Topics in Gender and Sexuality Studies (490-0-22)

Topic

Queer Theory

Instructors

Jillana B Enteen
847/491-4337
Crowe 1-113
Office Hours: by appointment

Meeting Info

Locy Hall 109: Wed 3:00PM - 5:50PM

Overview of class

The central concerns of this graduate seminar are to familiarize you with critical issues, methods, and practices of Queer Theory. Our readings include foundational/early texts naming and/or refusing the topic/discipline itself as well as the way in which the practices of "reading queerly" occur in not only what we recognize as theory, but also fiction and film. We will examine Queer Theory and canonization with the goal of working together to a create a relevant, inclusive lineage that takes into account the contributions often overlooked in the classification of QT texts including BIPOC voices, feminisms, critical race theory, trans theory, diasporic, and transnational texts. You will be expected to read carefully and critically, interrogate and analyze the complex intersections of sexualities through cultural and sociopolitical analysis that incorporate gender, race, economic, and access disparities, and other dimensions reflecting contemporary queer concerns, broadly conceived. Close reading will be the primary queer methodology practiced through class readings and writing. Attendance and active participation in seminar discussions is expected. You are invited to lead, singly or in groups, an introduction to the readings of a course meeting. Course readings can be adjusted to reflect your expertise and interests. Writing requirements consist of one short close-reading paper and a seminar project: (a) a discipline-specific syllabus you might consider teaching in the future; (b) an abstract that will be submitted to a conference (and thus potentially lead to a conference paper); (c) a 12-15-page seminar -paper on a topic of your choice that demonstrates the production of Queer Theory from a first-person perspective (unless otherwise discussed and approved as more germane to your graduate trajectory).

Teaching Method

short background presentation by professor, seminar discussion format, student presentations

Evaluation Method

participation, a short literary analysis and a final conference abstract, syllabus, or paper

Class Materials (Required)

All course materials will be provided on Canvas

Enrollment Requirements

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