QUEER POLITICS

CMMU 080R: (Lesbian and Gay Politics)

Four week session: June 29-July 24.

Summer 1998

Instructor: Luz Calvo

E-mail: luzcalvo@cats.ucsc.edu

Time: TTH 9-11:30am & 1:30-4pm

Location: Social Sciences II, Room 179

What is queer and what kinds of political alliance and action does it facilitate? This course will examine queer political activism, focusing on the shift from gay and lesbian to queer. Engaging the problems and possibilities of political activism based on and constructing queer identities, this course is organized in four sections: 1. Queer theories; 2. Direct action groups: ACT UP, Queer Nation, Lesbian Avengers and others; 3. Multiplying identities: genders and sexualities; and 4. Race and representation. In each of these sections, the course will explicitly address the challenges posed by bisexuals, transgendered folks, queers of color, sex radicals, political militants, and others excluded by "traditional" gay and lesbian discursive and political formations. While the pinnacle of queer mobilization might now be relegated to a historical period dating from the late 80s to the mid 90s, the underlying question of the course is the impact of queer theory and activism on the current situation and the contested future of "queer." Materials for this course include theory, fiction, independent film and video, pamphlets, flyers, posters, 'zines, and other primary sources from activist organizations.

Course Requirements: Attendance and participation are mandatory. Students must arrive on time, prepared to discuss the assigned reading. Students will write brief (2-3 pages typed) response papers due at the beginning of each class session. Response papers will summarize the critical information contained in the reading for the session and pose questions for discussion. In addition, students will work in small groups to produce a final project. In this project students will propose a detailed plan for a new activist organization and a political action or campaign, including propaganda, flyers, etc. A final paper (3-4 pages typed) will situate the student's group project within the theoretical and political issues discussed in the course.

Required Books:

The books (except I/O) and the reader are available at Slug Books. I/O is being sold at the Bay Tree Bookstore for Film 185A (Instructor Benshoff).

Films:

June 30 "From Gay and Lesbian to Queer"

Film:

July 2 "Queer Theory"

reading:
Film:

July 7

reading:
Film:

July 9 "Queer Activism"

reading:
Films:

July 14

reading:
Film:

July 16 "Multiplying Identities: Race,Sexualities, Genders, and Sexes"

reading:
Film:

July 21 "Race and Representation"

reading:
Film:

July 24

reading: open (I have reserved space so that we may address issues that have been left out or underrepresented. Students will choose the readings for this week.)

PRESENTATIONS