Queer Theory and Transgender Studies

Catalog description

Sexuality, gender, and embodiment have been understood in dramatically new ways since the mid-20th century. This course will begin with an overview of some contemporary philosophies that have presented sexuality, gender, and embodiment as discursive or performative (such as Foucault and Butler), and how their arguments ground subsequent positions in both queer theory and trans studies. Then we will turn to articles in queer theory and transgender studies to demonstrate how each of these movements developed, the dialogues within each area, and the discussions--and criticisms--between these two regions of study. It is strongly recommended that any students enrolling in this class have completed at least two Philosophy courses before it begins.