Humanities Arts Cultural Stu 0259 - Queer Modernisms

Was World War I fought because of gay panic? Did a cohort of British homosexuals dubbed the "Cult of the Clitoris" conspire to orchestrate a German invasion of Britain? In "Queer Modernisms," an introduction to literary and queer studies, we'll learn about the complex history of queer sexuality in modern Britain and its role in modernist literature. Beginning with Oscar Wilde and his imprisonment for "indecent" acts, this course examines the history, literature, and visual culture of early twentieth-century Britain from a queer studies perspective. We will study modernist fiction, visual art, and performance in the context of pivotal historical developments in modern sexual history as well as contemporary criticism. Texts may include works by Virginia Woolf, Nella Larsen, H.D., and E.M. Forster. This course is appropriate for students new to queer literary studies as well as those with a background in the humanities.

Culture, Humanities, and Languages Independent Work Writing and Research In this course students are expected to spend 5-8 hours weekly on work and preparation outside of class time.