Poked and probed, masturbated and manipulated, the human body as a focus of scientific investigation into its sexual desires is, historically speaking, a fairly recent phenomenon. Students in this course will examine the ways in which the human sciences - biological, physical anthropology, sexology, and certain forms of psychoanalysis - have sought to study, and "correct," sexuality in the West since the Enlightenment. How did science incorporate religious ideas of sexual morality even as scientists challenged the objectivity of religious teachings? How did the methods and authority of science provide the benefits of, as well as erect new barriers to, sexual freedom? Students will engage in close readings of several key texts from key sexologists, anthropologists, biologists, and other scientists dedicated to the study of human sexual behavior. Course assignments will include in-class presentations and a research paper.

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