HSOC-311: Queer Studies

Introduces key concepts, theories and debates in queer studies; the course bridges a history of queer studies with contemporary social and cultural developments. We consider why queer theorists regard sexuality as socially constructed and focus on queer theorists' attempt to challenge heteronormative notions of "gender," "sex" and "sexuality." We discuss the concept of gender performativity, the impact of patriarchy and the position of transgender people vis a vis the queer community and pop culture. We trace the relationship between gay pride and shame and consider the role of the western model of gay identity in transnational queer and gender struggles. As a class group, we form an interpretive community to reconcile queer texts with issues of gender, race, sexuality and class that are pressingly current. We examine contemporary queerness and its relation to design, literature, film, culture and society.