Chris Straayer
Thursdays, 12:30-4:30pm
Room 652
4 points
Section 001 (Cinema Studies students) // Class # 22715
Section 002 (Outside students) // Class # 22716
This course maps the emerging interdisciplinary field of Transgender Studies, which concerns the history and culture of transgender, transsexual, and non-binary people. From 19th century (and ongoing) sexology, to 1950s (and ongoing) genital “corrections” of intersex infants, to the 1969 Stonewall (and ongoing) rebellions for gay/lesbian liberation, to the 1970s (and ongoing) Michigan Women’s Music Festival, the history of transgenderism has intersected lesbian, gay, bi, intersexual, and feminist histories in complicated ways. The phrase “a woman in a man’s body” initially typed homosexuals but later typed transsexuals. Genital surgeries forced on intersexuals were denied to transsexuals. Internal and lateral oppression challenges coalitions against oppression. Throughout this complex history, transgender activists, artists, lawyers, health workers, celebrities, scholars, etc. have produced an immense body of knowledge and vibrant culture.
Transgender Studies addresses such topics as Cross Cultural Gender Diversity, Trans Color and Class, Personal Narrative, Transphobia and Violence, Medical Pathologizing, Penalizing Sex, Species Synaesthesia, and Body Technologies. We will read work by scholars such as Susan Stryker, David Valentine, Jacob Hale, Sandy Stone, Steven Whittle, Talia Bettcher, Joanne Meyerowitz, Paisley Currah, Riki Wilchins, Jay Prosser, Dean Spade, and Eva Hayward. The course will place a special emphasis on Trans Art, especially photography, performance, and cinema. We will view mainstream and independent films, such as Kiss of the Spiderwoman, Boys Don’t Cry, Screaming Queens, Cruel and Unusual, The Salt Mines, Beautiful Boxer, and The Danish Girl. The course will be conducted in a workshop style to accommodate the special interests among students with varying expertise.