Let’s talk about sex, ba-by. Let’s talk about you and me (taking these super fascinating sex courses at the University of Victoria)!
If you’re anything like me, your high-school level of sexual education was limited, if it even existed at all. When I first came to university, I was clueless in the topics of sex or sexuality. It wasn’t until my roommates suggested taking one of UVic’s sex-themed courses that I started to take an interest. After all, what else is university for other than to learn about super interesting things? And who knew UVic offered so many sexy courses? Here are some of my favourite “sexy” classes at UVic, with all of the information from this article either coming from personal experience or the Academic Calendar.
HLTH 251 – Healthy Sexuality
This was the first sex class I took at UVic, the one my roommates suggested I join them in. HLTH 251 is your crash course, your basics, and covers everything you need to know about how to lead a healthy sex life. From STIs to birth control, to pretty informative lessons on positions and BDSM, this class has been one of my all-time favourites. As far as prerequisites go, it is limited to students in at least second year, which means first years sadly have to wait.
ENSH 222- Erotic Literature (Previously ENGL 230: Sexting Through the Ages)
I am currently in this class, now at the end of the semester, I can confidently say it is my all-time favourite course and the best part of my week. The course readings are erotic writings from various periods of history. When I refer to this class to friends, I like to call it “porn class.” Additionally, the current teacher, Dr. Stephen Ross, is an absolute riot of a professor who encourages us to let out our inner middle-schoolers and laugh at the dirty material. If you need any more encouragement to take this course, I am currently working on a close reading assignment of my favourite smutty WattPad fanfic. I’m completely serious. There are no prerequisites for this course, but unfortunately, it currently does not count towards the English major or minor programs. It’s definitely a fun elective, though, and I will recommend it to anyone and everyone I know.
In the time I was producing this article, the ENGL program became the ENSH program, and this class was renamed.
HSTR 385c / GNDR 326 – History of Sexuality
This class is a cross-listed course from the departments of History and Gender Studies. It focuses on sexuality throughout the 19th and 20th centuries in North America and Europe. Topics such as homosexuality, bisexuality, and marriage are all covered. It provides a baseline on the sociological history of sexuality, rather than the medical and psychological histories discussed in classes such as HLTH 251. While there are no prerequisites for this course listed, it is a fairly high level class and probably is better suited to students in the later years of their undergrad.
GNDR 207 – Gender, Globalization, and the Love Industry
As a Gender Studies Major, I knew I had to include at least a few courses from my program. While I am not completely sure how often this course is offered, it seems incredibly interesting. Its entry in the Academic Calendar talks of how this course focuses on the romance industry; flowers, chocolates, diamonds, and how these material items are associated with gender roles and society. While this class may not interest as many people, it may appeal greatly to Humanities majors and especially those like me in the Gender Studies program. Taking GNDR 100 is recommended before taking this course. I sincerely hope this class is offered again soon!
GRS 355 – Love, Sex, and the Body in the Ancient World
This course is one that has been recommended to me several times. And it makes sense, because who doesn’t want to learn about sexy ancient Greeks? According to the Academic Calendar, this class focuses on gender and sex roles and systems in Ancient Greece and Rome, using sources such as ancient pottery to romance novels from the time. Topics discussed include sex organs, prostitution, and sexual customs of the time. Before taking this class, it is recommended to take GRS 100, 101, or 102.
Now that you’re well informed on some of the sexy classes at UVic, you are more than ready to educate yourself to become your sexiest self!