Sexual Politics, Ethics, and Liberation

Sexuality is everywhere in our culture, but rarely directly talked about or addressed. The purpose of this online synchronous course is to empower and prepare students to be able to talk with and support clients and congregants as they are navigating sexuality, as well as build communities that are comfortable with themselves and others as sexual beings. What do the sex lives of various peoples in the United States look like? How do power dynamics of privilege and oppression show up in sexuality? How do we create and promote more ethical and responsible sexual practices and conversations? What is the role of faith in sexuality, and how do various religions conceive of sexuality? In what ways is sex sacred? How do we move forward after our sexuality is violated? How do we create worlds that are sexually safer and liberated? We will also read and engage work on non-monogamous relationship structures and sex work. Students will not be asked to write or share about their own bodies or sex lives.

Students will be evaluated by weekly papers, which will only be shared with the instructor and potentially the advising faculty.

ECO is a required prerequisite.

Target audience is MDiv and MASC students.

Relates to thresholds: Spiritual Practice and Care of the Soul (5), Thea/ology in Culture and Context (6). Relates to MFC competencies: Pastoral Care and Presence (2), Social Justice in the Public Square (4).

Faculty Consent is required. Registration is contingent upon faculty approval. 1. Students will self-enroll in the course to be placed on the waitlist. 2. Complete the required faculty consent questionnaire. https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/FC25-26. For questions regarding Faculty Consent, please contact kmatsuura@sksm.edu.

Enrollment Max: 12 students. Auditors excluded.