Course Catalog 2012-2013

Committee: Robin L. Bartlett, Director (Economics), Ronald Abram (Studio Art), John Arthos (Communication), Marlaine Browning (First Year Studies), Christopher Bruhn (Music), Brenda Boyle (English), Gina Dow (Psycholgy), Barbara Fultner (Philosophy), Jill Gillespie (Women Studies), Karen Graves (Education), Amanda Gunn (Communication), Sarah Hutson-Comeaux (Psychology), Warren Hauk (Biology), Ching-chu Hu (Music), John Jackson (Black Studies), Clare Jen (Women's Studies/Biology), Bill Kirkpatrick (Communication), Linda Krumholz (English), Lisbeth Lipari (Communication), Veronica Gonzalez-Lopez (Spanish), Lisa McDonnell (English), K. Christine Pae (Religion), Fred Porcheddu (English), Frank "Trey" Proctor (History), Sandy Runzo (English), Sheliah Wilson (Studio Art), David Woodyard (Religion), Gill Wright Miller (Dance)

An evolving and expanding discipline, Queer Studies encompasses theories and thinkers from numerous fields: cultural studies, gay and lesbian studies, race studies, women's studies, literature, film, media, postmodernism, post-colonialism, psychoanalysis, and more. By engaging with this diverse range of fields, the work of Queer Studies distinguishes itself from the others in that it focuses on issues of sexuality and the way that the questions raised in these other arenas might be inflected through that central lens. To that end, Queer Studies examines the cultural, social, and political implications of sexuality and gender from the perspective of those marginalized by the dominant sexual ethos; it explores the ways that culture defines and regulates sexuality as well as the reverse, the ways that sexuality structures and shapes social institutions.

Students may choose a Concentration in Queer Studies in addition to any major, and may weight their choices toward the social sciences, the humanities, the arts, or the life sciences. The Concentration in Queer Studies will require six courses: three core requirements and three electives selected from among cross-listed courses approved by the Queer Studies Committee. Since every course will not be offered every semester, students interested in this Concentration should discuss and plan their course selections with the close assistance of a member of the Committee.

Core Requirements. Required courses for the completion of the concentration are QS 101 Partnerships and Politics, QS 201 Queer Theories and QS 400 Senior Seminar, and three approved electives.

Electives. Elective courses shall be approved by the Queer Studies Committee based on the following criteria, or through petition to the Committee:

At least two-thirds of the course should focus on: some aspect of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender experience, culture, and history; and/or relevant issues or themes (privilege, oppression, sexual behavior, identity, performance, social movements, etc.); and/or conceptual categories (gender, sexuality, etc.) central to the field of Queer Studies.

Any course in the concentration should address in some way the relationship between the normative and the transgressive. Through these courses, students should gain an understanding of and respect for other differences in human lives such as age, ability, class, ethnicity, gender, race, and religion. Courses which already meet the criteria for Queer Studies electives, or which can be readily adapted to meet the above criteria through negotiations between the instructor and the student, include (but are not limited to) the following:

Introduction to Queer Studies (QS-101).  A survey of the legal regulation of sexuality and gender in the 19th and 20th centuries and the emergence of modern civil rights movements of sexual minorities. This course will focus on the history, strategies, conflicts, and issues associated with these political and social movements. 4

Sex, Gender & the Brain (QS-103). 4

Science, Sex & Gender (QS-190).  Current research on sex differences in humans and animals has raised our awareness of bona fide variations in brain chemistry and function between males and females. How do these legitimate research findings compare with our stereotypes about gender differences? During the semester we will investigate several perspectives on sex and gender differences - from popular media sources to leading research. We will also investigate the role of women and men in science in a historical and modern context. Ultimately our goal is to blend our knowledge with our personal experiences to answer the question, "Is the study of science divided by sex and gender?" 4

Queer Theory (QS-201).  An interdisciplinary course designed to introduce students to historical and theoretical treatments of topics such as the essentialism vs. constructionism debate; intersections of race/gender/class and sexual orientation; science and representation; performativity and normativity; and ethics, politics and law. Cross-listed with WMST 379. 4

