Curriculum for the PhD in Human Sexuality

The foundational cohort of the new PhD program will all participate in a common core of required doctoral-level courses. These courses in their first year will include an advanced and comprehensive overview of the theories, intellectual history, and current research challenges to the field of human sexuality (HSX 7179, and HSX 7175). It will also include a state-of-the art comprehensive research-based review of sexuality across the life-course (HSX 7180, HSX 7181). Students will learn appropriate research questions, research design, and the related research literature that pertains to cutting edge questions today, e.g., through investigation of such issues as the relationship between same-sex family formation and the mental well being of the family members, or the question of whether "sexual fluidity" is distinct from "sexual orientation" in male versus female experience, and whether the demonstrated differences, if any, are cohort- or culture-bound or perhaps developmental universals in sexual expression.

Fundamental to the program is the combination of existing areas of diversity-including ethnicity/race, gender, and social class-with studies of the spectrum of human sexual development across the life cycle and global cultures. Foundation courses address sexual orientation, gender identity, and women's sexual and reproductive issues. Students also receive scholarly training in new areas of sexuality, health, and human rights. A small cohort is admitted annually, providing a dynamic, small-group experience.