First-Year Writing Seminar: Queer Night(life)

Catalog description

Delving into the realm of queer existence invariably leads us to the nocturnal, to the realm of twilight and beyond. Within the variegated tapestry of the night, we encounter both enduring yet ephemeral spaces, simultaneously stationary yet in constant motion, where queer individuals not only endure and thrive but also grapple with their identities and forge connections. In this course, we embark on an exploration of queer nightlife across diverse locales: from vibrant bars and pulsating clubs to intimate living rooms and the illuminating glow of streetlights. Through this journey, we pose profound inquiries: What intricate threads link queerness to the nocturnal domain? How do broader historical and societal dynamics shape the politics of gender and sexuality within the realm of night? Join us as we illuminate these questions and traverse the captivating landscape of queer nightlife. From Martin Manalansan to Langston Hughes and Joachim Schlör, we will read texts from anthropologists, performance artists, and poets and explore their questions that curiously connect queer ways of being in the world to ways of being at night.