Summer 2005

E s370W • Gay and Lesbian Literature and Culture

Course Description

This course offers a context for understanding literature and other art forms created by and about lesbians and gay men in the English-speaking world. We will analyze lesbian and gay self-representation through careful examination of texts that document gay and lesbian cultural traditions and political communities. Writing assignments will emphasize careful close reading and formal analysis of these texts in a series of short papers; all four of these papers will be revised. A final group project will draw on the variety of genres studied during the semester to create a class presentation.

Grading Policy

Four 2-page papers worth 15% each
A final in-class group project 20%
Performance as a peer editor 10%
Class participation (attendance, preparation, and completion of in-class assignments) 10%

Texts

Books (available at University Co-op):
E.M. Forster, Maurice
Radclyffe Hall, The Well of Loneliness
Mary Renault, The Charioteer
James Baldwin, Giovanni's Room
Audre Lorde, Zami
Achy Obejas, Memory Mambo
Shyam Selvadurai, Funny Boy

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