COLLEGE OF HEALTH AND SOCIAL SCIENCES SCHOLARSHIP PORTFOLIO (2013) | Page 82

Sociology and Sexuality Studies
Sociology
The mission of the Department of Sociology is to provide our students with the abilities necessary
to explore systematically the connections between people and their social worlds in order to better
understand the social, political, and cultural context in which problems develop and changes
occur. The development of new technologies and the opportunities they bring, changes in personal
relationships and public life, increased diversity in our communities, the globalization of a broad
spectrum of human endeavors all bring with them both exciting possibilities for reconstructing
society, and serious potential pitfalls. We attempt to maintain coverage of all major areas of
sociology in our curriculum. Our research expertise is broad but with significant concentrations in
the areas of health, sexuality, political construction of identities, and consumptive behavior in the
context of environmental change. At present, all faculty members engage in both pure academic
research and community engagement as subject matter experts. We have close ties with Bay Area
nonprofit groups including the GLBT Historical Society, Health Initiatives for Youth, and ASI’s
Project Rebound.
Sexuality Studies
The mission of the Department of Sexuality Studies is to “advance multidisciplinary teaching,
research, and advocacy in sexuality studies, sexual literacy, well-being and social justice.” The
department has a long commitment to community building and focuses on issues of social justice
and sexuality. We offer a Master of Arts degree in Sexuality Studies. It is the first of its kind in the
State of California and the first in the US specifically dedicated to “sexuality studies” in a public
accredited university. We also offer two minors: Minor in Human Sexuality Studies and a Minor
in Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Studies. We offer integrative and comprehensive
degrees for students interested in studying and working with issues related to human sexuality,
sexuality education, research, and social policy. It offers an interdisciplinary curriculum in the
study of sexuality, with particular emphasis on theory, research, and application. Sexual and
cultural diversity and their relevant historical, social, developmental, and biological aspects are
considered. Our academic goals strive to advocate for social policy on sexuality, sexual health,
sexual education and human rights, shaped by social justice and diversity and through these
efforts we hope to shape the first of sexuality studies in the 21st century.

Student

Honors
Born and raised in St. Louis Missouri, Carolyn Marsh became interested in antioppression education at a young age. At 16, she began working with an anti-oppression
youth leadership program as a residental facilitator. She carried her passion for youth
leadership and social justice to Hampshire College in Amherst, MA. At Hampshire, she
became interested in sexuality education and HIV prevention as a way to dismantle
inequalities. After college, Carolyn worked at a nonprofit in St. Louis as a relationship
and sexual violence prevention educator. She enrolled in the Sexuality Master's
Program with the aim of studying how sex education classrooms could be a site to
dismantle inequalities and promote social justice.While enrolled, she received the
Provost Scholarship Award for nonresident students. Her Master's thesis, "ReImagining Sex Educator Relationships with Youth: Defensive and Liberatory Responses
to Stigma" explores the role of adult sex educators working with youth to promote
social change. After graduation, Carolyn plans to continue work in sexual health and
pursue a PhD in sociology.

82