First-Year Seminar (101-6-20)

Topic

Queer Monstrosity

Instructors

Kaitlin Lorraine Browne

Meeting Info

University Hall 118: Mon, Wed 12:30PM - 1:50PM

Overview of class

Professional writers and amateur internet users have explored identity through making use of monsters, beasts, and role-play. In this this course, we will explore gender and sexuality through the lens of monstrous creatures and spaces that allow for play and possibility—from the wilderness to virtual reality. We'll ask what can octopuses, werewolves, and the Loch Ness Monster do that humans can't? Why do we return to monsters and myths to inform, validate, explain, or investigate our identities? How does this "return to nature" intersect with technological innovations that challenge our concept of a fixed human identity? As transphobic and homophobic legislation is on the rise, what effect does the queer imaginary have on queer possibility? Texts and multimedia that we will study include Marie de France's medieval werewolf tale "Bisclavret," Black Mirror's "Striking Vipers," selections from Philosophy Tube, poems from Donika Kelly's Bestiary and a variety of queer cryptid memes and etsy merchandise.

Teaching Method

Discussion & Groupwork

Evaluation Method

Participation & Attendance, Paper writing, Discussion Posts, Oral presentation.

NUMBER OF WRITING ASSIGNMENTS AND THEIR LENGTHS 2-3 short papers.

Class Materials (Required)

TBA

Class Attributes

WCAS First-Year Seminar

Enrollment Requirements

Enrollment Requirements: Reserved for First Year & Sophomore only