Aims

This Summer School will provide you with a general introduction to the topic of human sexuality. It will offer you the opportunity to learn about and reflect on current scientific approaches to and insights in human sexuality.

The programme is based on the premise that the experience and expression of sexuality are influenced and regulated by a combination of biological, psychological, social, and cultural processes, including inter- and intra-personal norms and values.

Participants

The Summer School is open to master’s (MA/MS) and PhD students from all disciplines (e.g. psychology, sociology, gender studies, educational sciences, social work, nursing, biology, medicine) who wish to learn more about contemporary insights in and approaches to the study of human sexuality.

Considering the focus on interactive learning, the number of participants will be limited to 25.

Learning Outcomes

After this summer school, you will be able to:

• Recognise, understand, and describe the historical and cultural basis of human sexuality;
• Distinguish between major theoretical approaches to sexuality, to name and critically discuss their contribution to our understanding of and scientific knowledge about sexuality;
• Explain how ‘normal’ and ‘abnormal’ sexuality are social, legal, and culturally sensitive constructs;
• Understand and explain the basics of psychological and biological perspectives on human sexuality;
• Situate sexuality within a lifetime developmental perspective;
• Reflect upon and articulate your own personal sexual norms, values, and attitudes.

Topics covered

• Human sexuality throughout history and in different cultures.
• Evolutionary, psychological, sociological approaches to human sexuality.
• How and why do people, societies, and cultures define normality?
• The psychophysiology of human sexuality.
• Sexual development from cradle to grave.
• Sexual identity, orientation, and preferences.
• Sexuality and mental and physical health/illness.
  
  Check the website regularily to get the most recent information.

Faculty

Paul Enzlin, Luk Gijs, and Erick Janssen of the Institute for Family and Sexuality Studies (IFSS) with guest lectures by Ellen Laan and Marieke Dewitte.

Founded in 1961, the IFSS is part of the Department of Neuroscience at KU Leuven and one of the oldest centres in Europe to focus on questions related to sexuality and related topics. It offers a master’s programme in human sexuality (in Dutch) and its internationally-oriented faculty is engaged in a diverse research programme, focusing on a variety of topics.

Format, FEEs and practical information

One intensive week with a variety of teaching formats - lectures, workshops, readings, discussions in pairs and presentations in smaller and larger groups - all with an emphasis on interactive learning.

The participation fee covers:

• The course and course materials (provided on a USB-stick)
• KU Leuven registration cost (waived for KU Leuven students)
• Bus card
• WIFI and library access
• All lunches and coffee breaks (Monday through Friday)
• Welcome reception & farewell dinner

The participation fee does not include travel to and from Leuven, accommodation, and additional meals (e.g., breakfast).

As an international participant, we hope you will enjoy the vibrant city of Leuven as well as the diversity of Belgium.