Animal Sex and Sexuality

(4 Credits)

Sex and sexuality in the animal world are stunningly diverse, encompassing a staggering array of behaviors, traits, and strategies in service of reproduction, socialization, and pleasure. In this seminar, students explore the natural history of sex, analyze how scientists have studied animal sex through time, and discover how shifting conceptualizations of what is “natural” in the animal world have important implications for human society. Students will discuss readings in evolutionary biology, animal behavior, history of science, and gender studies to explore the complex responses to seemingly simple questions such as “How do animals have sex?” and “What is biological sex?