Sex.

One of the smallest words in the English language, but also the most arresting.

Put the word sex on any product and it sells like hotcakes. Mention the word anywhere and interest is immediate. Include it in any form of entertainment and audiences are guaranteed.

Yet, despite the fact that sex has been with us since the beginning of time, and today's world is flooded with research, information, films, discussions, videos, television programmes and more on the subject, hang-ups, misconceptions, myths and more still prevail.

Which is why educator Miss Margaret Swift will shortly be conducting a seven-week evening course on sexuality and social issues at the Bermuda College.

As its name implies, the course will deal with broad issues relating to sex and society rather than any clinical approach to personal problems.

"We will learn about the history of sexuality to show its evolution,'' Miss Swift explained. "In addition, we will discuss social issues as they relate to sex: homosexuality; AIDS in Bermuda versus the world; the media's impact on sexuality, and how that impacts on children; and safety, as it relates to sexually transmitted diseases, HIV and AIDS.'' When discussing social issues, Miss Swift said she intended to have representatives of the Human Rights Alliance and the Christian Coalition join the class to present both sides of the homosexuality versus the law controversy currently raging in the community.

Such a move was part of her drive to promote a better understanding between people.

"I want my students to see all sides of an issue, including homosexuality.

Everyone is entitled to his or her opinion, but I want them to see other people's as well.

"In class discussions we will see a wide range of opinions. Whether you embrace change or not is your choice, but at least let's discuss it. Until we have more of a feeling and understanding of each other as people we are not going to get past the fear of the unknown,'' she asserted.

There will also be class exercises designed to encourage students to better know themselves and one another.

"We will do a lot of exercises to get at where we are coming from as individuals, what we consider `normal', and to allow students to get to know each other, because there has to be a `safe' environment in order for the class to succeed,'' the lecturer said.

As to who would benefit from such a course, Miss Swift said that while every adult would qualify, she thought it would be particularly beneficial to parents present and prospective.

"It is an excellent course for people who are parents, or who plan to be parents some day, to learn more about sexuality when they come to deal with their own children,'' she said. "If they are parents of teens, they will get knowledge of Bermuda teens based on my experiences of dealing directly with them.'' Turning to sex and the media, Miss Swift said this aspect of her course would look at what impact advertising, soaps, television programmes, films and videos had on children.

"One of my (concerns) is (about the conflict we have between) children who are seeing sex everywhere and their friends telling them to do it, versus parents and teachers telling them not to do it, which is obviously being outweighed.

"My approach will not be censorship, but teaching parents and teachers more than just saying `No'. I want to equip them with the ability to discuss with children what they are seeing in the media, how to say no and be able to stick it, and also how to encourage them to have goals and values.'' Apart from the proposed curriculum, Miss Swift said that her course would provide plenty of opportunity for students to generate their own dialogue.

"If there are issues of interest to individuals in the class we also get into those. In fact, it never ceases to amaze me that I never manage to cover all that I want because we get into so many fascinating discussions! You learn from each other in my class. I believe lecturers learn from their students because they bring in something unique.'' "This is an interactive course,'' Miss Swift stressed. "There will be discussion groups, exercises where people participate verbally, excerpts from films; and fun assignments to complete out of class for discussion in class.'' Naturally, the young Bermudian is aware that her subject is a "delicate'' one in conservative Bermuda, and people may be chary about participating in a course based on sex, but from past experience she is confident that the next one will be just as well attended by men and women of all ages and from a good cross section of the community.

"The last course surpassed my expectations,'' she said. "It was fantastic. I was thrilled with how open people became. We got into so many fascinating discussions. Even if we are a conservative island, in the right setting people want to discuss things, just as they do anywhere else.'' As to why such a course was necessary, she said: "We have to focus not just on sex negative messages because there are positive aspects to sexuality too.

It is something we have to deal with.'' Miss Swift noted that the textbook for her course was authored by her professor and mentor at Northeastern University, Dr. Fetter, and said: "It is very interactive and really makes you think and look at yourself.'' An educator and counselling specialist who also deals with clients privately, Bermudian Miss Swift -- who has both Bachelor and Master of Science degrees -- is much in demand as a speaker and educator on sex-related subjects.

She has talked to primary and secondary school PTAs, church groups, students in school settings, and conducted retreats for women.

The Government has also retained her services to train primary school teachers in how to deal comfortably with sexual issues and young children.

"A lot of them were facing questions from students that they didn't know how to answer because the children were very advanced for their age,'' Miss Swift explained.

Abroad, the young Bermudian has also addressed university students in Boston.

Two-hour classes for the Sexuality and Social Issues course (PER845) will take place on Wednesdays at New Hall, Bermuda College Stonington Campus, Paget beginning at 6 p.m. The fee is $124. For enrollment details telephone 236-9000.

EDUCATOR AND COUNSELLOR Miss Margaret Swift -- "There are positive aspects to sexuality. It is something we have to deal with.''