Sexual Dissidence - Non-normative Cultural Identities

Overview

About this Course:

The University of Sussex has been a pioneer in the study of gender and sexuality for over thirty years. Throughout this module, you will reflect on individuals and cultures that have at one time been considered (and are sometimes happy to be considered) aberrant, not “normal”. The module balances questions of identity (who we are, who we think we are, who others think we are) with questions of desire and sexual aim (who – or what – we are attracted to, if anything). This module asks you to focus on one question throughout: should we understand ourselves, and be understood in turn, as sexual and gendered identities; “straight”, “queer”, “female”, “heterosexual”, etc., or by our attachments; who we love, who we desire?

Emphasis will be placed on works from Britain or from the British post-colonial diaspora and you will examine mediums including literature, art and film. You do not need any knowledge of theories of gender and sexuality in advance, only an open mind.

You will reflect critically in group presentations on cultural phenomena that challenges normative notions of sexual and gender identities. The module is thought-provoking and you will explore questions of identity by developing your knowledge of the history of sexual identities from close readings.

The Sexual Dissidence - Non-normative Cultural Identities this module from University of Sussex requires no background, however it would be helpful for those going on to study literature, film, media, art history, history, amongst other academic disciplines and would appeal to those interested in Gender Theory.