Gender Studies 221A - Topic: Feminist & Queer Theory

We will read a number of key feminist texts that theorize sexual difference, and challenge the oppression of women. We will then address queer theory, an off-shoot and expansion of feminist theory, and study how it is both embedded in, and redefines, the feminist paradigms. This redefinition occurs roughly at the same time (1980s/90s) when race emerges as one of feminism's prominent blind spots. The postcolonial critique of feminism is a fourth vector we will examine, as well as anti-racist and postcolonial intersections with queerness. We will also study trans-theory and its challenge to the queer paradigm.

Course limited to sophomores, juniors and seniors