Queer Theory/Queer Lives
SOC 398-016, AMST 310-016, WMST 379-016
Spring 2006, University of New Mexico

Course Objectives:
This course investigates queer theory and the experiences of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer (LGBTIQ) people as addressed in empirical studies, narratives, film and activism. We will explore how gender and sexual identities intersect with race, class, ethnicity, age and disability. Our areas of inquiry will include identity, family, popular culture, violence and social movements. We will critically analyze which texts have been considered central to "queer theory" and which have been marginalized.

As instructors, we aim to create a learning atmosphere that fosters critical and scholarly thinking, writing, and discussion. We want you as students to go beyond merely digesting other people's ideas to actively engage with the material and to critique both commonly held assumptions and academic theories about sexuality and LGBTIQ people.

We will do everything we reasonably can to help you meet your goals in this course and to maintain a respectful classroom atmosphere. We expect you to do the same. Please see one of us or contact us by email to talk about any questions, revelations, problems with the material, our presentation of it, or classroom dynamics.

Required Texts:
Clare, Eli (1999). Exile and Pride. Boston: South End Press.
Larsen, Nella (2003). Passing. Penguin Books.
Articles and book excerpts available on E-Reserves.

Website and email:
You are required to use the web and email for this class. There is a website for the class which you should check regularly (www.unm.edu/~erbaugh/QueerSpr06/home). The syllabus and paper assignments will be on the website. We will email you with important announcements, changes to readings, additional assignments, etc. Questions about the course? Please check the website first, then email us.

Attendance and Participation:
This course is constructed to revolve around discussion of the readings, small group work, student and guest presentations, films, and other relevant information. The class is designed to encourage dialogue; therefore your attendance, preparedness, and participation are essential. Constructive dialogue requires preparing for class, respectfully joining in discussions, and courteously listening to others. Students are expected to come to class regularly and on time. Attendance will be taken at random. You are responsible for any and all material missed because of absences. Get the emails and phone numbers of a few other students in the class and if you miss a class, ask them to review what was covered and/or lend you their notes. (Do not ask us what was covered or if we did/will do anything important on a given day; do not email us to say you are skipping our class to prepare for another class.) More than two unexcused absences will negatively affect your participation grade.

Policy on Academic Dishonesty:
Each student is expected to maintain the highest standards of honesty and integrity in academic and professional matters. The University reserves the right to take disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal, against any student who is found guilty of academic dishonesty or otherwise fails to meet the standards. Any student judged to have engaged in academic dishonesty in course work may receive a reduced or failing grade for the work in question and/or for the course. Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, dishonesty in quizzes, tests, or assignments; claiming credit for work not done or done by others; hindering the academic work of other students; misrepresenting academic or professional qualifications within or without the University; and nondisclosure or misrepresentation in filling out applications or other University records. (The Pathfinder, 2005-2006)

Accessibility Accommodations:
Any student who, because of disability, may require accommodations in order to meet course requirements should contact us as soon as possible to make necessary arrangements. It is the responsibility of the student to request accommodations for individual learning needs. We and UNM will make every attempt to accommodate all students with disabilities. For further information, contact Student Support Services at (505) 277-3506.

Course Schedule:
Given that dynamics and issues raised in class, cultural developments, guest speaker availability and other factors will likely affect the pace of the course, the following is a tentative outline of the material we will cover. You should complete the readings by class time on the dates specified.