EAST 247 - ‘Queer’ Writing in Japan

This course may also count for the major in (consult the program or department major requirements) :
Gender, Sexuality and Feminist Studies
Semester Offered: Second Semester
Full Course
Credits: 4 credits
Attribute: 4HU, CD

This course examines “queer” directions in Japanese fiction, featuring homoerotic desire and gender-bending identities from the 11 th -century to the 21 st century. However, within queer studies, the meaning of “queer” is not limited to matters of sexual orientation or LGBT(Q) identities. We will address tensions between present-day U.S.-centric models and Japan, the politics of outlining a history of queer Japanese writing, and positionalities of writers and readers across time and space. Our course uses the premise of queer texts but gestures towards queer reading as a method. Authors include Saikaku, Mishima Yukio, Mori Mari, Matsuura Rieko, and others.
Enrollment Limit: 20
Instructor: G Ting
Prerequisites & Notes
Previous coursework related to gender/sexuality or literature strongly encouraged; no Japanese language ability required.