EN3G1-15 Queer and There: Queer Theory and the History of Sexuality in the Global Context
Introductory description
EN3G1-15 Queer and There: Queer Theory and the History of Sexuality in the Global Context
Module aims
This module aims to familiarise students with current theories of and literary and historical approaches to gender and sexuality, with a particular focus on “non-heteronormativity.” Taking a global approach, it introduces students to the vocabulary of sexual difference in Europe and North America, Asia, and Latin America (including queer, trans, cisgender, asexuality, bakla, and kathoey) through critical and literary readings. Students will learn about the effect of legal, medical, and moral frameworks on the emergence of forms of sexual identity worldwide and the impact of globalization on local forms of sexuality and sexual practice.
Outline syllabus
This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.
Week 1: Introduction. Terms, Places, Contexts
Week 2: Focus on Latin America/Brazil: Theory Readings plus Daniel Ribeiro, The Way He Looks [Hoje Eu Quero Voltar Sozinho] (film)
Week 3: Focus on South Asia: Theory Readings plus R. Raj Rao, The Boyfriend and Ugra short story “Chocolate”
Week 4: Focus on Southeast Asia/Singapore: Theory Readings plius Alfian Sa’at plays, The Asian Boys Trilogy
Week 5: Focus on Global Trans Identities
Week 6: Reading Week
Week 7: Sexuality and/in the Diaspora I: Theorizing the South Asian Experience
Week 8: Sexuality and/in the Diaspora II: Theorizing the East and Southeast Asian Experience
Week 9: Literature, Sexuality, Diaspora I: Monique Truong, The Book of Salt
Week 10: Literature, Sexuality, Diaspora 2: Rakesh Satyal, Blue Boy; Soman Chainani, Kali Ma (short film)
Learning outcomes
By the end of the module, students should be able to:
- Demonstrate coherent and detailed knowledge and understanding of the set texts in their cultural, political, and social contexts
- Deploy advanced analytical and critical skills through close reading of criticism and theory
- Demonstrate a conceptual understanding that enables the development and sustaining of a critical argument
- Develop an understanding of some of the key issues and problems facing the study of gender, sexuality, and queer identities today
- Exhibit an advanced command of written English together with a wide-ranging and accurate vocabulary
- Conduct independent research through self-generated questions
- Produce work that displays the qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment requiring the exercise of personal responsibility and decision-making, along with collaboration and collective engagement
- Refine their skills in working independently and collectively with theoretical materials and in using theory in conjunction with literature
- Deploy an understanding of the importance of literary and theoretical engagements with the world we live in
- Develop an original research topic focused on the module’s special topic
Subject specific skills
No subject specific skills defined for this module.
Transferable skills
No transferable skills defined for this module.
Study time
| Type | Required |
|---|---|
| Seminars | 9 sessions of 1 hour 30 minutes (9%) |
| Private study | 136 hours 30 minutes (91%) |
| Total | 150 hours |
Private study description
Reading & research
Costs
No further costs have been identified for this module.
You do not need to pass all assessment components to pass the module.
Assessment group A1
| Weighting | Study time | Eligible for self-certification | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment 1 | 20% | Yes (extension) | |
|
1,000-word critical response to a theoretical supplementary reading |
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| Assessment 2 | 80% | Yes (extension) | |
|
4,000-word end-of-term essay |
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Feedback on assessment
Individual consultation with tutor; email; Tabula
Courses
This module is Optional for:
- Year 3 of UENA-Q300 Undergraduate English Literature
- Year 3 of UENA-QP36 Undergraduate English Literature and Creative Writing
- Year 4 of UENA-QP37 Undergraduate English Literature and Creative Writing with Intercalated Year
- Year 4 of UENA-Q301 Undergraduate English Literature with Intercalated Year
- Year 3 of UENA-VQ32 Undergraduate English and History
- Year 4 of UENA-QW35 Undergraduate English and Theatre Studies with Intercalated Year
This module is Option list A for:
- Year 3 of UCXA-QQ37 Undergraduate Classics and English
- Year 3 of UFIA-QW25 Undergraduate Film and Literature
This module is Option list B for:
- Year 3 of UTHA-QW34 Undergraduate English and Theatre Studies
This module is Option list C for:
- Year 3 of UPHA-VQ72 Undergraduate Philosophy and Literature
- Year 4 of UPHA-VQ73 Undergraduate Philosophy and Literature with Intercalated Year