Disclosed is a device for enabling the slow and direct measurement of fluorescence polarization using a liquid crystal variable retardance modulator. A polarization module comprises in combination a sample holder for holding a sample; an input polarizer located intermediate the sample holder and a light source emitting an excitation light beam, the input polarizer being fixed in position and intersecting the excitation light beam prior to its entry into the sample; a modulator means located intermediate the sample and an output polarizer and intersecting a fluorescence emission beam exiting the sample, the modulator means comprising a liquid crystal retardance modulator operating at an arbitrarily slow speed; and, the output polarizer located intermediate the modulator and a detector, the output polarizer being fixed in position intermediate the modulator and the detector, and intersecting the fluorescence emission beam. A fluorimeter incorporating the polarization module and method for employing same is further disclosed.