This interdisciplinary course introduces key questions of critical race, gender, and cultural studies. The subjects of power and identity are consistent themes. Central to our inquiry is intersectionality: many of our readings will explore this concept, and its transformative impact on conventional understandings of power and identity.  

Traces the history of LGBTQ / queer identity as expressed through popular literature and film from the 20th century to the present. The course asks how literature and film participated in the construction of queer life and examines cultural texts as artifacts that speak to the realities of queer lives, peoples, and communities.

Explores American women's diverse experiences from pre-Columbian times to 1890, as they re-envisioned their place within families and communities, entered wage work, and struggled for rights. Emphasizes women's self-representation in writing and the visual arts, as well as gender's intersections with racial, class, ethnic, sexual, regional, religious, and other identities.

Introduces questions of how politics is gendered, and how gender is political. Explores the development of the contemporary feminist movement; what masculinity means today; how transgender politics have uprooted traditional understandings of gender; why marriage equality has come to define gay rights; how race and class are relevant to gender; and the possibility of gender equality in the United States.

Examines the unique perspective of health care from the cultural lens appropriate to women of color. Historical, social, environmental, and political factors that contribute to racial and gender disparities in health care are analyzed. Students will develop cultural competency tools for more effective health care delivery.

This interdisciplinary course introduces key questions of critical race, gender, and cultural studies. The subjects of power and identity are consistent themes. Central to our inquiry is intersectionality: many of our readings will explore this concept, and its transformative impact on conventional understandings of power and identity.  

Consent of instructor required.