This course will involve our viewing and discussing sexually explicit material. It is thus important for us as a classroom community to establish our collective expectations and individual boundaries, and also to ensure that we understand the purpose of these viewings and how they fit into the course.
By enrolling in this course, you indicate you agreement with and acceptance of the following.
Most people find it dificult to grasp that whatever they like to do sexually will be thoroughly repulsive to someone else, and that whatever repels them sexually will be the most treasured delight of someone, somewhere. One need not like or perform a particular sex act in order to recognize that someone else will, and that this difference does not indicate a lack of good taste, mental health, or intelligence in either party. (Gayle Rubin, "Thinking Sex")
Much of the material we will be discussing is 'academic' and relatively 'dry'.1 But some of it may be emotionally challenging, and any discussion about sexuality has the potential to feel threatening. It will therefore be essential that there be an atmosphere of trust and safety in the classroom. I will attempt to foster an environment in which each member of the course is able to speak freely, and to be heard respectfully, and I will demand that all members of the course show proper respect for one another's views, attitudes, opinions, and feelings. Some of the material we discuss may evoke strong reactions. Please be patient and kind with one another, and do not jump to conclusions. Do not make sweeping generalizations (anyone who finds that erotic must be sick) but use "I" language (that makes me feel uncomfortable). Expect the best, not the worst, of others. Still, as good as our intentions may be, there may be occasions when someone says or does something that causes discomfort or offense, and such episodes can adversely affect other people's educational experience. I will make it my responsibility to address such issues forthrightly.
Any student who fails to meet these standards will be given one opportunity to correct their behavior. Failure to do so will result in exclusion from the course. Please remember, too, that Brown's Title IX policy applies to all of us.
Should any issues of this sort arise, students will have four options open to them:
Students may use laptops and the like to take notes in class or to access material we are discussing in class, but all other use of computers, tablets, and mobile devices is strictly prohibited during class. This includes but is not limited to checking email, texting, and searching the web, even if the search is related to the course (unless special permission has been given). I establish this rule not for my benefit, not even for yours, but rather for that of your peers.
In a study entitled "Laptop multitasking hinders classroom learning for both users and nearby peers" (PDF here), Faria Sana, Tina Weston, and Nichola Cepeda showed eactly that. It is not just that students who "multi-task" during class—check e-mail, text, or whatever—received significantly lower grades in the study than students who did not. This is not surprising, since the human brain simply cannot focus on very many things at one time. (If you're skeptical about this, then watch this video or perhaps some of these ones.) Rather, the surprising conclusion was that students who were sitting near other students who were multi-tasking also received significantly lower grades than students were who not. In fact, they were almost as distracted as the students who were actually doing the multi-tasking!
There is thus evidence that multi-tasking does not only hurt the person doing it. It also harms the people around them. And that is the basis of my request that students not engage in such activities during class. If someone near you is doing so, you should feel free to ask them to stop. If need be, please feel free to talk to me.
Brown University is committed to full inclusion of all students. Please inform the instructor early in the term if you have a disability or other condition that might require accommodations or modification of any of the course procedures. For more information, please contact the Office of Student and Employee Accessibility Services. Students in need of short-term academic advice or support can contact one of the deans in the Dean of the College's office.