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 offshoot 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.

This course examines gender as a key category in;Jewish thought and practice. We will examine;different theoretical models of gender, concepts;of gender in a range of Jewish sources, and;feminist Jewish responses to those sources.

This course analyzes the concepts of race and;racism from an interdisciplinary perspective,;with focus on Latinas/os/x in the United States.;It explores the sociocultural, political,;economic, and historical forces that interact;with each other in the production of racial;categories and racial "difference." In;particular, we focus on racial ideologies, racial;formation theory, and processes of racialization,;as well as the relationship between race and;ethnicity.

Yue Opera, an all-female art that flourished in;Shanghai in 1923, resulted from China's social;changes and the women's movement. Combining;traditional with modern forms and Chinese with;Western cultures, Yue Opera today attracts loyal;and enthusiastic audiences despite pop arts;crazes. We will focus on how audiences,;particularly women, are fascinated by gender;renegotiations as well as by the all-female cast.;The class will read and watch classics of this;theater, including Romance of the Western;Bower, Peony Pavilion, and;Butterfly Lovers.

This course is designed to introduce students to;social, cultural, historical, and political;perspectives on gender and its construction. ;Through discussion and writing, we will explore;the intersections among gender, race, class, and;sexuality in multiple settings and contexts. ;Taking an interdisciplinary approach to a variety;of questions, we will consider the distinctions;between sex and gender, women's economic status,;the making of masculinity, sexual violence, queer;movements, racism, and the challenges of feminist;activism across nations, and possibilities for;change.

This course is designed to introduce students to;social, cultural, historical, and political;perspectives on gender and its construction. ;Through discussion and writing, we will explore;the intersections among gender, race, class, and;sexuality in multiple settings and contexts. ;Taking an interdisciplinary approach to a variety;of questions, we will consider the distinctions;between sex and gender, women's economic status,;the making of masculinity, sexual violence, queer;movements, racism, and the challenges of feminist;activism across nations, and possibilities for;change.

This course is designed to introduce students to;social, cultural, historical, and political;perspectives on gender and its construction. ;Through discussion and writing, we will explore;the intersections among gender, race, class, and;sexuality in multiple settings and contexts. ;Taking an interdisciplinary approach to a variety;of questions, we will consider the distinctions;between sex and gender, women's economic status,;the making of masculinity, sexual violence, queer;movements, racism, and the challenges of feminist;activism across nations, and possibilities for;change.

We will read plays by Shakespeare, watch films;based on those plays, and study the plays, the;films, and the plays-as-films. "Shakespeare";comes first, of course, both historically and as;the source/inspiration for the films. Yet each;film has its own existence, to be understood not;just as an "adaptation," but also as the product;of linked artistic, technical, and economic;choices.

This course offers an historical survey of film;theory, from the work of its earliest authors and;practitioners at the birth of the 20th century;(who first struggled to define the medium), to;those who are working still to elucidate the;place of the cinema in relation to new media in;its ever-evolving and ever more complex place in;culture. As a way of focusing the discussion of;the various theoretical positions, we will watch;and discuss films that represent that most modern;of phenomena--the city.

This course provides a foundation in the;principles, techniques, and equipment involved in;video production. Students will make several;short videos over the course of the term as well;as one final piece. We will develop our own;voices while learning the vocabulary of moving;images and gaining production and post-production;skills. In addition to technical training,;classes will include critiques, screenings,;readings, and discussion.