ENGH 418: Cultural Constructions of Sexualities

ENGH 418-001: Cultural Const of Sexualities
(Fall 2022)

12:00 PM to 01:15 PM TR

Horizon Hall 4012

Section Information for Fall 2022

Queer vampires, queer aliens, queer histories and queerly imagined futures – genre fiction has for centuries been a place for experimenting with different understandings of gender and sexuality. In this class we will explore the capacities of genre for cultural constructions of sexualities, analyzing everything from nineteenth-century anticolonial vampire novels and 1970s disco anthems to fan fiction, zines, and video games to see how playing with the rules of genre has fostered an equally adventurous spirit with regard to other norm-based social systems. Paying particular attention to the intersections of gender and sexuality with race, indigeneity, environment, and disability, we will combine the study of queer genre literature/film/music/games with readings in classic and contemporary queer theory, equipping students to analyze how sexuality is constructed by the world at large – and how it might be constructed differently. Assignments will include weekly Blackboard posts, an in-class presentation, a critical essay, and a final project to be determined by each student in conversation with Professor Hurley (may be critical or creative).

 

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Course Information from the University Catalog

Credits: 3

Introductory survey of cultural, literary, and theoretical constructions of sexuality that seek to complicate traditionally fixed categories of identity. Examines various representations of human sexuality, with particular attention to intersections with gender, race, ethnicity, nationality, and class. Limited to three attempts.
Recommended Prerequisite: Satisfaction of University requirements in 100-level English and in Mason Core literature.
Schedule Type: Lecture
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.

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