Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2026 - GSWS 826 G100

Graduate Seminar on Queer/Trans Studies (5)

Class Number: 1724

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 11 – Aug 10, 2026: Tue, 10:30 a.m.–3:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An examination of the formation, development, and current direction in the fields of queer and trans theory. Students will study the influence of feminism on both fields, the emergence of formative questions and key debates, and critical challenges posed by colonial histories, globalization of LGBT identities, and transnational/local taxonomies.

COURSE DETAILS:

This seminar provides students with an overview of the formation, development, and current directions of the fields configured, respectively, as “queer theory” and “trans theory.” We will examine the formative questions that shape “queer” and “trans” as distinct analytical categories and the key terms of debate in each field. We will explore the various critical challenges currently posed to queer and trans studies through a consideration of colonial histories, the politics of border, migration, the globalization of LGBTQ identities, transnational/local taxonomies, and the studies of new media technology.  

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

Course Goals:
Students are expected to:

   • Acquire critical literacy in the intellectual foundation of queer and trans studies
   • Become conversant with contemporary debates on sexual and gender variance
   • Develop critical skills to conceptualize, develop, and present an original research project on topic relevant to queer and/or trans studies

Education Goals:

For more detailed information please see the GSWS website: https://www.sfu.ca/gsws/graduate/courses/goals

Grading

  • Attendance & Participation 10%
  • Weekly Reading Response 10%
  • Class Presentation 20%
  • Research Presentation 20%
  • Research Paper (15-20 pages) 40%

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

All required articles are available on-line through SFU library or as PDFs on Canvas.

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Graduate Studies Notes:

Important dates and deadlines for graduate students are found here: http://www.sfu.ca/dean-gradstudies/current/important_dates/guidelines.html. The deadline to drop a course with a 100% refund is the end of week 2. The deadline to drop with no notation on your transcript is the end of week 3.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.