GWS 590: Topics in Gender & Women’s Studies, CRN 47812
Prerequisite: Graduate standing or consent of instructor.
Mayo
Tues 12-12:50
One of the key insights of queer theory is that all sexualities are at
some level queer. Whether through a too enthusiastic embrace of norms or
a seeming repudiation of norms, varieties of sexualities verge into
queerness. This class will examine the place of educational projects in
helping us to understand a fuller variety of what it means to be queer. We
will examine the resurgence of virginity and chastity, non-discrimination
policies and speech codes in public schools, queer youth, and the
relationship among sexuality, race, class, disability, and gender. We
will consider the term “education” broadly, examining school policies,
public health education, and the educational projects of political and
social movements. Readings will mainly concentrate on a U. S. context,
though AIDS and sex education information from international sources will
also be included. Students will do one class presentation and a seminar
paper. Readings may include: D’Emilio and Freedman, Intimate Matters;
Nestle, Howell, and Wilchins, eds., Genderqueer; Irvine, ed., Sexual
Cultures; Thompson, Going all the Way; and a reading packet.