Identities & Law: Sexualities (S)

This class asks and answers three overarching questions: (1) How do people form their senses of the implications of LGBTQ+ identity statuses?; (2) How might those understandings about identities influence the way the law is structured and enforced?; (3) How might the law reciprocally influence understandings about identities? The class assumes that sexual identities (including being a transgender person) are intersectional. That is, the junction of, say, sexualities and race, creates a unique experience that differs from that of others of the same sexuality but not the same race. The class will read about intersectionality theory and queer theory, LGBTQ+ history, and the evolution of U.S. laws on sexualities. We will also consider the best ways to research topics merging identities and law, write an effective thesis statement and outline, present the topic for class discussion, and finalize a polished paper. Taught from the point of view of an LGBTQ+ ally, this course is for students who seek greater social justice. GRADING NOTICE: This course does not offer the CR/NC/H option. UPPER-CLASS WRITING REQUIREMENT: A limited number of students may use this class to satisfy the requirement. ** A student who fails to attend the initial meeting of a seminar (designated by an (S) in the title), or to obtain permission to be absent from either the instructor or the Registrar, may be administratively dropped from the seminar. Students who are on a wait list for a seminar are required to attend the first seminar meeting to be considered for enrollment.