Faculty First Year Seminars 191TEF3 - To Queer or Not to Queer-Explo

This course provides students with entry points to understand the complexities of gender and sexuality diversity, to critically examine the social construction of identities, and to consider what it might mean to queer understandings of gender and sexuality. Drawing on work from the fields of anti-oppression education and queer theory, the course exposes students to concepts that serve to identify, name, and explain social inequalities related to gender and sexuality diversity. We will deconstruct binary systems of gender and sexuality and dominant narratives that teach normative lessons about what is considered normal, acceptable and desirable. We will explore ways to challenge hetero-/cis-normativity, heterosexism, and transgender oppression to promote gender and sexuality equity. Readings, texts of everyday life, and interactive and experiential learning activities will ask students to reflect on and contemplate how they have come to perceive gender and sexuality and how they are per/forming their own identities.

Freshmen Only