Queer Theory: Literature, Performance, and Art

Catalog description

This is an interdisciplinary course introducing the primary contributions to the field of queer theory in the humanities. These readings will begin with Eve Sedgwick's work and responses to it from Heather Love, Jane Gallop, Jose Munoz, and Lauren Berlant. Then we will look at the work of Judith Butler and its impact on Performance Studies; readings here will include work by Phelan, Hart, and Halberstam. We will also consider queer theory's influence in Art History by reading texts by Norman Bryson, Jonathan Katz, Judith Bryan Wilson, and Richard Meyer (among others). We will also reflect on the critical discussion of why queer theory "failed." Readings will be by David Halperin and will also include President Trump's executive order mandating that the United States recognizes only two gender categories. In addition to reading and participating in all seminar meetings, students will be asked to give one short presentation of 20 minutes AND to serve as a respondent to the work of another student (10 minutes). These responses will serve to give students an opportunity to begin the difficult work of thinking across different fields. Final essays (15-20 pages) will engage with the material on the syllabus but they can be shaped in a way that best serves your overall interests and concerns.