In this seminar are going to explore the evolution of queer representation in literature, theatre, and film. In this seminar we are going to trace the portrayal of LGBTQ+ identities from the works of Shakespeare to contemporary shows like "Sex Education," highlighting the significance of representation in shaping societal attitudes and personal identities. Starting with the politics of queer identities and sexualities we are going to trace how these struggles were translated, complemented or reinforced in queer stories and tropes on screen. We are starting with early modern concepts the queer subtext in Shakespeare’s Sonnets to his not-so-subtle representation of queerness in “Twelfth Night”. We are then moving on to modern ideas of gender and queerness and explore how “the unspeakable was screened” in the pre-visibility era. We are looking at how queer narratives and stereotypes evolved as the 20th nears its end. This class finishes with an examination of post-modern concepts of gender and queerness and TV shows about queerness so good that the French Education Ministry recommends them for the use in classrooms.
Please be warned that discussions of gender identity and (queer) sexualities are often accompanied by discussions of violence. |
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