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Academic Year 2005/2006

Transnational American Studies: A Queer Bent
AMST 272 SP
Crosslistings:
ENGL 304

Both American Studies and Queer Studies have, in recent years, turned toward comparative transnational frameworks of analysis. This turn raises more questions than it answers. Is it a thoughtful response to heightened awareness of economic globalization? A belated recognition of the many ways diaspora, exile, and migration structure sexuality, gender, and nation? Does this new work genuinely de-center normative narratives of power and privilege? Or does it perversely colonize "the Americas" yet again, under the guise of critiquing United States imperialism?

We will address these and related questions by reading critical essays as well as literature of the Americas that crosses national and sexual borders.

MAJOR READINGS

Gloria Anzaldua, LA FRONTERA/BORDERLANDS
Dionne Brand, IN ANOTHER PLACE, NOT HERE
Gil Cuadros, CITY OF GODS
Russell Leong, PHOENIX EYES
Audre Lorde, ZAMI
Silviano Santiago, STELLA MANHATTAN

EXAMINATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS

Grades will be based on participation and on a portfolio of written work that students assemble over the semester. The 20-25 page portfolio will include short response papers to the major readings, a mid-term essay, and a final essay.

COURSE FORMAT: Lecture/Discussion

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Level: UGRD    Credit: 1    Gen Ed Area Dept: NONE    Grading Mode: Graded   

Prerequisites: NONE Links to Web Resources For This Course.

Last Updated on MAR-30-2006

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