Spring 2020 - GSWS 318 E100
Special Topics in Gender, Sexuality, and Women's Studies (4)
Class Number: 3890
Delivery Method: In Person
Overview
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Course Times + Location:
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2020: Mon, 5:30–9:20 p.m.
Vancouver
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Instructor:
Nadine Boulay
nboulay@sfu.ca
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Prerequisites:
30 units, including three units in GSWS.
Description
CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:
A specific theme within the field of gender, sexuality, and women's studies, not otherwise covered in depth in regularly scheduled courses, will be dealt with as occasion and demand warrant.
COURSE DETAILS:
Until quite recently, drag cultures- particularly those associated with ‘drag queens’- have been situated primarily in queer and transgender communities and representations of ‘camp’ in popular culture. Yet ‘drag’ as a deliberate expression and theatrical performance of gender transgression is remarkably common cross-culturally and in many historical periods, from the 17th century British stage, to Harlem ball culture, to Kabuki theatre. This course will explore the cultural and social histories of ‘drag’ in the U.S. and Canada from the early 20th century to present day.
We will examine different iterations of drag performance within LGBTQ history; the different ways that drag and drag performers have operated in explicitly queer/transgender spaces, such as bars or nightclubs; and more recently as reality TV stars, and in ‘family-friendly’ contexts, reading to children in public libraries (Drag Queen Story Hour). We will explore representations of drag performers/performances in literature (Our Lady of the Flowers), film (Divine), and TV (Drag Race; Dragula). Students will explore the ways that different drag cultures have been mediated through experiences of race and racialization; poverty and upward mobility; and gender difference. We will read accounts of drag cultures and performers as revolutionaries and radicals within social movement organizing, including the Stonewall Riots and early pride marches and protests. We will consider the implications of mainstreaming certain representations of drag, and the impact of wide-spread visibility and popularity of drag queens outside queer and transgender spaces.
COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:
For more detailed information please see the GSWS website: http://www.sfu.ca/gsws/courses/Educational_Goals.html
Grading
- Attendance 10%
- In-class participation 10%
- Group Reading Presentation 15%
- Short Written Assignments 15%
- Creative Project 15%
- Take Home Exam 35%
Materials
REQUIRED READING:
All readings are available on Canvas or through SFU Library Online Database.
Registrar Notes:
SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating. Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.
Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community. Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS