Polyamory Politics

This collaborative study group will discuss various aspects of polyamory, a contested term generally referring to open ethical non-monogamous relationships. Topics for discussion will likely include:

• the history of monogamy and its alternatives
• relevant material from psychology, sociology, anthropology, and other social sciences on relationships, sexual identity and practice, and “human nature”
• political perspectives on monogamy, polyamory, free love, the nuclear family, intentional communities, and other parts of the terrain
• online and face-to-face polyamory communities
• connections and disconnections between polyamory and other sex-positive communities such as swinging, LGBT, and BDSM
• related efforts to enhance personal growth, interpersonal communication, intimacy, sexuality, etc.
• common issues such as jealousy, insecurity, safety, stability, scheduling
• legal and other considerations

If interested, we can attend various local polyamory events as a group.

Course details will depend on student interest.

Among the many books on polyamory and related topics are these recent ones:

• Dossie Easton & Janet W. Hardy (2009) - The Ethical Slut: A Practical Guide to Polyamory, Open Relationships & Other Adventures (2nd ed.)
• Tristan Taormino (2008) - Opening Up: A Guide to Creating and Sustaining Open Relationships
• Christopher Ryan & Cacilda Jethá (2010) - Sex At Dawn: The Prehistoric Origins of Modern Sexuality
• Deborah Anapol (2010) - Polyamory in the Twenty-First Century: Love and Intimacy with Multiple Partners

The instructor's personal interest in polyamory is consistent with his academic work in critical psychology as well as in anarchism, but he is not a therapist. Although some personal discussion is likely, it is not required and this is not a relationship-counseling or therapy group. The class is open to students regardless of relationship status, goals, or assumptions.

Method/Procedures: collaborative study group

Schedule: Tuesdays at 7 pm for 90 minutes for 8 weeks