Queer - Theory and Praxis WR/R/QTP
The analysis of the complex situation of queer phenomena becomes a contribution to building a new social, economic and cultural understanding. However, is this understanding possible within the framework of a world that has been built on the basis of a strong identity policy? The aim of the course is not only to reconstruct the most important issues of Queer Studies, but also to reflect on the specificity of these studies, which, due to their research subject, are engaged in a practice critical of the strategy of strong identity as such – including forms of institutional control of discourses. As part of the course, students will have the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the most important issues concerning the construction of the subject of sexual difference, as well as tensions resulting from the inadequacy of these constructs in relation to the constantly changing social reality.
1. Classics of theory: Foucault, Butler, Sedgwick. How to talk about otherness?
2. Secrets of the teahouse: around the research of Laud Humphreys.
3. Praise the drag queens: from Stonewall to RuPaul's Drag Race.
4. The Mysterious L Word: When Exclusions Intersect.
5. Ballroom Culture: The Continuation of the Exclusion Crossroads.
6. Between Genders: Transgender, Intersex, Nonbinary, and Other Shades of the Rainbow.
7. Does Capitalism Foster Diversity? The Costs and Benefits of Commodifying Identity.
8. Weird Cinema: Why Mass Culture Matters.
9. Queer Under the White and Red Flag: The Situation of Non-Heteronormative People in Poland.
10. Utopias: Whose Future Belongs to?
Course coordinators
Learning outcomes
- Students know the basic terminology of the Queer Studies and understand the link between discussed topics and other fields of humanities;
- Students know the basic methods of analysis and interpretation of culture texts about queerness. Moreover they can name the most important currents of contemporary philosophy and social science;
- Students use terminology specific to a particular sub-discipline within the field of social or human sciences;
- Students are able to apply the acquired tools within their own artistic practice.
- The student completes assigned tasks in a timely and thorough manner.
Assessment criteria
Oral examination based on topics prepared in advance.
Practical placement
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Bibliography
TOPIC 1
M. Foucault, The History of Sexuality: „The Deployment of Sexuality: Objective, Method”, p. 75-102;
J. Butler, Gender Trouble: „Bodily Inscriptions, Performative Subversions” and „From Parody to Politics”, p. 163-190;
E. Kosofsky-Sedgwick, Between Men: „Introduction” s. 1-15 oraz „Chapter Nine: Homophobia, Misogyny, and Capital: The Example of Our Mutual Friend”, p. 161-179;
TOPIC 2
L. Humphreys, Tearoom Trade: „Chapter 6. The People Next Door” and „Chapter 7. The Breastplate of Righteousness”,
p. 123-168;
TOPIC 3
K. Horowitz, Drag, Interperformance, and the Trouble with Queerness: „Conclusion: is drag still queer?”, p. 102-115;
N. Brennan, D. Gudelunas, Drag in the Global Digital Public Sphere: „Post-RuPaul's Drag Race” and „Post-Drag Race, Post-Trans, Post-Pandemic Contestants: Affecting Political Realness in Social Media and (in Return to) Reality Television Space”, p. 3-35;
TOPIC 4
A. Rich, Compulsory Heterosexuality and Lesbian Existence;
TOPIC 5
M. M. Bailey, Butch Queens Up in Pumps: „It's Gonna Get Severe Up in Here: Ball Events, Ritualized Performance, and Black Queer Space”, p. 124-182;
TOPIC 6
L. Feinberg, Transgender Warriors, „Part 1”, p. 3-38;
T. Hillman, Intersex (for lack of a better word): „Special”, „Telling”, „Opinion”, „Out”;
M. Rajunov, S. Duane, Nonbinary – Memoirs of Gender Identity: „Introduction”, „Deconstructing My Self”, „My Genderqueer Backpack”, „Being Genderqueer Before It Was a Thing”;
TOPIC 7
P. Drucker, Warped: Gay Normality and Queer Anti-Capitalism, p. 219-278;
TOPIC 8
B. Mennel, Queer Cinema: Schoolgirls, Vampires and Gay Cowboys: „New Queer Cineman: A New Aesthetic Language” and „Gay Cowboys, Fabulous Femmes and Globlal Queers”, p. 67-112;
TOPIC 9
Social situation of LGBTA people in Poland 2019-2020;
TOPIC 10
J. Ward, The Tragedy of Heterosexuality, „Let's Call It What It Is”, p. 9-37.