Sex Work and Sex Trafficking: Empowerment, Exploitation, and the Politics of Sex
SOC 256Z
Summer 2025
| Section:
01
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| Crosslisting:
FGSS 255Z |
This course explores the history, politics, and social meaning of sex work. Focusing particularly but not exclusively upon prostitution, we will pay careful attention to the diverse range of social experiences which form sex work, as well as the way in which prostitution is utilized as a governing metaphor within sexual relations more generally. Some questions the course will consider: How has sex work changed over time, and what do these changes tell us about both the nature of sex work and about the broader society? In what ways is sex work similar to or different from other forms of service labor or other types of intimate relationships? How do questions of race, class, sexuality, and gender alter the meaning and experience of sex work? What sorts of desires and expectations do clients bring to interactions with sex workers, and in what ways have these shifted over time? Recent controversies concerning sex trafficking and underage prostitution will also be addressed, as will the effects of various regulatory schemes that have been developed around the world. The course will be taught synchronously, but students who are in time zones that would make participation difficult will have an asynchronous option. |
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| Credit: 1 |
Gen Ed Area Dept:
SBS SOC |
| Course Format: Lecture / Discussion | Grading Mode: Student Option |
| Level: UGRD |
Prerequisites: None |
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Fulfills a Requirement for: (Feminist, Gender, and Sexuality Studies) |
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Past Enrollment Probability: Not Available |
| SECTION 01 - Summer Session II |
Major Readings: Wesleyan RJ Julia Bookstore
Bernstein, Elizabeth. TEMPORARILY YOURS: INTIMACY, AUTHENTICITY, AND THE COMMERCE OF SEX
Brennan, Denise. WHAT¿S LOVE GOT TO DO WITH IT? TRANSNATIONAL DESIRES AND SEX TOURISM IN THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
Cheng, Sealing. ON THE MOVE FOR LOVE: MIGRANT ENTERTAINERS AND THE U.S. MILITARY IN SOUTH KOREA
Kulick, Don. TRAVESTÍ
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Examinations and Assignments:
Short paper assignment based on analysis of sex work ads (4-5 pages)
Final paper on theme of student choice (10-12 pages)
perhaps other small assignments related to readings |
Additional Requirements and/or Comments:
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| Instructor(s): Kaye,Kerwin Times: .MTWRF. 01:30PM-03:10PM; Location: ONLINE; |
| Total Enrollment Limit: 25 | | SR major: 5 | JR major: 5 | | |
| Seats Available: 18 | GRAD: X | SR non-major: 5 | JR non-major: 5 | SO: 5 | FR: X |
| Drop/Add Enrollment Requests | | | | | |
| Total Submitted Requests: 0 | 1st Ranked: 0 | 2nd Ranked: 0 | 3rd Ranked: 0 | 4th Ranked: 0 | Unranked: 0 |
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