News - headlines
News
DCU introduces new MA in Sexuality Studies
14 June 2010
The Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences (FHSS) together with the Faculty of Science and Health (FSH) are pleased to announce a newly-accredited joint Master of Arts in Sexuality Studies.
The School of Applied Language and Intercultural Studies (SALIS) and the School of Nursing (SON) have gathered synergies to offer this interdisciplinary programme which comes at a time when sexuality-related discourses are taking centre-stage in both public and private life, policy-making and shaping professional practices.
Whilst sexuality studies degrees have been offered in many parts of the world since the late 19th century, DCU is the first Irish university offering such a degree. Graduates in Health and Nursing Studies, in Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences related subjects now have the opportunity to enhance their knowledge and understanding of the historical, social and cultural dimensions of Sexuality Studies, from an interdisciplinary perspective.
Sexuality Studies is a collective term for the interdisciplinary study of human sexuality. It is a term used to refer to theoretical works in the Humanities, Health-Related Sciences and Social Sciences. This umbrella discipline which covers matters central to Ethnicity Studies, Gender Studies, Gay and Lesbian Studies, Masculinity Studies, Minority Studies, Women Studies and Queer Studies goes beyond these, addressing in an inter- and cross-disciplinary fashion all aspects of human sexualities.
The philosophical and strategic aims of the programme founders, Mr Jean-Philippe Imbert (SALIS) and Dr Mel Duffy (SON) are to educate the next generation of leaders in Sexuality Studies research and dissemination of knowledge, and advance quality research on sexuality. Their aim is also to elaborate on sexuality-related literary, artistic and cultural discourses and artefacts and to advocate for social policy on sexuality, sexual health, and sexual education in relation to human rights that shape social justice and diversity.
Subject to final approval, the first group of participants to register on this Masters programme will commence their studies in September 2010. Programme participants will have the opportunity to explore the foundations of sexuality debates, to examine contemporary sexuality-related issues, artistic and cultural artifacts, challenges and dilemmas in professional and public life and to do so from a wide spectrum of worldviews, perspectives and theories.
The programme is designed for graduates and professionals working in the areas of education and teaching, management, health care, medical practice, law, human resources, media and communications, social work and other care services. It will be of particular relevance for those who work as advocates for people with disabilities, in the sex industry, people with mental health issues, the elderly, and any other vulnerable population. For those whose work calls for expertise regarding human reproduction, sexuality, sexual and gender identity and diversity, sexual orientation and practice, this will be of particular significance. At the same time, other graduates without professional experience will benefit from the knowledge provided in this programme to pursue their interest in the following fields: Anthropology, Art Management, Business Studies, Communications Studies, Comparative Studies, Comparative Literature, Drama Studies, Film Studies, Health, History, Intercultural Studies, Law and Government, Language Studies, Media Studies, Psychology, Social Work, Sociology, to name but a few.