Sex: Science and the Community
Subject UNIB30004 (2011)
Contact Hours: 36 hours
Total Time Commitment: Estimated total time commitment of 120 hours
At least 75 points of Level 2 subjects
No specific requirements
Prof Geoff Shaw
Email: g.shaw@unimelb.edu.au
Sex is a topic that pervades lives, but seldom is it studied from broad, multidisciplinary perspectives. Students taking this subject will have the opportunity to gain an understanding of the sociological, ethical, educational and legal issues informed by a firm understanding of the biology underlying these issues. Major themes will include:
Evolution of sex and sexual behaviour;
Manipulating reproduction, including contraception and assisted reproduction, and the attendant psychosocial, legal and political issues;
Reproductive health and its past and present implications
Sex education - how do people learn about sex.
Sex, sexuality and society, will investigate issues relating to sex, sexuality and gender using a multidisciplinary approach; and
Sex, and population, including world population growth, fertility rates, demographic change, and related social, religious and political issues.
Students will be expected to integrate material from a range of academic disciplines to arrive at a new understanding of these complex issues.
On completion of this subject, students should have a broad understanding of sex and sexuality from a broad range of perspectives, and have the breadth of knowledge and understanding to be able to contribute to topical debates on these issues.
Computer based exercises during the semester (24%); tutorial participation during the semester (16%); an assignment totalling up to 1500 words due during the semester (15%); a written examination in the examination period (45%).
No specific text prescribed. Selected readings and course manuals will be provided.
On completion of this subject, students should have further developed the following skills:
Integration of material from diverse disciplines.
Rational discussion of multidisciplinary/ interdisciplinary issues.
Ability to present a broad-based and reasoned argument on a set topic.
Ability to locate and use academic resources from a range of disciplines.