As an example: I really love the film Juno (2007), starring Elliot Page (formerly Ellen Page), about a teen couple who accidentally become pregnant. I could choose the topic about sex education and how ineffective it is, how half of the states don’t even mandate factual, medically accurate info be given to teens, and how this type of real-world issue certainly contributes to unplanned pregnancies in teens. I could research and report statistics that make my point, maybe find some info about how the film was received when it came out, and so on. I could then use this to further discuss topics we covered in this class/learned about, from sexuality and sexual health to Dobbs v. Jackson, and so on. Obviously, don’t use Juno as your chosen film/character, but hopefully this helps explain what I’m looking for!
CHOOSE FROM THE FOLLOWING TOPICS/QUESTIONS:
Biases against women in research, current and historical
The concept of privilege in today’s society
Men are from Mars/Women are from Venus – gender essentialism in the 21st century
Current and pending laws and regulations that seek to limit medical treatment for trans youth and adults
The effects of rigid gender “rules” & expectations in the 21st century
Period shame & access to menstrual products in “third world”/developing nations
Each state in the U.S. being allowed to individually determine what is appropriate sexual education for students – ramifications of this?
The contradiction of sexualization and sexual taboos in the U.S. (how our culture is obsessed with sexuality and objectification/hyper-sexualization, but sexual health, naked bodies and body parts are still taboo to discuss or learn about)
Gaslighting: Its’ history, current view of, and implications of the concept being used as slang/used ubiquitously
Intimate partner violence and its’ long-term effects on women’s mental health
S. Supreme Court: Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization: One year Late
Sexual harassment in the workplace: An historical problem, or still ongoing problem?
Beliefs about women and ageing: Is menopause the end for women and their sexuality?
