Introduction to Queer Studies
AMST 218
Fall 2016
| Section:
01
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| Crosslisting:
FGSS 218 |
| Course Cluster: Queer Studies |
This course will examine major ideas in the field of queer studies. Relying upon theoretical, historical, and cultural studies texts, we will consider the representation and constructions of sexuality-based identities as they have been formed within the contemporary United States. We will explore the idea of sexuality as a category of social identity, probing the identities of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender to try to understand what they really mean in various cultural, social, legal, and political milieus. In doing so, we will ask, What does it mean to study queerness? What do we mean by "queer studies"? How do institutions--religious, legal, scientific--shape our understandings of queer identities? In what ways do sexuality and gender interact, and how does this interaction inform the meanings of each of these identity categories? How do other social categories of identification--race, ethnicity, class, etc.--affect the ways in which we understand expressions of queerness? Moreover, what does studying queerness tell us about the workings of contemporary political, cultural, and social life? |
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| Credit: 1 |
Gen Ed Area Dept:
SBS AMST |
| Course Format: Lecture / Discussion | Grading Mode: Graded |
| Level: UGRD |
Prerequisites: None |
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Fulfills a Requirement for: (AMST) |
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Past Enrollment Probability: 50% - 74% |
| SECTION 01 |
Major Readings: Wesleyan RJ Julia Bookstore
Key readings will include:
Michel Foucault, History of Sexuality
Gayle Rubin, "Thinking Sex'
Judith Butler, Undoing Gender
Mattilda Bernstein Sycamore, That's Revolting!: Queer Strategies for Resisting Assimilation
John D'Emilio, "Capitalism and Gay Identity"
David Halperin, "Is There a History of Sexuality?"
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Examinations and Assignments:
A midterm paper, weekly reading responses, and a final paper. Class attendance and participation is expected. |
| Instructor(s): Grappo,Laura Times: ..T.R.. 01:20PM-02:40PM; Location: FISK208; |
| Total Enrollment Limit: 25 | | SR major: 5 | JR major: 7 | | |
| Seats Available: 0 | GRAD: X | SR non-major: 3 | JR non-major: 3 | SO: 5 | FR: 2 |
| Drop/Add Enrollment Requests | | | | | |
| Total Submitted Requests: 17 | 1st Ranked: 4 | 2nd Ranked: 0 | 3rd Ranked: 2 | 4th Ranked: 0 | Unranked: 11 |
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