Jul 20, 2025  
2025-2026 Undergraduate Bulletin 
    
2025-2026 Undergraduate Bulletin

Sociology of Sexual Health and Wellbeing Microcredential


This microcredential will consist of four components:  (1) a core SOCL course “SOCL 281: Sociology of Sexual Health”, (2) two approved electives, (3) an integrative and applied learning experience (e.g., an internship), and (4) a self-reflective statement.

Core Course: This course will incorporate topics related to sexual health and wellbeing (broadly defined), including (but not limited to): a) sexual socialization (e.g., how we internalize sexual norms and how those norms are socially and structurally enforced); b) pornography (e.g., ethics of production, sex work as labor); c) the use of language (e.g., how “sex” as a concept is defined); d) sexual identity development; e) consent, sexual obligations, coercion, and violence; and f) sexual behavior on college campuses.  These topics will be addressed using an intersectional lens.

Electives:  Students may choose two electives from the list provided below, under “Related Requirements”. Additional courses may be added as they are developed.

Integrative and Applied Learning:  Students may choose any internship that is topically related to the microcredential, although the coordinator’s permission is required in advance. One three-credit internship option is the Geneseo SEX[Ed] Sexual Health Peer Education Program, coordinated by Dr. Braksmajer and run out of the Department of Sociology.  Upon completing the core course, students may apply for a peer education internship, again based in the Department of Sociology. Interns will collaborate with others to create website content, develop, and present educational workshops and materials to residence halls and campus organizations, conduct online and in-person outreach, distribute resources, and host campus-wide awareness and advocacy events.

Self-Reflective Statement:  In this statement, students will describe the  process of developing and applying practical and/or professional skills (i.e., via their IAL experience) related to their topic of interest (e.g., sexuality, sexual health, gender and health, reproductive health). Students will also discuss connections between their IAL experience, the microcredential courses that they have completed, and personal experience. Finally, students will reflect on the significance of intersectional social justice approaches to sexual health and wellbeing.

Program Learning Outcomes


1. Students will discuss how experiences of sexuality and sexual health are shaped by intersecting social identities (e.g., race, class, gender) and social institutions (e.g., media, family, the state).

2. Students will understand how popular conceptions of sexuality, sexual and reproductive health, and risk are continually constructed, negotiated, and contested by various social groups.

3. Students will discuss how sexuality-related epidemiological surveillance and public health interventions can benefit society, yet also function as sources of state regulation and social control.

4. Students will be able to apply a critical sociological perspective to contemporary issues regarding sexuality, as well as sexual and reproductive health (e.g., a recent increase in state policies that censor sexual health education and/or discussion of LGBTQ+ related subjects).

Requirements: