The modern study of sexuality emerged in the middle of the 19th century, developed by courageous scholars and artists in many disciplines. Since the 1960s, spurred by the “Sexual Revolution,”second wave feminism, and the lesbian and gay liberation movement, the study of sexuality has become one of the most exciting and challenging areas of intellectual and artistic inquiry over the last 40 years.

The Minor in Interdisciplinary Studies in Sexuality, offered jointly by the Faculty of Fine Arts and the Faculty of Arts and Science since 1998, provides students with an innovative interdisciplinary programme. The Minor draws on disciplines as varied as anthropology, art history, cultural studies, film studies, fine arts, history, literature, philosophy, psychology, religion, sociology, and women’s studies in order to investigate empirical, theoretical, and creative aspects of sexuality.

Sexuality Curriculum at Concordia

1985 The first lesbian studies curriculum is introduced at the world-renowned Simone de Beauvoir Institute.
1989 First gay studies course on literature & film.
1992 Concordia co-hosts La Ville en rose, 1st Quebec Lesbian & Gay Studies Conference, which brings together 1500 researchers from around the globe.
1993 Concordia appoints a task force on gay and lesbian life
1994 Concordia inaugurates its highly acclaimed course on the AIDS pandemic
1998 The Minor starts up; international interdisciplinary “Sex on the Edge” conference at Concordia
2006 Concordia hosts “Hypervisibility: Homosexualities in Contemporary Francophone Cinemas” conference
2010 Anticipated start up of Major in Interdisciplinary Studies in Sexuality

The Minor in Sexuality offers students a unique interdisciplinary perspective. Distinct from other programmes offered in Canada and the U.S., Concordia’s programme provides a kaleidoscope of curriculum in several different departments. Another objective is to provide an academic home to students who wish to specialize in the burgeoning field of “Queer Studies.”