Sex and Scandal in History

Course code HIST3581Units 20Level 3000Faculty of Education and ArtsSchool of Humanities and Social Science

This course will examine the history of sexuality from the Victorians to the present. We will explore the range of changing behaviours, practices and identities in Australia, Europe and the Empire, including a consideration of homosexuality, heterosexuality and queer. We will think about an ideal "normal" sexuality, and what was and is considered perverse, deviant and dangerous. We will examine shifts and changes in sexuality over time, and consider the ways that sexuality was constructed. Finally, we will consider the multiple ways that sex moves beyond the bedroom and into the public world, forming and permeating social, cultural and political frameworks.

Not available in 2014

Previously offered in 2013
ObjectivesBy the end of the course students will be able to:
* Explain why sexuality is an important category of historical analysis.
* Outline dominant understandings of the body and sexuality.
* Pinpoint moments of sexual crisis within this timeframe.
* Explain how these historical moments reflect upon and interact with the present.
* Evaluate information, ideas, and arguments including those of diverse cultural assumptions
* Develop advanced research, writing and information literacy skills relevant to history.
* Develop the ability to communicate orally at an advanced undergraduate level in a large discussion group.
ContentA range of topics will be considered chronologically in European, Australian and imperial history. In particular, we will examine concepts of "normality" and the scandals that rocked these ideals.
These may include heterosexuality, homosexuality; queer sexuality, the idea of the "sex pervert"; prostitution; sex education; rape; venereal disease; HIV/AIDS and race relations.
Replacing Course(s)HIST3581 will replace HIST3580.
TransitionStudents who have taken HIST3580 cannot take HIST3581.
Industrial Experience0
Assumed Knowledge20 units in History at 1000 level, or 10 units in History and 10 units in English, Gender Studies or Film, Media and Cultural Studies.
Modes of DeliveryInternal Mode
Teaching MethodsLecture
Assessment Items
Essays / Written Assignments70%
Examination: Take Home20%
Group/tutorial participation and contributionTutorial participation and contribution to class discussion and debate 10%