About the Course

In this course, students will learn the skills necessary for critically understanding contemporary controversies surrounding sexual orientation and sexual prejudice. Sexual orientation refers to an individual's long term pattern of sexual and romantic attraction to men, women, or both. In addition to describing specific behaviors and attractions, it also is closely linked to issues of personal identity and community membership. Sexual prejudice refers to negative attitudes toward an individual because of her or his sexual orientation. In theory, such prejudice can be directed against anyone. However, it is most commonly expressed against people who are perceived to be bisexual or homosexual.

Using an interdisciplinary perspective, the course reviews current scientific knowledge about sexual orientation and sexual prejudice. Theories and empirical data from psychological research are emphasized, but the course also incorporates findings from sociology, anthropology, biology, and history. In addition to critically examining the content of scientific conceptualizations of sexuality, students will learn how to evaluate the empirical methods on which those conceptualizations are based. Through short essay assignments, classroom exercises, and homework assignments, students will learn how to use primary scientific sources and web-based databases to evaluate debates about sexual orientation in policy arenas and popular media.

Required Texts:

• Bayer, R. (1987). Homosexuality and American psychiatry: The politics of diagnosis (2nd edition). Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press. (ISBN #0691028370)
• Chauncey, G., Jr. (2005). Why marriage? The history shaping today's debate over gay equality (New edition). New York: Basic Books. (ISBN #0465009581)
• Brewer, P. R. (2007). Value war: Public opinion and the politics of gay rights. Lanham, MD: Rowman & Littlefield. (ISBN #0742562115)

Additional brief readings will be assigned throughout the quarter. Information about obtaining them will be provided in class.

Prerequisites

• Upper division standing in psychology or the social or biological sciences
• PSC 1
• PSC 41 or an equivalent research methods course

Course Topics

• The meaning of sexual orientation and sexual prejudice
• Sexual orientation, sexual prejudice, and mental health
• How to read a research study about sexual orientation or sexual prejudice
• The motivations underlying sexual prejudice
• Stereotypes and sexual prejudice
• Sexual orientation, prejudice, and gender
• Attitudes, discriminatory behavior, and violence
• Politics, religion, and the psychology of sexual prejudice
• Sexual prejudice and debates about the origins of sexual orientation
• The impact of sexual prejudice
• Changing attitudes related to sexual orientation

GE Requirements and Work Load

This course fulfills General Education (GE) requirements for Social-Cultural Diversity, Writing Experience, and Topical Breadth (Social Sciences). Related to these requirements, the course requires satisfactory completion of two writing assignments, as well as extensive reading from multiple sources (books, articles and chapters, and Internet materials). Several homework assignments are also required.

Tentative Grading Plan (to be explained in detail at the first class meeting)

• Exams: Approximately 60% (2 midterms and final; lowest of 3 scores dropped)
• Papers: Approximately 30% (graded for content, style, and mechanics)
• Homework: Approximately 10%

Contact Information and Office Hours for Professor Herek

271 Young Hall
530-752-8085

Office Hours: Mondays & Wednesdays 1:10-1:55 pm and by appointment

More information

• Download the course syllabus (in Adobe PDF format)
   
• Go to the main course website
   
• Additional contact information

  For Mr. Norton

  284A Young Hall
  754-8300
  
  Office Hours: Tuesdays 9:30-11 am, and by appointment-->

  For Mr. McLemore

  284A Young Hall
  754-8294
  
  Thursdays 3:30-5 pm, and by appointment