Queer / LGBTQ+ Literature: The 21st Century Week-Long Intensive

American Literature Semester Part 1: Literature in Historical Context FLEX Clas

Queer / LGBTQ+ Literature: The 21st Century Week-Long Intensive

Val Gryphin

Average rating:4.9Number of reviews:(43)

From the early 1900s to today, queer literature has gone through significant movements. In this summer intensive learners will study post-2000 queer literature.

Class Experience

US Grade 8 - 11

Have you ever wondered if queer/ literature in the USA has an actual history? Sure, you can find books now with all sorts of queer protagonists, and you hear about news reports where libraries and schools have banned queer books, but what has changed since the beginning of this century? Queer literature has exploded, particularly YA literature, and it is no longer easily put in a box. It is now possible to find books that feature protagonists in a wide variety of genders and sexualities in...

In addition to being a member of, and active in, many aspects of the queer community, including activism and visibility, I also raised and homeschooled a queer child. The critical component of my MFA degree was on the history of queer protagonists in mainstream literature, a paper that was later published, and I have continued to expand on that research for further publication.

Homework will consist of assigned readings from a list provided for before each class, some of which will be online.

Notebook/paper and pencil/pen. A handout will be given each class for reference, but printing it is optional.

3 hours 40 minutes per week in class, and an estimated 2 - 4 hours per week outside of class.

When discussing themes, histories, and patterns in queer literature, parents should be aware that somewhat challenging topics such as homophobia, racism, depression, and others will inevitably be discussed, as these topics are a part of many queer people’s lives, and therefore their literature. These topics will be handled sensitively, and in the context of the work and the author’s lives. Literature referenced will be from both the adult and YA cannon, but while a novel as a whole might contain sexual or violent themes, the assigned readings will not contain gratuitous sex or violence.

Available times

Pacific

Table of available sections

Meet the teacher

Val Gryphin

Average rating:4.9Number of reviews:(43)

Greetings! My name is Val. I’m an editor, publisher, educator, and, of course, a voracious writer and reader, particularly in the scifi, fantasy, and mainstream genres. I have a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from Johnson State, and a Master of...