E-Seminar : From the Myth of Androgyny to Gender Studies

(E-Seminar in French)

Presentation

While the term, or even the very concept of sexuality, may have finally taken shape around the 19th century, sexual experiences and practices as such date back to the dawn of time. Sexuality concerns, with the exception of the mineral kingdom, both plants and animals, albeit to varying degrees of complexity and involvement. That being said, humans, unlike plants and most other animals, far from merely living or enduring it, have sought to think about and organize it, to unravel its mysteries, and to define its boundaries by codifying, ritualizing, or even sanctifying it... Ancient myths, gender theory, and scientific facts are all testimonies to this effort to understand or even control this reality which, despite some obvious aspects, eludes us and raises questions in many ways. We propose to follow the trail of some of these constructed discourses across time and cultures, and to see what they are or what remains of them today.

We will then delve into the history of mentalities, evoking the different ways of thinking about and presenting this reality depending on societies and eras. We will draw upon data from anthropology and biology, addressing relationships between men and women, men and men, and women and women. We will raise the question of the essence of man and woman and their links to biological sex. We will ask to what extent one is born male or female, or conversely, to what extent one becomes one or the other, or even whether it is possible to change sex or have no sexual identity at all, and under what conditions.

Some issues: Acknowledging the complexity of sexual experience. Viewing human sexuality as both a natural and a cultural adventure. Embracing it in its various facets, considering heterosexual as well as homosexual relationships in their happy or unhappy contours, and the joys and sufferings that may arise from them. Discussing issues of equality versus inequality, androcentrism versus feminism, violence and other similar abuses...

Some objectives: Discovering ancient and more modern or contemporary approaches to the issue of sexuality by engaging with some fundamental texts from Eastern and Western cultures.

Recognizing sexuality as a fundamental dimension of human personality without confining it to an irreversible sexual identity. Rejecting the logic of domination over the body of the other, reducing it to an object of desire. Raising awareness of the hypersexualization of human relationships and the intentional eroticization of social, cultural, and artistic spaces.

Steps

We propose a five-step journey:

Babylonian creation myths (Gilgamesh)
The Genesis 1-3 text and its question
The Androgyne from Plato’s Symposium
Scientific discourses on sexuality – biology/genetics – asexuality, hermaphroditism, heterosexuality, homosexuality, and others
Gender theory

Learning outcomes

Become aware of sexual issues throughout time and in their complexity, explore some current questions about sexual identity/orientation and possible disorders, and understand the multiple consequences for individuals, couples, and human relationships in general.

Assessment of learning outcomes

Assessment of contributions in sessions and their relevance, submission of small assignments, including possible reading reports.