In Search of Female Pleasure: A History

In Search of Female Pleasure: A History is an enlightening class that explores the evolving perceptions of female sexuality throughout history. From ancient understandings of pleasure and fertility to the medicalization of women’s bodies, we will examine how different cultures and eras have shaped the narrative around female desire. The course will delve into historical misconceptions, such as the once-prevalent belief in "hysteria" as a medical condition and the treatments that were developed in response. By unpacking these ideas, we’ll challenge outdated perspectives and discuss the broader implications of these beliefs on women’s autonomy and pleasure.

We will also explore the history of female sexual anatomy and its scientific discoveries, from early medical texts that largely ignored or misunderstood the clitoris to modern advancements that have reshaped our understanding of female pleasure. The discussion will highlight the influence of religion, patriarchy, and medical institutions on how women's bodies have been viewed and controlled. Through historical accounts and key medical discoveries, we will trace the shifting attitudes toward female orgasm and the ways in which pleasure has been pathologized, dismissed, or celebrated across time.

Finally, this class will address the changing expectations surrounding female pleasure and how society has redefined what is considered "normal" when it comes to female sexuality. From early feminist movements to contemporary discussions about sexual health and liberation, we will explore how cultural shifts have influenced women's experiences of their own bodies and desires. Whether you're interested in history, gender studies, or sexual health, this course offers an engaging and thought-provoking journey into the past and future of female pleasure.

About the Instructor:  Fawn O’Breitzman has been a college professor for over 20 years. She specializes in issues of Sex and Gender and presents at Transgender conferences all around the country. She does inclusion training for businesses and has worked with everyone from hospitals to construction yards to help companies make sure they are providing the best and most respectful care to their clients. She has been a social worker and therapist, as well as a wife and a mother. Although she has a background in Psychology, she has a passion for history and loves to dive into musty books. 

Host or Publisher Sexploraturoium