AMS 212 - Introduction to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Studies

3 credit hours - Three hours weekly; one term.
This course meets the Social and Behavioral Sciences General Education Requirement. This course meets the Diversity Requirement.

Examine the diversity of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) behaviors, orientations, identities, communities, and issues from a trans-historical, cross-cultural and interdisciplinary perspective with special emphasis on LGBT culture in the United States. Study the history of human sexuality and gender identity/expression; cultural and social constructions of sexuality and gender; representations of LGBT experience in textual and visual media; legal rights and restrictions; current events and socio-political issues of current interest; methods of queer theory/queer studies; and advocacy, activism and change.

Prerequisite(s): Eligibility for ENG 101 /ENG 101A .

Crosslisted: Also offered as GSS 212 and SOC 212 ; credit is given for only one of the following: AMS 212, GSS 212 or SOC 212 .

Note: Typically offered at MC and OL; fall, spring, and summer terms.

Course Outcomes:
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

Use appropriate vocabulary to explain key concepts related to LGBT studies.
Identify key debates over sexual identity with attention to the issues of power, privilege, and oppression.
Discuss the influence of earlier academic and political movements in the development of LGBT studies, as well as the relationship between Gay and Lesbian Studies, Queer Studies, and Queer Theory.
Analyze negative cultural images of LGBT people, the use of pop culture to establish an LGBT cultural identity, and the contributions by LGBT people to the arts.
Discuss psychological, medical, and safety issues, as well as interventions in the lives of LGBT people.
Discuss LGBT experiences in different global cultures and in different contexts within the US.
Survey the major historical events in early LGBT history and trace the major events in recent US history.
Discuss civil rights, safety, health, and work issues that affect LGBT people, and the potential remedies advocated by various LGBT movements.