WGST 488: Colonialism, Race & Sexuality

Course Description

Calls to decolonize our minds and institutions reverberate in many disciplines and in society as a whole. But what does this really mean? This course examines the intersections of colonialism, race, class, and sexuality and their implications for LGBTQ studies and politics. Topics include how colonial occupation and power shape our knowledge about sex, gender, and sexuality; how Indigenous struggles for land and sovereignty matter for LGBTQ+ people and studies; and how decolonization differs from and intersects with other emancipatory frameworks, such as working class and anti-racist queer movements and the knowledge they produce. Readings and assignments support students in applying class conscious, anti-racist, and decolonial frameworks to their own majors and fields. As a capstone, the course invites students to reflect on their education and integrate knowledge from throughout their college experience in a final portfolio. (YR).