Wininger and Frederick A. Elliston. Philosophy and Sex. Prometheus Books.
Assessment
Formative
This is how we’ll give you feedback as you are learning. It is not a formal test or exam.
Exercise
- Assessment Type: Formative
- Feedback:
- Final Assessment: No
- Group Work: No
- Percentage contribution: 34%
Exercise
- Assessment Type: Formative
- Feedback: Written feedback
- Final Assessment: No
- Group Work: No
- Percentage contribution: 33%
Exercise
- Assessment Type: Formative
- Feedback:
- Final Assessment: No
- Group Work: No
- Percentage contribution: 33%
Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Exercise | 70% |
| Exercise | 15% |
| Exercise | 15% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Timed Assignment | 100% |
Repeat
An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Exercise | 70% |
| Exercise | 15% |
| Exercise | 15% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External