Queer Political Theory

Catalog description

In this course we focus on queer theory as a contemporary political idea, part of an important public policy debate, and as part of human history and culture. Queer Theory as a theoretical frame that addresses all aspects of public and private life. It is not more or less ‘true’ or ‘valid’ than any other theoretical frame. Queer Theory is, however, like critical race theory and feminists theory, the subject of considerable criticism and vitriolic. When discussing this with colleagues, it is often advised to place the idea within the context of theoretical frames, not as a superior point of view, but as additive. We are living through a time with unprecedented events, where a rapid and fast-moving political, social, and cultural idea brought by committed advocates have provoked difficult political and personal challenges. So, we do have a unique perspective to discuss and examine queer theory. Sociological, anthropological, film, music, historical, legal, literary, and political texts supplement our discussion providing an academic frame from which we can depart and return throughout our discussion and writing. Ethnography is also used to further illuminate the ideas discussed. We will encounter written, audio and video formats. Naturally, this sort of endeavor requires careful attention as many important voices here (women, racial and ethnic minorities, and LGBT individuals in particular) are historically marginalized and disempowered.