WGSS 302
Global Sexualities
Spring 2013
Division II
Exploring Diversity Initiative
This is not the current course catalog
Class Details
This discussion-based seminar examines diverse forms of sexuality around the world. Because ethnology’s historical emphasis has been on heterosexual forms of desire and kinship, in this course we will emphasize queer forms of sexuality, which encompasses a broad range of “non-normative” sexualities in contemporary cultures around the globe. We also examine gender variance in detail, including many different “third gender” categories. Our readings come primarily from cultural anthropology and queer theory, particularly those that emphasize how economic and political changes influence notions of sexual and gender identity. Ethnographic case studies include: transgender sex workers in Brazil; butch lesbian culture in Thailand; Arab men who have sex with men; Black transmen in urban US cities; and rural queer youth. Some of the major authors we will read are: Joseph Massad, Michael Warner, Gayatri Reddy, Don Kulick, Ara Wilson, and Martin Manalansan. The final research paper is comparative in nature, and asks students to contrast two or more related cultural groups selected from within our course readings or independent of them as suits student interests (e.g., butch-femme lesbian relationships in Thailand compared to the US; attitudes toward homosexuality among immigrants in the diaspora vs. a homeland; the social roles played by Hindu vs. Muslim transgendered women India, etc.) This course meets the requirements of the Exploring Diversity Initiative in that it focuses on empathetic understanding, power and privilege, and critical theorization, especially in relation class, gender, sexuality, race and ethnicity in both the US and global comparative contexts.
The Class:
Format: seminar
Limit: 25
Expected: 15
Class#: 3468
Grading: no pass/fail option, no fifth course option
Limit: 25
Expected: 15
Class#: 3468
Grading: no pass/fail option, no fifth course option
Requirements/Evaluation:
active class participation, weekly online forum, and one 8- to 10-page comparative research paper
Extra Info:
may not be taken on a pass/fail basis; not available for the Gaudino option
Prerequisites:
none
Enrollment Preferences:
WGSS majors and ANSO majors
Distributions:
Division II
Exploring Diversity Initiative
Class Grid
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WGSS 302 - 01 (S) SEM Global Sexualities
WGSS 302 - 01 (S) SEM Global SexualitiesDivision II Exploring Diversity InitiativeCancelled3468
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