Courses » Queer Theory

Queer Theory

Course Description

[Use Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox as your browser for full functionality on all pages of this website]
Queer Theory WGST 4170/5050,095 ENGL 4050/5050,095 MALS 6000,093
Spring 2015    Coed 202    Wed. 5:30-8:15

Introduction to key issues in Queer Theory, a field of studies that questions and redefines the identity politics of early Lesbian and Gay Studies. Queer Theory investigates the socially constructed nature of identity and sexuality and critiques normalizing ways of knowing and being.

Course Pages

Course Objectives

  • To understand the historical context and development of queer theory
  • To understand the basic questions, terms, and problems in queer theory
  • To become conversant in the basic theoretical frameworks current in queer theory (Butler, Derrida, Foucault, postmodernism)
  • To demonstrate skill in critical thinking regarding the social construction of sexuality, gender, and identity
  • To apply queer theory in analyses of films and other cultural artifacts

Required Texts

  • Sullivan, Nikki. A Critical Introduction to Queer Theory. Washington Square, NY: New York UP, 2003.
  • Wilchins, Riki. Queer Theory, Gender Theory: An Instant Primer. Los Angeles: Alyson Books, 2004.

Grade Breakdown

Undergraduate students in 4170 or 4050:

  • Participation, key terms/concepts 25%
  • Presentation (film/art) 25%
  • Cultural analyses (representations, issues) 25%
  • Final Essay Exam (Wed., May 6, 5:00-7:30) 25%

Graduate students in 5050 or 6000:

  • Participation, key terms/concepts 20%
  • Presentation, cultural analyses (representations, issues) 25%
  • Research paper 25%
  • Final Essay Exam (Wed., May 6, 5:00-7:30) 30%

Course Requirements

Immediately after the first class period, send the professor the following information using the email account you check most often:

  • Name (indicate first name you wish to be called by in class)
  • telephone number
  • e-mail address (the one you check every day)
  • classification, major, advisor
  • if you have a job, number of hours you work per week
  • previous and concurrent WGST courses and professors

The class will be conducted in seminar format. You are expected to prepare the assigned readings and contribute consistently to discussions each class period.  Assessment of class participation, however, will be based primarily on whether it reflects careful reading of assigned materials rather than on whether your understanding of the material is absolutely correct. Nevertheless, quantity is not a substitute for quality in your contributions to class discussion. For each class period you will identify and define at least 10 key terms or concepts–sample key terms or concepts for Week 2 Jan. 14–in the week’s readings that you will submit to the professor by email by midnight the Tuesday before class on Wednesday, beginning Tuesday, Jan. 29 (always indicated on that week’s website under “Due This Week”). These will not be graded for content, only for submission by the due date. Late submissions will receive a grade of zero. A selection of these will compose part of the midterm and final exams. You will also attend at least 2 WGST events outside of class.

You will engage in cultural analysis in 2 ways. Throughout the semester you will track representations of identity and current LGBTQIA issues and report on them to the class. In conjunction with other classmates you will analyze a film, or some other cultural artifact, using the theoretical frameworks studied in class. Your group will then present this analysis to the class.

Graduate students enrolled in the 5050 version of the course will not take the Midterm exam. Instead they will conduct research and write a 15-page paper (not including Works Cited) due May 1. They will also report on their research to the class and do extra readings throughout the semester, which they will also report on to the class.

Absence Policy

Attendance is required. Students who miss classes usually do poorly on homework and exams. Please note as well that for a class that meets in a 3 hour bloc, a missed class constitutes a significant percentage of seminar time. Absences will affect the evaluation of your performance in the course. You may not have more than one unexcused absence in this class. Your grade will be lowered one-half letter for a second absence, another for a third absence. Failure to attend at least 75% of the classes—i.e., missing 4 or more classes, for whatever reasons—will result in an automatic failing grade for the course. Role is taken at the beginning of each class. Late arrivals will be marked absent unless students remember to “check in” with the professor at the end of class and have the absence changed to a late. Absences will be excused only when you provide written confirmation of hospitalization, a doctor/ infirmary visit, an officially excused university activity, or a serious family crisis. If you are absent from class, you are responsible for contacting a classmate, finding out what we did in class and the homework assignment, and preparing this assignment. See also attendance policy in UNC Charlotte Catalog.

Participation

All students are expected to participate in class discussion. Discussions will focus first on students’ demonstration of their understanding of the material and questions about content and then progress to exploration of various issues raised in the readings. Only students who participate in each class meeting and during the entire class should expect a positive evaluation.

Office Hours

If you wish to contact me outside of class, you must do so during my office hours as I will not return phone calls. You may also contact me by email, which I can usually respond to within 24 hours.

I urge all of you to make use of my office hours. Students who do so usually do better than those who do not. I can help you not only with difficulties with the course material, but also with advice on studying habits, test taking techniques, organizational skills, etc. Do not hesitate to ask me any questions. The only stupid question is the one never asked. I hope you have a fun and rewarding semester.

Title IX and Campus SaVE for dealing with Incidents of Sexual Harassment, Sexual Assault, Relationship Violence, and Stalking

UNC Charlotte is committed to providing an environment free of all forms of discrimination and sexual harassment, including sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking. If you (or someone you know) has experienced or experiences any of these incidents, know that you are not alone. UNC Charlotte has staff members trained to support you in navigating campus life, accessing health and counseling services, providing academic and housing accommodations, helping with legal protective orders, and more.

Please be aware that many UNC Charlotte employees, including all faculty members, are required reporters. This means that if you tell me about a situation involving sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, or stalking, I must report the information to the Title IX Coordinator. Although I have to report the situation, you will still have options about how your case will be handled, including whether or not you wish to pursue a formal complaint. Our goal is to make sure you are aware of the range of options available to you and have access to the resources you need.

If you wish to speak to someone confidentially, you can contact any of the following on-campus resources, who are not required to report the incident: (1) University Counseling Center (counselingcenter.uncc.edu, 7-0311); (2) Student Health Center (studenthealth.uncc.edu, 7-7400); or (3) Center for Wellness Promotion (wellness.uncc.edu, 7-7407). Additional information about your options is also available at titleix.uncc.edu under the “Students” tab.

Policy on Academic Integrity

This course, as all others at UNC Charlotte, operates according to the definitions, rules, and procedures outlined in the UNC Charlotte Code of Student Academic Integrity and Code of Student Responsibility (see UNC Charlotte Catalog). It is your responsibility to know and observe the requirements of this code and all other University regulations. Academic evaluations in this course include a judgment that your work is free from academic dishonesty of any type. Penalty for violation of the code ranges from zero credit on the work involving dishonesty to expulsion from UNC Charlotte. You are expected to report cases of academic dishonesty.

Students with Learning Disabilities

Students with documented disabilities who require accommodations in this class should access services as soon as possible through the UNC Charlotte Office of Disability Services in Fretwell Building, Room 230.