20809255Introduction to LGBTQ+ Studies
Course Information
Description
Introduction to LGBTQ+ Studies introduces students to historical and contemporary understandings of LGBTQ+ individuals and communities. Through the lens of interdisciplinary scholarship, students will explore topics such as identity formation, socialization, sexuality, cultural influences, health, politics, globalism, equity and inclusion, intersectionality, and activism. 
Total Credits
3
Course Competencies
  1. Examine vocabulary and concepts applicable to LGBTQ+ communities
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral, Written or Graphic Assessment
    Criteria
    Examine gender and sexual identities in personal, societal, and community relations
    Differentiate between forms of gender and sex
    Differentiate between heteronormativity and homonormativity
    Examine inequities within and between such identities and their relations
    Develop critical inquiries into language and narrative usage regarding forms of identity and their responses

  2. Analyze the social constructionism of sex, gender, and sexuality
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral, Written or Graphic Assessment
    Criteria
    Describe the social construction of reality
    Examine variability of sex identification across time and societies
    Analyze how social constructs of gender vary across time and societies
    Identify societal standards of femininity and masculinity
    Explore definitions of sexuality and sexual orientations
    Deconstruct individual and societal reinforcement practices of meaning-making around sex, gender, and sexuality

  3. Analyze different theoretical approaches used within LGBTQ+ Studies
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral, Written or Graphic Assessment
    Criteria
    Examine the medical-biological model(s)
    Analyze the deviance-pathological model(s)
    Explore the cultural production model(s)
    Identify institutional approaches
    Differentiate critical-emancipatory models, including feminism, Marxism, and Queer Theory

  4. Analyze inequality, privilege, and power as it relates to the LGBTQ+ community and individuals
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral, Written or Graphic Assessment
    Criteria
    Define inequality, privilege, and power as social phenomena and analytical devices
    Explore impacts of inequality, privilege, and power within LGBTQ+ community and individual relations
    Differentiate between forms of privilege within cis-, hetero-, and homo-normative as well as patriarchal perspectives
    Examine violence and its relation to inequality, privilege, and power

  5. Examine Self and Social Development Of LGBTQ+ Through Family and Other Relations
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral, Written or Graphic Assessment
    Criteria
    Explore Attachment and Development in the context of LGBTQ+ children, parents, and other familial relations
    Examine LGBTQ+ socialization with and through agents of socialization
    Examine adolescent and peer relationships
    Explore romantic and intimate relationships
    Compare and contrast Families and Families of Choice over time
    Explore concerns of aging within LGBTQ+ lives and communities

  6. Analyze the histories of LGBTQ+ and their current influence within society
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral, Written or Graphic Assessment
    Criteria
    Explore Ancient History regarding LGBTQ+ relations
    Explore Colonial and US History regarding LGBTQ+ relations
    Examine role of prejudice and discrimination in historical life and meaning making through historical periods (e.g., the Lavender Scare)
    Analyze historical moments through social movements and activism
    Differentiate between space and place over time as they relate to LGBTQ+ lives

  7. Analyze the dynamics of LGBTQ+ communities and institutions
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral, Written or Graphic Assessment
    Criteria
    Examine impacts of schooling and collegiate life for LGBTQ+ individuals and communities
    Explore religious organizational inclusion/exclusion practices, queer theology, and other facets of faith practices
    Analyze relations between health and illness, healthcare access and environments, and health practitioners with LGBTQ+ individuals and communities
    Compare and contrast employment and workplace environments across time
    Examine LGBTQ+ experiences in the Armed Services and government employment

  8. Analyze diversity, equity, and inclusion within LGBTQ+ communities and the larger society
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral, Written or Graphic Assessment
    Criteria
    Define intersectionality and matrix of domination as it relates to the interaction between LGBTQ+ and other social categories, such as gender, race, and nationality
    Explore religious influences on LGBTQ+ individual and community relations
    Examine the emergence of AIDS and its relation to racism, homophobia, and the development of allyships
    Differentiate between trans-inclusion and -exclusion practices and their impacts of individual and community relations
    Explore social production of LGBTQ+ popular culture and their integration into larger society
    Analyze globalization as a phenomenon within LGBTQ+ communities and societies in general
    Examine the contributions of technology to the lives of LGBTQ+ individuals and communities

  9. Utilize social scientific methods and data in the analysis of LGBTQ+ lives and communities
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral, Written or Graphic Assessment
    Criteria
    Explore traditional research methods and analysis
    Compare queer methodology and trans-methodology with traditional approached to research methods
    Examine national efforts at data analysis within LGBTQ+ communities
    Differentiate between academic/scientific disciplines and their approaches toward “studying” LGBTQ+ communities
    Incorporate research outcomes into assessments such as written products or presentations