University at Albany
                      State University of New York
                              Spring 1992

Sexual Politics: The Rhetorical Construction of Sexuality

Crosslisted:
WSS 450  Undergraduate
WSS 550  Graduate
ENG 487Q Undergraduate

Susan Shafarzek and Mary Galvin
Office Hours:
Susan Shafarzek-AD 112, by appointment, 442-3980
Mary Galvin: HU 124, Tu/Th, 1:15-2:00
             or by appointment, 442-4220


Objective: Using a feminist analysis we will be examining some of the
ways sexual identity is rhetorically constructed.  This includes an
assumption that rhetorical modes both shape and are shaped by
sexualities, and that the world, as currently experienced by us,
includes a multiplicity of sexuality options.  We will be starting with
theoretical works by (among others) Kate Millett and Michel Foucault.
Using this framework we will then be exploring a variety of paradigms
for the construction of sexuality (eg: gay male, lesbian, heterosexual,
bisexual) and aspects of their expression, with particular attention to
the impact of race, class and ethnicity.  In the context of this
exploration we will be reading and discussing a number of texts,
including poetry, short fiction, personal and theoretical essays, and
other print media, and some films.

Required Texts:
**Sexual Politics, Kate Millett

The History of Sexuality, Vol. 1, Michel Foucault

Re-Making Love, Barbara Ehrenreich, Elizabeth Hess, Gloria Jacobs.

Inside/Out, Diana Fuss, ed.

An Intimate Wilderness, Judith Barrington, ed.

Sex Work, Frederique Delacoste, Priscilla Alexander, eds.

Bi Any Other Name, Loraine Hutchins, Lani Kaahumanu, eds.

Men & Intimacy, Franklin Abbot, ed.


Requirements:

1.  Class Participation
    Read the works assigned and be prepared to discuss in class. NOTE:
    We will be reading all of Foucault and Ehrenreich, et al.  In the case
    of the other required texts the syllabus merely indicates a section of
    the book from which one or two readings will be assigned the previous
    week.

2.  Response Papers
    Very informal, journal-type response papers (1-2pp.) will be due
    every Thursday, except on days when formal papers are due.

3.  Formal Papers
    Three (3) 5-page, double-spaced typed essays will be due as
    indicated on the syllabus.  The first of these papers will be largely
    concerned with your personal understanding of Millett and Foucault.  The
    later papers will focus on the other readings.

4.  An Informal Research Project
    Over the course of the semester, we will be looking at newspaper
    clippings dealing with sexuality in order to discuss public discourse
    around this issue.  As a final project you will be expected to bring in
    one or two clippings you've located in the daily paper or in magazines
    and be prepared to discuss them on the last day of class.


Tentative Reading Schedule:

January 23:   Introduction, Overview


January 28:   Sexual Politics, Part I, Chapters 1 and 2.


January 30:   History of Sexuality, Part One.


February  4:  History of Sexuality, Parts Two and Three.


February  6:  History of Sexuality, Part Four.


February 11:  History of Sexuality, Part Five.


February 13:  Essay #1 Due.


February 18:  Re-Making Love


February 20:  Inside/Out, pp. 1-10
              Intimate Wilderness, pp. 9-26
              Men & Intimacy, pp. 1-15
              Bi Any Other Name, pp. 1-28
              Sex Work, pp. 11-31


February 25:  Inside/Out, pp. 13-31
              Intimate Wilderness, pp. 26-50
              Men & Intimacy, pp. 16-30
              Bi Any Other Name, pp. 29-55
              Sex Work, pp. 32-52


February 27:  Inside/Out, pp. 71-92
              Intimate Wilderness, pp. 1-8, 51-65
              Men & Intimacy, pp. 31-49
              Bi Any Other Name, pp. 56-82
              Sex Work, pp. 53-70


March  3:     Inside/Out, pp. 93-116
              Intimate Wilderness, pp. 66-85
              Men & Intimacy, pp. 50-65
              Bi Any Other Name, pp. 83-110
              Sex Work, pp. 91-112


March 10:     Inside/Out, pp. 142-172
              Intimate Wilderness, pp. 105-128
              Men & Intimacy, pp. 90-102
              Bi Any Other Name, pp. 140-166
              Sex Work, pp. 135-154


March 17:     Inside/Out, pp. 173-184
              Intimate Wilderness, pp. 129-153
              Men & Intimacy, pp. 103-119
              Bi Any Other Name, pp. 167-192
              Sex Work, pp. 135-154


March 19:     Essay #2 Due


March 31:     Inside/Out, pp. 185-201
              Intimate Wilderness, pp. 154-181
              Men & Intimacy, pp. 120-133
              Bi Any Other Name, pp. 193-213
              Sex Work, pp. 155-174


April  2:     Inside/Out, pp. 235-257
              Intimate Wilderness, pp. 182-211
              Men & Intimacy, pp. 134-152
              Bi Any Other Name, pp. 216-243
              Sex Work, pp. 175-181


April  7:     Inside/Out, pp. 259-288
              Intimate Wilderness, pp. 212-235
              Men & Intimacy, pp. 153-172
              Bi Any Other Name, pp. 244-266
              Sex Work, pp. 184-214


April  9:     Inside/Out, pp. TBA
              Intimate Wilderness, PP. 236-256
              Men & Intimacy, pp. 173-188
              Bi Any Other Name, pp. 266-297
              Sex Work, pp. 215-230


April 14:     Inside/Out, pp. TBA
              Intimate Wilderness, pp. 257-265
              Men & Intimacy, pp. 205-218
              Bi Any Other Name, pp. 329-349
              Sex Work, pp. 248-262


April 23:     Essay #3 Due


April 28:     Inside/Out, pp. 387-401
              Men & Intimacy, pp. 219-239
              Bi Any Other Name, pp. 350-366
              Sex Work, pp. TBA
              Essay, to be handed out or placed on reserve.


April 30:     Last Day of Class
              Informal Research Project Due


May  7:       Final Exam Day