ENGLISH 142A: Trans Literature (FEMGEN 142A, TAPS 142A)

Course Description

Over the last several decades, there has been an astounding proliferation of trans literature, while debates over trans people's rights to exist have taken centerstage in the U.S. political landscape. Literature plays a foundational role in the formations of trans identities and histories, and trans identities and histories invite us to consider the conventions of literary storytelling anew. The time has come to ask: what kinds of trans stories can we tell, and how? In this introductory undergraduate seminar, we will read trans texts from different genres, including novels, short stories, case studies, poetry, graphic novels as well as film and music to think about trans experiences, embodiments, transitions, and histories. We will read trans literature from various places and times in order to ask how gender, sexuality, race, desire, place, and history shape and are shaped by works of trans literature in a global context. No prior knowledge of trans studies is required for participation in this course.