Students will gain an understanding of queer theory and (global) history, as well as learn to analyse characters and texts through a “queered” lens. Additionally, we will discuss the history of queer representations in various media, and how capitalism and large media corporations still dictate narratives of queerness. Students are also welcome to contribute their own coming-of-age experiences and make classroom discussions more vibrant and realistic.Topics we will discuss include but are not limited to:queer histories in the UK, Ireland, and globallyactivism and queer rightsqueer coming-of-age narratives in several mediaprivilege and influences of capitalism and corporate greedfandom culture(s), including the sexualisation and fetishisation of queerness

short lecture inputsclass discussions of a variety of texts (TBA)written work (response paper + final paper)

Coming-of-age refers to the shift from teenager to (young) adult – a time to make mistakes, to learn from them, to figure out who you are, often marked by rituals and traditions. It is no wonder why, for decades, authors, filmmakers, and other creatives have been fascinated by this transitional period in a young person’s life. For queer people, in particular, this period can mean freedom and liberation from a potentially unwelcoming and oppressive environment, new experiences as they move out to live on their own for the first time, and a clearer image of who they are and who they want to be within a hegemonic heteronormative society.In this course, we will look at examples of queer coming-of-age narratives in literature (novels, comics) as well as film and television from the British Isles; additionally, these artefacts will be placed in the historical context of queer life and rights in the UK and Ireland.

None.

Students should have completed the course "British OR American Culture: History and Society."

Students are asked to obtain their own copies of the following novels (print or digital, any edition):Maurice (1971) by E. M. Forster (annotated edition recommended)Loveless (2020) by Alice OsemanAll other relevant texts will be made available on Moodle.

The final grade is an aggregate of:30% Active Participation 30% Response Paper - Each student must choose one character from the texts discussed in class and analyse their coming-of-age journey (1,000 words, +/- 10%; pdf-format; fully referenced using Chicago Manual of Style, 17th Edition, Author-Date Style), to be uploaded until July 31, 2024. 40% Final Paper - Each student must write a final paper (2,000 words, +/- 10%; pdf-format; fully referenced using CMoS17AD) on a relevant text of their choice (any medium), to be uploaded until February 28, 2025.Failing one pillar of assessment results in failing the entire class.

assigned reading materialscritical analysis of cultural artefactsfoundational concepts in queer studies and history, within specific geo-political contexts

quality and quantity of secondary sourcesquality of argumentdepth of analysisThe use of AI (e.g. ChatGPT) for completing assignments is strictly forbidden and will lead to a negative grade, removal from the class as well as a report to university leadership. There is the possibility of an individual, oral follow-up defence in order to check whether this rule is respected.