Introduction to Topics in History (292-0-20)
Topic
Transgender History
Instructors
Lauren K Stokes
847/467-3086
Harris Hall - Room 235
Meeting Info
Harris Hall L06: Mon, Wed 3:30PM - 4:50PM
Overview of class
The terms "trans" and "transgender" have only been in widespread use since the 1990s, transsexual, transvestite, cross-dressing, and other non-normative genders have a much longer history. This course takes a trans approach to reading gender in the past, with a focus on North America and Europe.
How did people in the past understand genders beyond the binary? How did the modern movement for trans rights develop? Can history serve as a resource in fighting anti-trans backlash today? As we seek to answer these questions, we will read academic as well as at medical and sexological texts, political manifestoes, newsletters, memoirs, and zines.
Students will finish the class by curating their own virtual exhibition of trans history.
Learning Objectives
• Students will be able to identify and explain key concepts and events in the history of gender identity and sexuality across the 19th and 20th centuries • Students will be able to analyze trans issues in the past and present, and to think critically about applying contemporary categories to the past. • Students will understand how historians construct arguments. • Students will have skills in primary source research and analysis. • Students will create an online exhibition of trans history.
Evaluation Method
class participation, short papers, final exhibition project
Class Attributes
Historical Studies Distro Area