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Ancient Sexuality

Critical Thinking
Social Awareness & Responsibility

Course Description

The construction of sexuality and gender in Greek and Roman literature and culture and will cover topics such as maturation rituals, gender roles, the body, same-sex relationships, acceptable and deviant sexual behavior, and prostitution.


Athena Title

Ancient Sexuality


Grading System

A - F (Traditional)


Course Objectives

Students will expect to become familiar with representations of sexuality, gender, and the erotic in Greek and Roman literature and material culture. Students will also expect to develop some understanding of psychological and philosophical theories concerning sex and gender.


Topical Outline

Topics may include but will not be limited to: 1. The Body: Constructions of Male and Female in Ancient Science and Literature 2. Becoming Men and Women: Greek and Roman Maturation Rites 3. Social Sexuality: Gender Roles in Greece and Rome 4. Eros the Bittersweet: Representations of Erotic Love in Greek and Roman Literature 5. Homosexuality and Bisexuality in Greece and Rome 6. Platonic Love: The Philosophy of Eros 7. Against Nature: Sexual Deviance in Greece and Rome 8. Lovers of the City: The Sexuality of Politics 9. An Industry of Eros: Prostitution in Greece and Rome 10. Divine Eros: The Erotics of Ritual and Religion


General Education Core

CORE IV: Humanities and the Arts

Institutional Competencies

Critical Thinking

The ability to pursue and comprehensively evaluate information before accepting or establishing a conclusion, decision, or action.


Social Awareness & Responsibility

The capacity to understand the interdependence of people, communities, and self in a global society.



Syllabus