Transmaterial Poetics: Contemporary Queer Poetry from a Diffractive Perspective 3000-PIS-K-MH-WP
The course is devoted to the analysis of contemporary queer and trans poetry from the perspectives of new materialisms and queer and trans studies. Its point of departure is the concept of trans*/materialities developed by Karen Barad, which enables us to think about the relations between body, matter, language, and subjectivity in processual and relational terms.
Interpretations of literary texts will be conducted through the method of diffractive reading, proposed by Barad as a way of reading texts through their mutual interferences and resonances, revealing new configurations of meaning at the intersection of theory, experience, and literary practice.
The course focuses primarily on contemporary poetic practices that explicitly engage with themes of queer sexuality, gender identity, embodiment, and the political and material dimensions of creative, embodied experience. Texts by authors working in various linguistic and cultural contexts will be analyzed, primarily in English, Polish, and German, as well as in diasporic and postcolonial contexts.
Among the poets discussed will be authors writing in English, including:
Logan February, CAConrad, Nat Raha, Ocean Vuong, Danez Smith, Romeo Oriogun, Hoshang Merchant, as well as contemporary authors from Poland:
Łęko Zygmuntówne, Stanisław Kalina Jaglarz, Anna Adamowicz / Laura Osińska, Ada Adu Rączka, Ariel Rosé, Opal Ćwikła, and writers associated with the queer literary scenes of German-speaking countries:
Stefanie-Lahya Aukongo, Jayrôme C. Robinet, Alexandra Boisen, Ursula Blass, Æther Celest, Buddy Tobias, Emilio Mella Lederer, illegitim, Kai Neuwinger, Martin Wolkner, Maxi Theresa, Mieze McCripple, Mona Maijs.
Texts will be read in Polish translation; originals will be used depending on participants’ language competencies.
The course will be partly workshop-based. Where possible, meetings with invited authors will be organized, offering participants the opportunity to engage directly with them on the experience of writing, the relationship between poetic practice and queer politics, and the material and affective dimensions of poetic language.
The aim of the course is to develop interpretive skills in dialogue with new materialist and queer theory, and to reflect on literature as a space in which processes of transformation of body, language, and matter become visible within contemporary debates on gender, sexuality, and subjectivity.
Course coordinators
Type of course
Mode
Learning outcomes
Knowledge
Upon completing the course, the student:
* is familiar with key concepts and research directions in new materialisms as well as queer and trans studies;
* understands the concept of trans*/materialities and the principles of diffractive reading;
* has structured knowledge of contemporary queer and trans poetry across different linguistic and cultural contexts.
Skills
The student:
* is able to analyze and interpret poetic texts using frameworks from new materialisms and queer and trans studies;
* applies diffractive reading as an interpretive method;
* formulates and justifies independent interpretations in a coherent and critical manner;
* is able to work with texts in translation and, where possible, in the original language.
Social Competences
The student:
* demonstrates readiness for critical reflection on the relationships between literature, body, language, and matter;
* shows sensitivity to issues of gender identity, sexuality, and cultural diversity;
* is able to participate in discussion while respecting diverse interpretive perspectives and lived experiences.
Assessment criteria
The final grade is based on active participation and a written assignment.
Assessment components:
* active participation (30%) – preparation for classes, engagement in discussions, short interpretive contributions;
* presentation or introduction to a selected text/topic (20%) – individual or group work;
* final written assignment (50%) – an analytical essay (approx. 3000–4000 words) applying the theoretical frameworks discussed in class.
Assessment criteria:
* ability to apply key concepts and methods (e.g. diffractive reading) in textual analysis;
* accuracy and originality of interpretation;
* coherence of argumentation and structure;
* ability to work with literary texts in relation to theoretical frameworks;
* clarity of expression and language proficiency.
To pass the course, students must receive a passing grade for the final paper and meet the attendance requirement (maximum two absences allowed).
Practical placement
No internships required.