Course Syllabus
| History of Sexuality in Europe |
| Semester & Location: |
Spring 2024 - DIS Copenhagen |
| Type & Credits: |
Elective Course - 3 credits |
| Major Disciplines: |
Gender studies, History, Sociology |
| Faculty Members: |
Emilie Fuglsang Current Students: please contact your faculty using the canvas inbox function |
| Program Contact: |
Helle Rytkønen, hry@dis.dk |
| Time & Place: |
Mondays and Thursdays 14:50-16:10 Classroom: N7-B12 |
“I dream of the day when every newborn child is welcome, when men and women are equal, and when sexuality is an expression of intimacy, joy and tenderness.”
-Elise Ottesen-Jensen, Cofounder of the Swedish Association for Sexuality Education (1933)
Course description: The past “century of sex” in Europe has taken us from prudish morals to sexual liberation in the 1960s, recognition of same sex partnerships, internet dating and heated debates about sexual norms and rights in a multicultural Europe. While sexuality is often considered a private matter, state regulations, church teachings, mass media, and popular culture regulates and shape our sexuality in various ways. Looking at topics like prostitution, reproductive rights, and sexual liberation, we will learn how sexual norms and behaviours are intimately woven into twentieth century European history, and explore how our own sexualities are shaped by history.
Today, sexual behaviors and attitudes structure public discussions ranging from sex education to parental leave to citizenship examinations. Historically, sexual politics played a prominent role as well. What type of sexual utopia did Hitler promise in his appeal to German men and women? How are contemporary, progressive sexual education policies in Scandinavia intrinsically connected to the early development of the welfare state in the 1930s? The lens of sexuality is a powerful tool for rethinking conventional histories, as well as finding new applications for the theories of Freud, Foucault and more. We will examine questions like: How is sexuality political? What role have capitalism and consumer culture had on the sexual liberation and present day identity politics?
Danish, Swedish, and German case studies will be central to understanding European changes in sexual behaviors, values, discussions and laws. Weimar Berlin had more than 100 lesbian bars during the interwar years and Scandinavian countries were on the forefront of European discussions of sexuality during the “first” sexual revolution of the 1920s/30s, paving the way for the decriminalization of homosexuality, the regulation of abortion, and the legalization of pornography. Stepping into the 21st century, we are confronted with new frontiers, changes and tensions, such as MeToo, ongoing conversations about consent, new digital spaces for exploring sexuality as well as the ongoing battle of progress and setbacks for sexual rights.
Throughout the course, we will engage with primary material, such as music videos, movies, artwork, sexuality educational material and other formats.
The course is divided into 5 modules:
- Module 1: Conceiving sexuality
- Module 2: Early-mid 20th century: Rights, reforms and resistance
- Module 3: Mid-late 20th century: 'Frisind’, freedom and sexual revolution
- Module 4: Sexual education
- Module 5: The 21st century: Tensions, changes and new frontiers
Please note that class schedule is subject to change if necessary with as much notice as possible.
Learning goals and objectives
Upon completing the course, you will be able to …
- Demonstrate the various ways sexuality was central to the formation of European history in the 20th Century, and how history was central to the formation of the concept(s) of sexuality.
- Apply theories of gender and sexuality to historical moments, geographies, and settings
- Determine the unique position of Scandinavia in the writing of European sexual histories
- Historicize current activist movements (e.g. for LGBT rights, reproductive rights, sexual liberation)
- Critically reflect upon the relationship between historical context and the formation of cultural norms and concepts (related to sexuality) in relation to present-day events and cultural products
- Critically explore your own sexual norms and behaviors and understand how they are shaped by history
- Show ability to work as a group and participate in classroom dialogue.
In the classroom
Approach to Teaching
This course relies heavily on in-class participation. Class time will be largely discussion-based, with some lecture and interactive activities.
Late work will be deducted a grade point per day it is late.
Readings:
All readings will be available through Canvas.
A readings are mandatory.
B readings are suggested further reading.
Students are expected to:
- Read the assigned homework for each class as these are the basis for our classroom dialogue.
- Engage actively in classes.
- Complete assignments and hand in written papers on time.
- Maintain an open mind and respectful attitude, as we will be touching on culturally sensitive subjects that are potentially divisive and/or mimic personal and private experiences of you or your fellow students.
The class as a SAFER and BRAVE SPACE:
Please note the class is discussion-based and it is very important that we all contribute to creating and maintaining a safer AND brave space throughout the semester. Your peers will come from a variety of backgrounds which we seek to use as an added value. Be open, curious and respectful during your own and other’s learning process. Remember to challenge ideas, not people.
