LGBT 180 A-Z - (IS) Special Topics in LGBTQ+ Studies

Semester Hours: 3

Periodically
Studies in LGBTQ+ topics interrelating several of but not limited to the following disciplines: anthropology, art history, cultural studies, history, law, literature, media, plastic and performing arts, psychology, religion, sociology, etc.

Current Special Topics

LGBT 180U - (IS) LGBTQ+ Relationships

Without our relationships with others, the concepts of sexual orientation and gender identity would be largely unimportant; and without our close interpersonal relationships, our experience of ourselves and others as LGBTQ+ would be fundamentally different.

This course will provide a primarily psychological, sociological, and developmental view of LGBTQ+ relationships; however, coursework will provide opportunities for all majors to consider the applications of the topic to their major field of study and prospective careers.

Crosslisted as WST 150Y

LGBT 180W - Paganism and Magic

This course explores contemporary pagan religions, from the occult to Wicca, Heathenry, and Hoodoo. We will explore their history as well as their racial and sexual politics, paying particular attention to the historical role these religions have played in enabling non-conforming experiences of gender.

Cross-listed as WST 150H , RELI 030

LGBTQ 180X - Gender and Sexuality in Manga, Anime & Japanese Popular Culture

This course examines the representations of gender and sexuality in Japanese pop culture, by tracing both heteronormative and queer representations (shojo, shonen, cross-dressing, gender-benders, boys’ love, girls’ love, trans, etc.) in Japanese graphic novels (manga), anime, film, theater, and other popular media. This course will take us to discussions about how these cultural practices conform or challenge socially-given identity practices, and to examinations of the complexities of gender, sex, and sexuality in Japanese society and culture.

Cross-listed as LIT 096A , WST 151J

LGBY 180Z - Sex and the Body in Religious Studies

Given that religions often claim to be concerned with “spirit,” why are so many religions so preoccupied with sexuality, gender, and the body? This course will focus on a sampling of case studies (some chosen by the students enrolled) through which the class will explore the complex intersections of religion with the body in terms of race, gender, sexuality, and disability.

Crosslisted as WST 150O and RELI 073

Prerequisite(s)/Course Notes:
As individual subjects are selected, each is assigned a letter (A-Z) and added to the course number. Any course may be taken a number of times so long as there is a different letter designation each time it is taken. Specific titles and course descriptions for special topics courses are available in the online class schedule. (Formerly Special Topics in LGBT Studies)

View Course Offering(s):

Fall 2025

January 2026

Spring 2026