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P8720 History of Sexual Health Promotion
This course will examine a representative selection of major health issues pertaining to sexuality that were the focus of public health promotion campaigns in 20th century New York City. Drawing upon assigned readings, lectures, and individual assignments that intersect history, policy and research, students will analyze how these campaigns -- and the resulting public policy -- have been shaped by social, ethical and political factors. The course will examine four "case study" health issues (masturbation, prostitution, venereal diseases, and contraception) to demonstrate how they exemplified the historical evolution of sexual health promotion within the emerging public health field. Involving political leaders, health practitioners and self proclaimed reformers, these campaigns were designed to elucidate, intervene, and resolve pressing health issues regarding sexuality. During the early and mid-20th century, these health issues, implemented as public policy, became a primary arena in which racist policies were institutionalized and the vehicle by which a repressive acculturation process was the 'sin qua non' experience for the large immigrant populations arriving in the US. Our analyses will be placed within the context of 20th century New York City --a primary venue of large waves of immigration as well as numerous public health campaigns, ensuing moral panics and political struggles around sexual health issues. The course will conclude with an analysis of three current public health issues that evoke these early public health interventions and promotional efforts: adolescent sexuality, HIV/AIDS, and sexuality education. Students will be able to critically assess and evaluate these historical frameworks and practices of public health promotion regarding sexuality in order to apply insights gained to their work in the public health field.
3 points
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