GNDR 1071 - Introduction to LGBTQ+ Studies

Credits: 3
Hours/Week: Lecture 3 Lab 0
Internship hours per week 0
Course Description: This course is an interdisciplinary, intersectional introduction to the study of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and related/allied communities (LGBTQ+). Using a variety of disciplinary lenses (artistic, cultural, historical, literary, psychological, political, sociological, etc.), it explores concepts of queerness, sexual orientation(s), and gender(ed) identities/presentations/expressions from an intersectional perspective. A focus is on the interconnections among people’s lived experiences with systems of privilege and oppression, emphasizing social movements and activism.
MnTC Goals
Goal 5 Goal 7A

Prerequisite(s): Course placement into college-level English and Reading OR completion of ENGL 0950 with a grade of C or higher OR completion of RDNG 0940 with a grade of C or higher and qualifying English Placement Exam OR completion of RDNG 0950 with a grade of C or higher and ENGL 0090 with a grade of C or higher OR completion of ESOL 0051 with a grade of C or higher and ESOL 0052 with a grade of C or higher.
Corequisite(s): None
Recommendation: None

Major Content

Definitions, terms, and language
LGBTQ+ history
Contemporary LGBTQ+ issues in social institutions, such as the family, education, religion, media and the law
Social construction of sex, gender, and sexuality
Systems of LGBTQ+-related privilege and oppression
Intersectionality
Visibility and repression
Theories of sexuality, gender, and identity development
Queer theory
LGBTQ+ communities and culture around the world
LGBTQ+ social movements
LGBTQ+-related activism

Learning Outcomes
At the end of this course students will be able to:

explain, using an intersectional framework, how sex, gender, and sexuality are constructed through social, cultural, and political discourses.
explain cross-cultural variations in LGBTQ+ experiences around the world.
analyze the historical development of discipline-specific language used to explore LGBTQ+ issues.
identify some of the landmark events and debates in LGBTQ+ history.
analyze historical and contemporary systems of privilege and oppression in an intersectional way as they relate to LGBTQ+ individuals and communities.
describe LGBTQ+ social movements.
identify ways to engage in LGBTQ+ activism.

Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (MnTC): Goals and Competencies Goal 5
Goal 7A
Competency Goals (MnTC Goals 1-6)

05. 02. Examine social institutions and processes across a range of historical periods and cultures.

05. 03. Use and critique alternative explanatory systems or theories.

05. 04. Develop and communicate alternative explanations or solutions for contemporary social issues.

Theme Goals (MnTC Goals 7-10)

07A. 02. Demonstrate an awareness of the individual and institutional dynamics of unequal power relations between groups in contemporary society.

07A. 03. Analyze their own attitudes, behaviors, concepts and beliefs regarding diversity, racism, and bigotry.

07A. 04. Describe and discuss the experience and contributions (political, social, economic, etc.) of the many groups that shape American society and culture, in particular those groups that have suffered discrimination and exclusion.

Practicum hours per week: 0

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