AFRS 245 - Making Waves: Topics in Feminist Activism

Semester Offered: Spring
1 unit(s)

(Same as WMST 245) Topic for 2019b: Queer and Trans of Color Interventions. How do queer and transgender of color theory, performance, and activism interface in our contemporary moment? This course explores the strategies by which queers of color use performance toward social, cultural, and political ends, with particular emphasis on transgender and gender nonconforming authors. Taking our cue from third world feminisms and Black feminist theory, the seminar centers intersectional approaches to sex, gender, sexuality, race, class, ability, and nation, foregrounding works that center transgender as their focus topic and frame. We read major milestones of queer of color critique and transgender studies, and interweave these readings with listenings and viewings. Our texts are interdisciplinary; we listen to music, watch films and live performances, perform light ethnography, host guest speakers, and read memoir, history, ethnography, manifesto, and critical theory. We challenge ourselves to think queer and trans activism(s) alongside other historical and current social justice movements within and outside the U.S. Ultimately, the course invites students to think about how queer and transgender theory engage art and activism, and, conversely, how performance and activism speak back to written texts, all from a queer and trans of color centered approach. Elias Krell.

Prerequisite(s): WMST 130 or permission of the instructor.

Two 75-minute periods.