Honors
HNRS 189-01: School's Out: Gay and Lesbian Issues in Education
In this course 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.
In the second part of the course we will study Queer Theory as a foundation for
the work to follow and read two of the three central texts in the queer history
of education. In part three we will read three significant legal documents and
secondary literature relating to them: The Equal Access Act passed by the
United States Congress in 1984; Nabozny v. Podlesny (1996); Lawrence v. Texas (2003). In this
section our focus will be on students' rights regarding Gay Straight Alliances,
safety, and educators’ employment rights. In part four we will discuss gay and
lesbian issues in a multicultural education framework in terms of curriculum,
social structures of schooling, and school officials' responsibilities to gay
and lesbian families.
Fall Term: 2008
Credits: 4
Fulfills: GE Requirement in Social Science (E)
Cross-listed: EDUC 346-01, QS 346-01
Meeting times: 10:30-11:20 MWF
Instructor: Karen Graves
Open to: First-years/Sophomores/Juniors/Seniors
