Requirements

The individual class titles indicate the specific topic within the study of GenderQueer identity that we will be focusing on for the particular day. The objectives of the course will be fulfilled by a thorough, critical analysis of the texts assigned for the course. In addition to the readings, there will be films show in class as well as lectures and discussions from two speakers who work with and identify with the Trans community. There will be a mini-film series throughout the beginning of the semester in which thre will be showings of five different movies that relate to the issues being discussed in the course. (see more under Film Series)

This course will explore a broad range of topics that have a significant impact within the GenderQueer culture and community: Transphobia, the (psychiatric) medicalization of gender identity, the impact of a GenderQueer identity on family, etc. Objectives will be further clarified during class discussions, however the following are some basic questions to get students thinking. By the end of the course, students should have a firm understanding of how to properly address the following questions:

• What is the link between the LGB (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual) and T (Transgender/Transsexual/GenderQueer) movements? Is it possible for there to be a strong committment between the two groups to work together in their struggles? How do the struggles between persons with a queer gender identity and a queer sexual identity differ? How do they relate? Is it possible for either of the movements to succeed without the help of the other? And finally, what are the historical reasons for persons with a queer gender identity and a queer sexual identity being categorized together in (seemingly) the same movement?
• Identify the ways in which socialization has placed an intense stigma on persons who identify as GenderQueer. How has this pervasive socialization been responsible for the treatment of GenderQueer individuals in medicine, the media, legislation, etc.?
• What are the links between gender role socialization and Transphobia? Is transphobia a direct result of strict gender socialization? What seems to be the logic (if any) behind the violence targetted at GenderQueer individuals?
• How is the emphasis on the responsibilty of a person to adhere to the gender that is associated to their anatomical sex detrimental to the lives of GenderQueer individuals (and everyone else, too)? What type of transformation would need to occur, on both an individual and a collective societal level, in order to overcome such socialization? What role(s) do people who identify as GenderQueer have in both rebbling against and reinforcing gender role norms?
• What happens to the binaries of traditional gender (masculine and feminine) when people identify as GenderQueer or "Other"? Furthermore, what happens to traditional views of sexuality and sexual orientation? In a society in which individuals express the gender of "Other" is it possible to rely solely on the categories of heterosexual, bisexual and gay/lesbian?
• What role do the barriers of transforming the body play in the lives of GenderQueer individuals? How does it affect society and non-GenderQueer individuals, too?
• Why is it so important to know a persons sex and/or gender? What type of categorizing are we taught growing up that immediately forces us to feel the need to categorize and label other people (and ourselves)? How would it affect society to reach Leslie Feinberg's utopian state of "Tranliberation"? In what ways would GenderQueer individuals benefit? How would the rest of society benefit?

There will be a mini-film series for this course beginning in February and running through until the middle of the semester. Thus far, there have been only five movies selected for the series (see schedule below) however additional movie suggestions would be appreciated.* Students are not required to attend all of the films, however, they must attend at least one as there will be one mandatory assignment due based on any one of the movies. Students may complete more than one movie assignment (on different movies) for extra credit (with previous permission of the instructor). If students cannot attend the series to to a work or class conflict, they are expected to either rent one of the movies from a video rental store or to check out the movie from e-reserve, where it will remain for the length of the semester.

To see a list of the movies that will be shown during the Mini-Film Series, click here.

*Extra Credit Opportunity: Students who suggest a film may receive extra credit for "hosting" the film for the evening. This would involve introducing the film and holding a brief discussion afterwards. Note: The topics addressed during the discussion must be relevant to both the movie and the topics discussed during the course. A discussion outline must be approved by the facilitator before the movie is scheduled to be shown.