US Gay and Lesbian History (324-0-20)

Instructors

Lane Fenrich
8474917560
1922 Sheridan Rd.

Meeting Info

Harris Hall 107: Tues, Thurs 2:00PM - 3:20PM

Overview of class

This course explores the history of homosexuality as a legible social and cultural category; of LGBTQ individuals and communities as self-aware social and political actors; and of LGBTQ/anti-LGBTQ politics as arenas in which modern Americans have debated fundamental questions about human rights, personal autonomy, and citizenship. We will map the frameworks within which individuals have sought out, enjoyed, and understood sexual activity with others of the same sex; trace the growth of queer communities over the course of the twentieth century; and survey the dramatic shifts and turns from the emergence of an organized gay and lesbian political movement to the traumas of the AIDS epidemic and the increasingly bitter fights over LGBTQ citizenship and personhood of the last few decades.

Registration Requirements

Attendance at first class is mandatory

Learning Objectives

• Summarize and evaluate the major arguments surrounding the history of same-sex desiring individuals and communities and explain the intellectual stakes in choosing one over another;
• Critically analyze primary documents related to the history of sexuality using arguments presentedin the course;
• Explain how LGBTQ history maps onto the history of other social categories such as race, gender, and ethnicity—and vice versa;
• Locate contemporary issues and debates in the broader context of LGBTQ history and American history generally.

Evaluation Method

Two midterm examinations
Participation in discussion

Class Attributes

Historical Studies Foundational Discipline
Historical Studies Distro Area
U.S. Perspectives on Power, Justice, and Equity

Enrollment Requirements

Enrollment Requirements: Pre-registration is reserved for Gender & Sexuality Studies students

Associated Classes

DIS - Kresge Centennial Hall 2-331: Fri 10:00AM - 10:50AM

DIS - Kresge Centennial Hall 2-343: Fri 11:00AM - 11:50AM

DIS - Harris Hall L04: Fri 12:00PM - 12:50PM

DIS - Harris Hall L06: Fri 12:00PM - 12:50PM

DIS - Lutkin Hall: Fri 1:00PM - 1:50PM

DIS - Kresge Centennial Hall 2-435: Fri 2:00PM - 2:50PM