WMST 489 - Gender and Sexual Identity in Literature

(3 units) CO10, CO13

Explores theory and literature on gender and sexual identity as social categories. Literature of sexual minorities in the 19th to 21st century American and British cultures. (ENG 490A and WMST 489 are cross-listed; credit may be earned in one of the two.)

Prerequisite(s): General Education courses (CO1-CO3) completed; at least 3 courses from CO4-CO8 completed; Junior or Senior standing.

Grading Basis: Graded
Units of Lecture: 3
Offered: Every Fall - Even Years

Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
1. select and apply appropriate methods of inquiry to analyze complex questions about gender and sexual identity, cultural difference and/or equity.
2. identify fundamental concepts within theory for addressing issues of human social behavior, especially gender and sexuality.
3. apply a gender studies framework to literary texts from the 19th, 20th, and 21st centuries (fiction, poetry, drama, film, essay, and popular culture).
4. describe how gender and sexual identity intersect with other cultural categories (e.g., race, class, ethnicity, nationality, religion).
5. identify the contributions of those whose “otherness” (in terms of gender or sexual identity) makes them somehow “unconventional.”
6. make connections between and apply theories from previous coursework and/or other disciplines to the topic of gender and sexuality.
7. identify and summarize current scholarly conversations (e.g., challenges, opportunities, trends) that exist within conversations on gender and sexuality.
8. connect the texts to contemporary discussions of human rights for sexual minorities.

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