Gender and Sexuality in Scandinavia
Fall & Spring
| 3 credits
| Elective
| Study Tour:
A four-day
Amsterdam
Majors:
Anthropology,
Gender Studies,
and
Sociology
What characterizes interpretations of gender, body, and sexuality in the liberal Scandinavian context? The course explores current Scandinavian debates on gender equality, the role of men and masculinity, family structure, homosexuality, and prostitution. How do concepts of gender, body, and sexuality intersect with concepts of normality and what are the real consequences of these for both genders?
Field Studies:
Sex og Samfund: Visit the Danish Family Planning Organization to learn how sexuality is taught in Denmark, which issues are in focus, and which methods are used.
Gay in Decay? City Exploration: We will explore gay bars and the night-life of Copenhagen, in attempts to find out: What is the current direction of the gay & lesbian movement, and are ‘they’ by definition allies in the same fight – merely because of a common sexual identity?
Guest Speakers: Hear from young Danes on the ‘coming out process’, a social worker working with foreign women in prostitution, and a Transman on being transgender in Scandinavia. An exciting mix of guest speakers, with personal and professional experiences in the fields of gender & sexuality, will come and share their stories and knowledge with us!
Optional Study Tour:
Students have the option to participate on the study tour, Amsterdam: Perspectives on Prostitution and Human Trafficking. The study tour is not required and comes at an additional cost. If you are interested, please sign up through student online registration. Spots are limited and filled on a first come basis.
Instructors
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Emily Childers Brocks
Cand.soc. (Social Work, University of Aalborg, 2010). B.A. (Gender Studies, Indiana University, 2001). Worked with the Danish Board of Social Services focusing on issues of prostitution and human trafficking in Denmark, 2007-2010. Currently an external consultant for the Danish Center against Human Trafficking. With DIS since 2010.
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Helle Rytkønen
Ph.D. (Modern Thought and Literature, Stanford University, 2002). M.S. and B.S. (Political Science, University of Copenhagen). Exchange student at UC Berkeley 1993-1995. Taught Anthropology, Philosophy and Rhetoric at Stanford University 2002-12. Also taught classes at Hope House, a rehabilitation center in Redwood city, CA for female substance abusers and criminals, 2008-11.