A note on subject matter, participation and mental health
The course format is dialogue based and active participation is mandatory and will account for 30 % of your grade. However, we will be discussing potentially sensitive and/or triggering subject matters during the semester and I wish to prioritize that the classroom is a safer space for everyone. If you find a subject difficult to discuss or engage with for personal reasons, or if you are nervous about speaking in class, giving presentations, coming to class in time or the like, please come to me (in class, outside of class or via email is fine), and we will find a solution together.
Digital etiquette
The use of mobile phones is not allowed during class. Laptops can be used at certain times during class for notetaking, research and group work. I will let you know when, so please do leave them in your bags till that time. If you have the use of your laptop as an academic accomodation, please let me know.
Evaluation/Grading:
To be eligible for a passing grade in this class you must complete all of the assigned work:
| Participation | 30 % |
| Individual semester assignment: Journalistic article | 30 % |
| Group semester assignment: Sex education | 20 % |
| Field Study 1: Drawing assignment | 10 % |
| Arbejdermuseet: Assignment | 10 % |
Readings
Ahlgren, Liv Moeslund and Ehm Hjorth Miltersen (2021): "Questioning Normal. Overcoming implicit resistance to norm critical education" in Women, Gender & Research No. 1 2021.
Andreassen, Rikke (2003): "The 'exotic' as mass entertainment. Denmark 1878-1909"
Barker, Meg-John and Jules Scheele (2016): Queer, a graphic history. Icon Books.
Edelberg, Peter (2014) : "The queer way to frisind" in Queer Cities, Queer Cultures. Europe since 1945. Bloomsbury.
Federici, Silvia (2002):"Women, reproduction and globalization" in Économie mondialisée et identités de genre. Graduate Institute Publications.
Foucault, Michel (1978): "Part Five: Right of Death and Power over Life" in The History of Sexuality Vol. 1, The Will to Knowledge. Random House.
Freud, Sigmund (1920, originally published 1905): "Three Essays on the Theory of Sexuality". Nervous and mental disease Publishing Co, New York and Washington.
Halberstam, J. (2013): "Gaga relations: The end of marriage" in Gaga Feminism. Sex, gender and the end of normal. Beacon Press.
Halperin, David M. (1989): "Is there a history of sexuality?" in History and Theory, Vol. 28, No. 3 (Oct., 1989).
Hekma, Gert and Alain Giami (2014): "Sexual Revolutions. An Introduction" in Sexual Revolutions. Palgrave Macmillan.
Jagose, Annamarie (1996): "The invention of homosexuality" in Queer Theory. An introduction. New York University Press.
Kukla, Quill R. (2021): "A Non-ideal Theory of Sexual Consent" in Ethics. The University of Chicago.
Lennerhed, Lena (2014): "Sexual Liberalism in Sweden" in Sexual Revolutions. Palgrave Macmillan.
Liinason, Mia (2023): "Homonationalism across borders. Exploring cross-border exchange and strategic homonationalism in the construction of progressive nationalism". Sexualities, Vol. 26(1-2) 86–104. Sage.
Matte, Nicolas (2005): "International Sexual reform and Sexology in Europe, 1897-1933".
Matthews, Annalycia D. (2018): "Hyper-Sexualization of Black Women in the Media" in Gender & Sexuality Studies Student Work Collection. 22.
Mulinari, Diana (2010): "Postcolonial Encounters: Migrant Women and Swedish Midwives" in Changing Relations of Welfare. Family, Gender and Migration in Britain and Scandinavia. Routledge.
Rydström, Jens (2007): "Introduction" in Criminally Queer. Homosexuality and Criminal Law in
Scandinavia 1842-1999. Aksant Academic Publishers.
Srinivasan, Amia (2021): "Talking to my students about porn" in The Right to Sex. Bloomsbury.
Walkowitz, Judith (1977): “The Making of an Outcast Group,” in A Widening Sphere. Changing roles of Victorian Women. Indiana University Press.
Weeks, Jeffrey (1986): "The invention of sexuality" in Sexuality. Routledge.
Zettermark, Sofia (2023): "Invisible Responsible Women in Sweden. Planning Pregnancies, Choosing Contraceptives" in NORA - Nordic Journal of Feminist and Gender Research 2023, vol. 31, no. 4.
Disability and resource statement:
Any student who has a need for accommodation based on the impact of a disability should contact the Office of Academic Support (acadsupp@dis.dk) to coordinate this. In order to receive accommodations, students should inform the instructor of approved DIS accommodations within the first two weeks of classes.
Academic Regulations
Please make sure to read the Academic Regulations on the DIS website. There you will find regulations on:
DIS - Study Abroad in Scandinavia - www.DISabroad.org
Course Summary:
| Date | Details | Due |
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