SEMINAR DESCRIPTION

This course will surface the ways in which LGBTQ+ people and communities have impacted the ways in which mainstream American culture has been shaped by cultural production derived from thinking that challenges heteronormativity in post-World War II America until the validation of same sex marriage in 2014 Through the lenses of queer theory, evolving queer history, Since the emergence of “homosexuality” and “transsexuality” as identities in the late 19th century, queer culture has been presumed to develop in the margins of American life, ancillary to and shaped by heterosexual norms. Yet, the vast majority of queer people in the last hundred years have lived (to at least some degree) in the closet, allowing them to exist in the mainstream while maintaining a distinctly non-normative identity. Thus, to quote bell hooks, allowing them "to bring the margin into the center." In 15 meetings over the course of the semester, through lectures, discussions, texts, slides, films and video, we will explore the ways in which transformative integration of queer designs for living have occurred. Highlighting pivotal events and shifts in American cultural, political, and creative history this course will provide food for thought about the ways in queerness is integral to American notions of progress and freedom.

Tuesday, February 20, 2024

"The Homosexuals" Film Statements - Jordan Knisely Jan. 16th 2023

 10 statements of what we were supposed to think about queer people and as a reflection of what the American value was at that point in time.


  1. It is an enigma that people find disturbing.

  2. More harmful to society than abortion and prostitution and it is a ‘condition’

  3. People think of them as some kind of creature. People are beaten inhumanely.

  4. It is something that needs psychotherapy and jail time. They are “sick”.

  5. ⅔ Americans look at them with fear. The majority of Americans favor jail time for homosexual acts.

  6. A deviation in normalcy that can be cured.

  7. Seen as just as bad as second-degree murderers.

  8. As a Christian it is wrong and sinful, but most will not try to “help” him

  9. “Crush the monster”

  10. “We need to solve the problem, not tolerate the problem”

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Erika Bauer - Final Project

 Link to my final project https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/10M3X31MtgSnCAicMzf6pDhINFAjSNRaGX8BJnh3_9Eg/edit