50 Shades of Grey as COLLEGE Class?

"Now class, please turn to page 197 and read out loud about Ana's first blow job."

That would make for a pretty entertaining and red-faced college class! However, Professor Stef Woods' spring class at American University, entitled "Contemporary American Culture: The Fifty Shades Triology," is not about titillation. Some students may be disappointed to find out that the course has a heavy reading load and much analysis and critical thinking about sexuality, gender, sexual health, addiction, and domestic violence in American society, as well as lessons in writing, editing, marketing, advertising, and public relations.

News of her class has been picked up internationally in the media, with comment sections flooded by attacking remarks. I've noticed that people love to get on their high horses about "what we pay for our children to learn," or "what our tax dollars are used for." Don't get your panties and boxer shorts in a bunch, folks. Much of the valuable role of college is guiding teenagers into adulthood and offering skills in business, critical thinking, relationships, and the world. A course like this creates a context for real life learning...learning and navigating the media-saturated and sexuality-saturated world that these students inhabit.

I have personal experience teaching a class like this. Back in 2004 and 2005 I taught a course at Cal State San Marcos about Eve Ensler's play "The Vagina Monologues." We decontructed sexuality, gender, race, and bodies. There was also a strong experiential component, as students wrote their own personal monologues and presented a Vagina Fest with three performances of the play. They learned critical thinking skills, public speaking, personal reflection, and compassion.

I know Stef Woods personally; I interviewed her in 2011 for my In the Den with Dr. Jenn video series and also presented with her at the 2012 Momentum Conference in Washington, DC. Gratetfully a recent interview on MSNBC allowed Stef to speak to the academic content and media skills development that are foundational to her class. Take a look at the MSNBC video below:

~Dr. Jenn Gunsaullus, San Diego, CA -- Sex Therapist, Sociologist, Sexuality Speaker, Sexologist

20% off Sex Toys this October - Fun Factory joins Citygirlblogs to Support Pink Jams

Do you want to save 20% on quality sex toys while supporting breast cancer awareness? Two of my favorite entities have joined forces this October to support the Pink Jams! nonprofit in Washington, DC. And you can be a part of it!

Stef Woods, the popular sex and dating blogger of CityGirlBlogs, was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 37. She has recently completed her formal cancer treatment program and is actively involved with breast cancer charity events.

Fun Factory has long been one of my favorite sex toy companies, due to their emphasis on quality, safe materials, fun, and women's pleasure.

Together they are supporting Pink Jams!, an organization dedicated to increasing breast cancer awareness and early detection for those under 40 years of age. If you learn of this October collaboration through Stef's blog, work, or outreach (including this blog!) you will receive 20% off your Fun Factory purchase PLUS Fun Factory will donate an additional 20% of your purchase to Pink Jams!

Regarding this collaboration, Stef Woods stated, “Much of the available literature focuses on how cancer will harm your dating and sex life”, Woods said. “However, if a patient values his or her sexual health and there are no medical restrictions to doing so, that patient should be encouraged to prioritize his or her sexual health.”

What better way to spread your love? First to yourself, through purchasing a pleasure device, and second, by donating to a cause about education and compassion. All you have to do is use the code "Citygirl" (with a capital 'C') at Fun Factory to get the discount and make the donation!

~Dr. Jenn Gunsaullus -- Sex Therapy, Marriage Counseling, & University Sexuality Speaker in San Diego, CA

Stef Woods on Sex Blogging, Breast Cancer, and Women's Health Advocacy

How does someone become a dating and sex blogger?  Dr. Jenn interviews Stef Woods, of citygirlblogs fame, from Washington, DC.  They discuss her unique career path, health concerns, and what women can do to become better health advocates for themselves.

SPECIAL GUEST
Stef Woods, Blogger & Health Advocate

SEXUAL FUN FACT
What was the clinical term for intercourse in the 17th century?