Sexology - the study of human sexual life and intimate relationships - is perhaps best categorised as an interdisciplinary scientific enterprise, and we will examine what this means as our point of departure for this course. In this context, one topic is elaborated upon in-depth: sexual desire. Desire can be viewed as a basic variable, underlying “normal” sexual behaviour. 

The course has two parts. In the first part, we will thoroughly read and discuss the book by Frederick Toates together.

In the second part, each student is challenged to do his/her own small research project, which can be either a literature approach or an empirical approach (qualitative or quantitative). If you choose an empirical approach, working together in subgroups is encouraged. Toates’ book can serve as a point of origin for different hypotheses.

Students in previous years have focused their research on The impact of pornography on relationship satisfaction; Anorgasmia in women; Intentions to perform safe sex practices and their relation to proceeding behaviour; The relationship of sexual violence and sexual desire; The influence of religion on the attitude towards homosexuality; Sex Robots: equals or objects?; Sexual addiction and its effective treatments; Fetishism and BDSM in popular movies around the globe; Feminist porn, not just for the softies.

Timetable

We now expect that all lectures can take place on-campus. In case the situation changes, you will be notified. You can find the timetable on Datanose.

Registration

Registration is open for first-year, second-year or third-year Bachelor's students participating in an Honours programme. Between 30 November 10 am and 3 December 11 pm, you can register by completing the online registration form that will appear on Honoursmodules IIS. Placement is random and students will hear within two weeks for which course(s) they are registered.

Please note: There is no guarantee for placement if you register after December 3, so make sure you register on time. For questions about registration, please contact us at Honours-iis@uva.nl.

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