Tools of queer theory in the discussion of U.S. literature and film 4219-RS267
Queer Tools
Queer theory can be broadly defined as a critique of the normative (or: limiting, oppressive, controlling, hegemonic) identity categories, but it has also been used as an umbrella term grouping a variety of LGBTQIA+ or sexually dissident bodies. Queer theory affords ways of deconstructing binary oppositions that structure normative ways of thinking about the categories of gender, sexuality, identity and thus radically unsettle those categories, without, however, ignoring ways in which those categories and norms create lived, material effects for us in the various contexts we inhabit. More broadly, queer theory can be used to think about social inequalities. It works at an intersection of sexuality and gender studies but also engages a number of other fields, such as feminism, lesbian theory, critical race theory, postcolonial theory, disability studies, affect theory, and even animal studies. In this course we will trace the beginnings of queer theory as it emerged out of and offered a critique of gay and lesbian studies at the end of the 20th century; we will then read core texts and find out about the key debates that have structured the field. We will consider what queer theory can offer as a way of understanding bodies and embodied practices, as a theory of culture, and as an ethical paradigm and a political intervention. We will use queer theory to think about aesthetics, literature and art.
This is a research proseminar, intended to help you develop your research, analytical and critical skills but also ways of planning and writing a research paper. We have 135 minutes at our disposal every week: we will divide this time between discussions of texts and thinking about your own writing. You will be developing a research topic, crafting useful research questions, preparing a bibliography and an abstract, delivering a project presentation and writing a 15-page research paper.
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Term 2023Z:
Queer Tools This is a research proseminar, intended to help you develop your research, analytical and critical skills but also ways of planning and writing a research paper. We have 135 minutes at our disposal every week: we will divide this time between discussions of texts and thinking about your own writing. You will be developing a research topic, crafting useful research questions, preparing a bibliography and an abstract, delivering a project presentation and writing a 15-page research paper. |
Type of course
elective courses
Course coordinators
Learning outcomes
1. knowledge
Upon completion of the course, the student:
- has knowledge about the history of the discipline of queer studies
- is able to talk about how queer theory critiqued/replaced gay and lesbian studies
- is able to formulate a critique of identity categories from the standpoint of queer theory
- is able to name key texts and debates that have structured queer theory
2. skills
Upon completion of the course, the student:
- knows how to seek theoretical knowledge and critical materials in order to complete a short piece of academic writing
- is able to: build a bibliography, use critical and theoretical materials related to the text under consideration, plan a paper, and formulate a thesis statement
- is able to use the knowledge gained in the course to analyze a selected text
3. social competencies
Upon completion of the course, the student:
- is aware of the importance of recognizing nonheteronormative and noncisgendered experiences, positions, cultures and politics
- understands the value of diversity and openness to diversity
- understands the need to counter discrimination, marginalization, and invisibility of minority subjects
Assessment criteria
The research proseminar is an intensive course focused not only on the selected topic, but also on acquiring research skills and preparing for writing a master's thesis. Thus, the amount of work is also greater than in regular courses (equivalent to 8 ECTS). In addition to reading texts, watching films, and class discussions, students will conduct individual research, do short exercises and homework, and work on a draft of a (10-15 page) final essay and its revision.
Requirements:
- active class participation (20%)
- short written works (20%)
- presentation (20%)
Grading scale:
Grading scale:
98 – 100 5+
90 – 97 5
83 – 89 4+
75 – 82 4
68 – 74 3+
60 – 67 3
0 – 59 2
- final paper (40%)
Bibliography
Theoretical Texts:
Judith Butler, “Critically Queer”
Eve Sedgwick, “Axiomatic,” from Epistemology of the Closet
Michael Warner, Introduction to Fear of a Queer Planet
Sara Ahmed, “Queer Feelings” from The Cultural Politics of Emotion
Elisabeth Freeman, Introduction to Time Binds, Queer Temporalities, Queer Histories
Heather Love, from Feeling Backward: Loss and the Politics of Queer History
Jack Halberstam, Introduction to Queer Art of Failure
José Esteban Muñoz, Introduction: “Performing Disidentifications” from Disidentifications: Queers of Color and the Performance of Politics
Patrick Johnson, “‘Quare’ Studies, or, (Almost) Everything I Know About Queer Theory I Learned From My Grandmother” from Black Queer Studies eds. E. Patrick Johnson and Mae G. Henderson
Susan Stryker intro “(De)Subjugated Knowledges: An Introduction to Transgender Studies”
Lisa Duggan, “The New Homonormativity: The Sexual Politics of Neoliberalism” in Materializing Democracy, eds. Russ Castronuevo and Dana Nelson
Robert McRuer, “Compulsory Able-Bodiedness and Queer/Disabled Existence”
Lauren Berlant and Michael Warner, “Sex in Public”
Ann Cvetkovich, “AIDS Activism and Public Feelings: Documenting ACT UP’s Lesbians”
We may also look at one of the debates that took place among queer studies scholars, for example the conversation about queer temporalities; about “reparative” vs. “paranoid” reading; or about “queer battle fatigue.”
Additional information
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: