Queer Theory/Queer Lives, Spring 2006 (Mays/Erbaugh)
This exam is worth 20% of your grade. You will take the exam on Wednesday, March 8 in class. You will have the whole class period to write the exam. You are allowed to bring with you one 3x5 or 5x7 card with notes for yourself. You do not need a blue book. If you have any questions, please ask via email or in class. Have a good week.
1. Based on course readings and class discussions, summarize the relationship between the terms ÒsexÓ and Ògender.Ó
2. Somerville draws upon two theoristsÕ work to establish her argument about the interdependence of race and sexuality as areas of study. Who are these two theorists and how does she employ their theories?
3. Somerville critiques assumptions underlying statements such as, ÒBeing gay is like being black.Ó What are SomervilleÕs main reasons for this critique?
4. In the articles we read by Anzaldœa and Lorde, what do they call us (and/or feminists/LGBTIQ people) to do with regard to difference?
5. In one paragraph, what would your theory in the flesh have to include, based on your specific identities?
6. According to Foucault, what are two of the major institutions/processes that played roles in discourses about sex, sexuality and desire, and what roles did they play?
7. Drawing on Cohen's article and the excerpts we read from the cases themselves, why were the Bowers and Lawrence decisions so culturally significant?
8. According to Sedgwick, how does the closet function to maintain and/or enforce notions of safety for both gay and straight people? Give an explanation and offer an example for each. You may draw one or both of your examples from the film Soldier's Girl.
9. Drawing upon writings by West & Zimmerman and Judith Butler, what are the main elements of the concept of Ògender performativity?" Explain and give an example.
10. In Paris is Burning, how did the judges and/or participants in the Balls define and characterize "realness?" What significance does "realness" have for transgender/transsexual people operating in mainstream society?
11. Drawing from Nikki SullivanÕs article on queering popular culture, explain three ways of looking through which spectators can queer a film or other popular cultural text.
1. How do intersex and the intersex movement influence social norms about sex and gender? In your essay make at least two references to the articles and/or film on the topic.
2. According to McFadden's article "AmericaÕs Boyfriend Who CanÕt Get a Date," in what ways do representations in popular culture articulate the historical moment in which they appear? In your response, refer to race, gender AND class; offer specific examples; and make reference to at least one additional article or film discussed in class.