Queer Theory/Queer Lives, Spring 2007 (Mays/Erbaugh)

Second Exam Questions

 

This exam is worth 20% of your grade. You will take the exam on Thursday, May 3 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.

 

Short Answer Questions

 

1. Explain what Prosser means in stating, "transsexuality is always narrative work."

 

2. From Jordon Johnson's talk, provide an example of how institutional discourses impact bodies in transition and the experiences of transsexual people.

 

3. According to J. Gamson, what is the "queer dilemma" (in the context of social movements/identity politics)?

 

4. In Tough Guise, what connections does Jackson Katz make between the formation of masculinity and violence in society? Give an example from popular culture.

 

5. How does the L-Word clip shown in class reinforce heteronormative and/or racialized notions of either intimate partner violence or what it is to have “sex”? In your response, reference an assigned reading or in-class lecture.

 

6. How does Marlon Riggs' Tongues Untied challenge dominant portrayals of black masculinity (Johnson's article may be of use).

 

7. Riggs' film closes with the phrase, "Black men loving Black men is the revolutionary act." Why does he say this (or what does he mean by it)?

 

8. Drawing on articles by Eng et al and/or Ferguson, what is queer liberalism, and what do the authors see as alternative uses of (or visions for) queer theory and politics?

 

9. What is Stoltenberg asking men to do in inviting them to become "erotic traitors to male supremacy?" Expanding on Stoltenberg's concept, is it possible to become an erotic traitor to heteronormativity? If so, how? If not, why not?

 

10. Why does Wittig believe "lesbians are not women?"

 

11. Based on her presentation on April 26, why does Linda Garber believe Lesbian Studies is still necessary?

 

Essays – 1 page each

1. In Larsen's novel Passing, how do the three main women characters differently represent passing bodies, and what does the overall narrative tell us about the process and its limitations? In your response, reference both the novel and at least one additional source (Butler, O'Neal-Parker or Piper).

 

2. How does queerness complicate dominant approaches to intimate partner violence? In your essay make reference to at least two articles, lectures or other texts discussed in class.