Queer Graphix (QS-213).  Through a series of drawing and printmaking projects, this studio art course seeks to explore and creatively express queer culture, aesthetics and GLBT art history, as well as notioins of identity, gender, orientation and sexuality. Art students will employ traditions of journalistic comics, collage, screen-printing, photo-copies, community collaborative artistic work (zines) and research presentation projects to not only celebrate queer artistic practices but also reveal the often damaging impact society and politics has on self identity and expression. 4

Special Topics in Biology (QS-215).  This is a special topics course originating in the Biology Department. This course provides a venue in which to explore topics in Biology that meet the requirements of an elective course in the Queer Studies Concentration. Topics will vary according to the needs and interests of the teaching faculty offering this course. In some cases, this course may be repeated for credit. 4

Introduction to Black Studies (QS-235).  An introductory study of the Black experience in America, this course will survey the field by examining in series, the various social institutions that comprise Black American life. Students will be introduced to fundamental contemporary issues in the study of Black religion, politics, economics and the family. Additionally, this course will serve as an introduction to Afrocentricity, "the emerging paradigm in Black Studies," and to the new scholarship on Blacks in America. 4

Special Topics in Communication (QS-236).  This is a special topics course originating in the Communication Department. This course provides a venue in which to explore topics in Communication that meet the requirements of an elective course in the Queer Studies Concentration. Topics will vary according to the needs and interests of the teaching faculty offering the course. In some cases, this course may be repeated for credit. 4

Special Topics in Dance (QS-240).  This is a special topics course originating in the Dance Department. This course provides a venue in which to explore topics in Dance that meet the requirements of an elective course in the Queer Studies Concentration. Topics will vary according to the needs and interests of the teaching faculty offering the course. In some cases, this course may be repeated for credit. 4

Human Diversity Through Literature (QS-245).  A study of selected works by and about bisexual, gay, lesbian and transgender people. 4

Special Topics in Literature (QS-250).  This is a special topics course originating in the English Department. This course provides a venue in which to explore topics in English that meet the requirements of an elective course in the Queer Studies Concentration. Topics will vary accordiing to the needs and interests of the teaching faculty offering the course. In some cases, this course may be repeated for credit. 4

Topics in Queer Studies (QS-268). 1-4

Philosophy of Feminism (QS-275).  Feminism can radically challenge traditional ways of doing philosophy. In asking why women and women's experience seem to be missing from the tradition of philosophy, it implicitly questions philosophy's claim to objectivity, universality, and truth. Thus, feminist criticism probes some of the most fundamental philosophical assumptions about our knowledge of and interaction with the world and other people. Are there philosophically significant differences between men and women? This course examines this and other questions, emphasizing contemporary feminist discussions of epistemology, ethics, and science. Prerequisite: One previous course in Philosophy or Women's Studies or consent. 4

Special Topics in Religion (QS-280).  This is a special topics course originating in the Religion Department. This course provides a venue in which to explore topics in Religion that meet the requirements of an elective course in the Queer Studies Concentration. Topics will vary according to the needs and interests of the teaching faculty offering the course. In some cases, this course may be repeated for credit. 4

Introduction to Theology (QS-281).  Theology is an attempt to understand ourselves and our world in relation to transcendent reality. It is simultaneously an attempt to state persuasively the claims of faith in relation to the controlling experiences of an era. The course will focus upon theological responses to issues like environmental deterioration, race and gender, violence and the death penalty. 4

Issues in Feminism (QS-290).  This interdisciplinary course will examine some aspects of institutionalized sexism in contemporary America, such as differential role socialization and its consequences; legal inequalities; job discrimination; reproductive issues; and violence against women. Every woman's experience of sexism is mediated by her class, race, age, religion, sexual preference and so forth; therefore the diversity of women's experience is a key factor in our study. The class format will be primarily a lecture-discussion format and may include small group discussions. 4

Seminar: Psychology of Women (QS-301).  This course reviews psychological research and theories on women. Topics include sex bias in psychological research, gender differences and similarities in personality and abilities, lifespan development, problems of adjustment and psychotherapy, language and communication, women's health, female sexuality, and violence against women (rape and wife battering). Prerequisites: PSYC 100, PSYC 200, and junior or senior status, or consent of instructor. 4

