Introduction to GSST - Spring 2009

Dreaming of a White Wedding?

Interested in analyzing how the normative white heterosexual culture has worked its magic since the 19th century?

Eager to prove how this heterosexual imaginary conceals our real conditions of existence?

This interdisciplinary core course is an introduction to key concepts, questions, and analytical tools developed by scholars of feminist and queer studies in diverse fields. In 2009, we will analyze the social constructions of gender, racial, and sexual identities, issues of work, reproduction, body image and representation by focusing on a cross-cultural history of marriage and weddings since the 19th century. Students will work in thematically organized reading groups responsible for developing and maintaining a Blackboard information/discussion forum and one in-class presentation. 1 credit

Spring 2009. Prof. Simon - Tue/Th: 1:15-2:30pm - Kohlberg 302