[PAST EVENT] European Studies Fall Talk: Sexing the Modern Self

October 9, 2013
4:40pm - 5:30pm
Location
Tucker Hall, 127A
350 James Blair Dr
Williamsburg, VA 23185Map this location
A lecture by Bonnie Smith, Board of Governors Distinguished Professor of History, Rutgers University

Wednesday, October 09, 2013 4:00-5:30 p.m. Tucker Hall 127 A

Sexuality, sexual identity, and bodily practices changed noticeably in the West before World War I, leading to complaints about declining virility and more general decadence. Sex reformers, gay activists, specialists in erotics, plastic surgeons, psychoanalysts and others appeared enthusiastically on the scene to modify, even revolutionize social and cultural thinking about sex in all its forms. Many of these trend-setters were influenced by ideas and practices from distant lands, even as Europeans and Americans used violence to conquer them. This lecture will explore those outside influences and their role in making Western civilization modern. It will highlight the careers of prominent thinkers, scientists and politicians as well as the activities of those seen as troublemakers.

Sponsored by European Studies, with funding from German Studies, Gender, Sexuality and Women's Studies and the College of Arts and Sciences.
Contact

[[bbcamp, Bruce Campbell]], European Studies Program Director, 757-221-1247