Feminist Theory (QS-307).  This course examines various ways of understanding gender by looking at a variety of feminist theories. Theories studied may include psychoanalytic, feminist theory, cultural materialist feminist theory, etc. Particular consideration will be given to issues raised by multiculturalism, women of color, womanist perspectives, queer theory, class concerns, international and transnational movements. The course will introduce students to a variety of theories to enable them both to recognize and use those theories in their research and social practice. Students will be encouraged to become reflective about their own theoretical stances and to consider how societies can move closer to justice for both women and men. Prerequisite: One Women's Studies course or consent. (Fall) 4

Families, Sexuality and the State (QS-313).  In this seminar we explore the ways in which race, ethnicity, social class and sexuality shape family/kinship structures in and beyond the contemporary U.S. We explore specific issues including sexuality and kinship; reproductive technologies and surrogacy; transnational families; and women's political activism in the context of families. These issues are explored using sociological, anthropological, and feminist theories. Prerequisite: S/A 100 or consent. 4

Gender and Communication (QS-329).  This course focuses on (1) the role of interpersonal, social and political communication in the construction of gender expectations in American culture, and (2) how those expectations get communicated/performed, and thus reified, in our daily lives. We will explore the complex interplay between self expectations and social expectations of gender that get expressed, challenged, and ultimately influenced by and within a variety of social and interpersonal contexts: education, the body, organizations, friends and family, romantic relationships, the media, and politics. Prerequisites: COMM 280 and COMM 290. 4

Gay and Lesbian Issues in Education (QS-330).  In this seminar students will examine gay and lesbian issues in what is, arguably, the most central social institution in contemporary American culture. We will begin with an introduction to sexuality, drawing upon scientific and historical scholarship, and collectively delineate critical issues regarding sexuality in U.S. schools. We will study Queer Theory as a foundation for the work to follow and read central texts in the queer history of education. We will read major legal documents regarding sexuality in the United States and secondary literature relating to them. In this section our focus will be on students' rights regarding Gay Straight Alliances, safety, and educators' employment rights. We will discuss gay and lesbian issues in a multicultural education framework in terms of issues identified by the class earlier in the semester. 4

Music and Sexuality (QS-332). 4

Social Movements (QS-340).  In this course we explore social movements as a primary means of social change. We attempt to understand the conditions which precede, accompany and follow collective action. Particular case studies for analysis will be drawn from the United States and cross-cultural contexts to illustrate that social movements are human products that have both intended and unintended consequences. This course is sometimes taught with a special subtitle: "Social Justice Movements in Communities of Color," cross-listed with the Black Studies Program. Prerequisite: SA 100 or consent. 4

Directed Study (QS-361). 1-4

Directed Study (QS-362). 1-4

Independent Study (QS-363). 1-4

Independent Study (QS-364). 1-4

Sex and Sexuality in Latin America (QS-383).  This course critically examines gender and sexuality in Latin America. Particularly it will explore the various attempts by the ruling elite to define acceptable and deviant gender roles and sexual identities, how the non-elite resisted the imposition of those elite notions of propriety to create their own codes of conduct, and how those conflicts have changed over time. 4

Senior Seminar (QS-400).  This is a capstone course for the QS concentration during the Fall semester, when it may also serve to help students apply Queer Theory to a senior project or honors project in their chosen major. 4

Language, Identity and Politics: Discourse and the Public Sphere (QS-402).  This course examines the role of language and discourse in constructing, maintaining and transforming identities, publics and politics in late 20th century democracies. Throughout, we will consider the relationship between language use and unequal relations of power. We will begin with an introduction to discourse studies and explore discourse as symbolic power, social practice and ideology. Next, we will examine the role of discourse in constructing and maintaining identities and communities, including those of sublatern and marginalized publics. Finally, we will examine and critique the role of discourse in public sphere(s) from Afrocentric, feminist and queer perspectives. 4

Rhetoric and Social Movements (QS-406).  This course focuses on the historical rhetorics of discontent and transformation. Students will examine the characteristics and functions of persuasive discourse produced by social movements; the ways in which symbolic action sought to shape perceptions of concrete realities. Of particular interest will be the intersection of cultural context, biography, and creative rhetorical strategy. 4

Women in the U.S. Economy (QS-416).  This course will focus on the market and nonmarket contributions of women to the U.S. economy. A historical framework provides the backdrop for examining the economic, political and social institutions that affect women's contributions to the nation's economic well-being. Prerequisite: 301. 4

Senior Research (QS-451). 4

Senior Research (QS-452). 4