Spring 2008
Mon/Wed 2:45-4:00
Peter M. Nardi
Office:
e-mail: peter_nardi@pitzer.edu
Mon/Wed 10:00-11:30
Thurs 2:00-4:00
Other times by appointment
Course
Description
With national attention focused on issues of sexual
orientation, the importance of understanding the history, psychology, and
sociology of lesbian and gay people has never been as strong. This semester we
address the key ideas about sexual orientation identity, their historical
roots, and the contemporary issues facing gay/lesbian/bisexual/transgender
people.
Required
Readings
Dude, You’re a Fag, CJ Pascoe, California 2007
Social Perspectives in Lesbian & Gay Studies: A Reader, Peter Nardi & Beth Schneider (Editors), Routledge 1998 (N&S)
Queer Studies, Brett Beemyn & Mickey Eliason (Eds.) NYU 1996 (BE)
Course
Requirements
1) Exams. There will be two exams: Monday, March 3 and Wednesday, April 23. Short-answer & essay questions focus on the
readings, lectures, and videos. There is no exam scheduled for finals week.
Exams are 50% of the grade. Make-up exams are not given, except in emergencies
and with documentation.
2) Projects. During the last two weeks, you will participate in a
set of debates focused on current controversial topics, and submit a portfolio
of information related to your project. Information
from at least one non-U.S. society is expected in your report along with a
demonstrated sensitivity to
At three points in the
semester, you will submit typed (double-spaced, 12 pt. font) reports of your
topic: (1) the 5 relevant web pages and 5 general interest materials are due Monday, Feb. 18; (2)
the itemized bibliography and summaries of 4 academic readings are due Monday, April
7; and (3) the final 3-5 page write-up of your position, due no later
than Wednesday, May 7. Seniors must
submit their final write-up by May 5. Late submissions are
penalized a grade unit for each day late. Writing counts! Projects are 50% of
the grade. Extra credit is offered to any group doing exceptional work in the
presentation of their argument (such as designing a web page, visual
materials/posters, etc.)
In addition to the presentation at the end of the semester, since
this is a seminar-sized class, active
participation and attendance are expected;
making relevant contributions about the readings in class discussions will
contribute to your overall grade. The presentation, discussions, and attendance
are not specifically graded, but can
raise or lower your final grade if you happen to fall between two grades.
** Copying material
without proper citation is considered plagiarism and subject to a grade of F
and possible charges by the College’s Judicial Committee.**
Since the course focuses
on a topic that may be of personal interest to members of the class, respect
for various opinions and perspectives is essential. No one is expected to
disclose any personal information unless you so choose.
Course Schedule: Topics and
Assignments
Week: Jan. 28
Topics: Explaining Sexual Orientation: Constructionism, Essentialism
Week: Feb. 4
Topics: Issues of Gender: Masculinity &
Heterosexism
Week: Feb. 11
Topics: Building Communities &
Neighborhoods: Historical View
Week: Feb. 18 Project 1 due Monday (18)
Topics: Building Identities: Coming Out
Week: Feb. 25
Topics: Queer Identities: Trans, Bi,
Lesbian, Gay
Week: Mar. 3 Exam Monday (3)
Topics: Queer Identities: Race & Ethnicity, Class,
International
Week: Mar. 10
Topics: Queer Identities: Race & Ethnicity. Class,
International
(continued)
Week: Mar. 17 Spring Vacation
Week: Mar. 24
Topics: Creating Social Movements
BE – article 3
Week: Mar. 31
Topics: Sexuality
Week: Apr. 7
Project 2 due Monday (7)
Topics: Family, Romantic Relationships,
& Friendships
Week: Apr. 14
Topics: Dealing with Heterosexism: Culture,
Politics, & Media
Week: Apr. 21
Exam Wednesday (23)
Topics: Dealing with Heterosexism: Work
Discrimination & Hate Crimes
Week: Apr. 28
Debates: Groups 1 & 2
Week: May 5 Project 2 due (Seniors: Monday; Others:
Wednesday)
Debates: Groups 3 & 4
