Research Seminar in Gender & Sexuality Studies (350-4-2)
Topic
Participatory Research in Queer Studies
Instructors
Martha Allegra Robinson Rhodes
Meeting Info
555 Clark B03: Tues, Thurs 3:30PM - 4:50PM
Overview of class
Topic: Participatory Research in Queer Studies.
Participatory research methods have been key to queer studies since its inception. The use of methodologies like oral history, ethnography and participant observation reflects the lack of written sources on the queer past, but also the political objectives of many researchers - to empower their participants, challenge normativity, and often pursue social change. In this class, we will examine some of the approaches to participatory research, and explore how participatory research might be different in the specific context of queer studies. How is the relationship between researcher and participant altered when both are LGBTQ+ (or assumed to be)? How might queer theory pose a challenge to the activist objectives of participatory research, and vice versa?
The central focus of your writing requirements will be your own research paper, on a topic of your choice, putting the participatory research methods we have learned about into practice. We will work on this step by step throughout the quarter, with consistent feedback and support to enable you to become independent researchers. The ability to conduct independent research is an extremely valuable skill, enabling you to develop as scholars and engage directly with the topics and questions we will be covering.
Learning Objectives
At the end of this course, students will be able to: 1) Identify and explain the theories and methodologies of participatory research; 2) Interpret primary sources in context; 3) Evaluate the relationship between participatory research, queer theory, and queer activism, 4) Compare and contrast the use of participatory research methods in different contexts; 5) Conduct independent research
Teaching Method
Class discussion, readings, and an independent research project
Evaluation Method
Writing assignments, peer assessment, presentation and final paper
Class Materials (Required)
All required course materials will be available in the library or provided on Canvas
Class Attributes
Historical Studies Distro Area