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Introduction to Lesbian Culture (WGSS 1120)
Total Credits:
3
Lecture Credits:
3
Description:
This course explores experiences of and theories about lesbians from various cultures in the United States between the late 19th century and the present. You will explore a variety of texts and other media sources to learn about the history, meanings, and representations of relationships between women and to gain a better understanding of lesbian identities and perspectives.
Topical Outline:
1. Late 19th/Early 20th century: Lesbian as a medical, historical, and social identity
2. The homophile movement and gay liberation
3. The intersection of civil rights, gay rights, and women’s rights
4. Lesbian separatism as aesthetic and political movement
5. Exigencies of race and social class: African-American, Latina, Asian, Native American critiques
6. Gender queer and lesbian identities
Learning Outcomes:
1. Identify key terms, theories, and historical movements associated with the development of lesbian identities across time and diverse cultures
2. Analyze examples of lesbian representation in popular media
3. Analyze the impact of political change movements on lesbian cultures
Prerequisites:
Placement into
READ 0200 or
ESOL 0052 or completion of
READ 0100 or
ESOL 0042
MnTC: