EN 284 - LGBTQ Literature

1. Demonstrate understanding of diverse interpersonal and cultural perspectives through analysis of scholarly or creative works about or by people who identify as LGBTQ+. (GELO 4)
2. Articulate and understand the commonalities and differences among members of the LGBTQ community, both real and fictional, from different time periods, cultures, and demographics through the analysis of scholarly and creative artifacts and activities. 
3. Gather and synthesize relevant information, evaluate alternative perspectives, or understand inquiry as a means of creating knowledge about LGBTQ+ literature, including novels, poetry, plays, memoir, and short stories. (GELO3)

I. Key LGBTQ Texts

A. Poetry

B. Fiction

C. Plays or films

D. Nonfiction

II. Key Lenses

A. Queer

B. Lesbian

C. Gay

D. Transgender

E. Bisexual

IV. Central Topics

A. Historical context

B. Oppression

C. Voice

D. Treatment as other

E. The search for identity

F. Community

G. Violence

H. Secrecy and shame

I. Pride

Facilitated discussion: 40-60%

Oral reports / short presentation: 10-15%

Instructional film or other media: 10-15%

Approaches to teaching may include one or more of the following:

a. the historical approach: the course features representative works from historic periods, exploring their importance as written art, but also as documents representative of the culture, gender and identity formation from the times from which they spring.

b. the thematic approach: the texts all feature variations on a predetermined theme or themes which may be of philosophical, psychological, or sociological importance.

c. the genres approach: the works are studied according to standard categories such as novels, plays, films, poetry, etc. This approach allows the professor some latitude to explore the various genres representative of a single time period (e.g. the various works of a given era) or the opportunity to explore major works in each genre.