Our Work
This class journal and each of its clusters is the product of the collaborative intellectual work of advanced undergraduate students in Dr. Shannon Finck’s LGBTQ+ Literature course (ENGL 3695/WGSS 3910).
This course, and thus the interconnected essays in these themed clusters, centers literature written by LGBTQ+ authors and texts addressing queer identities and experiences. As we read contemporary literary works by living LGBTQ+ writers, we consider some of the ideas and issues that shape queer lived experience, cultural and artistic production, visibility and equity, and the politics and ethics of representation. Approaching texts in relation to the historical contingencies, creative movements, and ongoing political struggles that underwrite their production and reception, we examine the role of queer literature in informing and challenging public opinion, policy, and cultural norms.
Some Caveats
The literary history of LGBTQ+ writing is vast and vibrant, which means that our class coverage of this field, though diverse, is nowhere near comprehensive. Many of the texts we read in this course are dense, difficult, or formally experimental. They are challenging in other ways, too, exploring tense and timely issues and sensitive subject matter, such as sex and sexuality; bodily autonomy and reproductive freedom; drug use and addiction; death, illness, and social stigma; rape; homophobic, transphobic, or domestic violence; self-harm and suicidal ideation. Readers should be prepared to encounter these themes in the essays published here as well, but they will also find ample attention given to queer joy and celebration.
Course Syllabus
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- Syllabus P. 1
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- Syllabus P. 2
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- Syllabus P. 3
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- Syllabus P. 4
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- Syllabus P. 5
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- Syllabus P. 6
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- Syllabus P. 7
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- Syllabus P. 8
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- Syllabus P. 9
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- Syllabus P. 10
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- Syllabus P. 11
Learning Outcomes
- To understand the importance of LGBTQ+ literature in contemporary cultural, political, and artistic discourse
- To examine the interwoven histories of LGBTQ+ literature, queer theory and activism, non-heteronormative cultural representation, and other intersectional advocacy and social justice projects
- To analyze creative works using new and established critical frameworks and methodologies
- To produce original scholarship that engages with LGBTQ+ literary and critical texts and contexts
- To communicate effectively in writing and conversation using field-specific terms and conventions