Fall 2006

WGS 345 • 30-Gay and Lesbian Literature and Culture-W

Course Description

This course will examine gay and lesbian literature and culture from a variety of genres, including novels, essays, plays, performance art, visual art, and film. We will explore issues such as gay and lesbian movement politics, the discourse of AIDS, intersections of gender, race, ethnicity, and sexuality, transnational gay and lesbian cultures, queer and transgender identities and politics, and sex radicalism. We will do some background reading in theories of sexuality and the history of sexuality and modern notions of sexual identity. One of the primary goals of the course will be to explore the role of culture and representation in creating public spheres, identity formations, and social movements and to consider the ongoing role of alternative culture in an era of Brokeback Mountain and The L Word. It will be useful for students to have taken at least one course in women's studies or have equivalent background in women's studies or gay and lesbian studies. If you're not sure about your preparation, please consult with me.

Grading Policy

50%: Writing Portfolio *5 short 1-page papers every other week *4-5 Blackboard posts *Mid-term assignment 35%: Final Project (proposal, group presentation, 5-page paper) 15%: Class attendance and participation

Texts

Henry Abelove, Michele Barale David Halperin, The Lesbian and Gay Studies Reader Audre Lorde, Zami Shyam Selvadurai, Funny Boy Dorothy Allison, Two or Three Things I Know for Sure David Wojnarowicz, Close to the Knives Course packet with articles and short essays Films and Videos: Marlon Riggs, Black Is, Black Ain't Aerlyn Weissman and Lynne Fernie, Forbidden Love Kimberly Peirce, Boys Don't Cry Gregg Bordowitz, Fast Trip, Long Drop Ang Lee, Brokeback Mountain

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