This course explores the connections and differences between psychology and lesbian literary expression as they evolved in the twentieth century. Beginning with early attempts by sexologists to understand and define female homosexuality and concluding with the most recent efforts by lesbian and feminist psychologists to describe the forms of lesbian desire, we will analyze the ways lesbian literature has supported and resisted psychological approaches to lesbian sexuality. We ll encounter models of lesbian sexuality founded on the divergent identities represented in invert, female homosexual, and lesbian, and we ll examine the cultural and artistic impact of concepts such as role playing, sexual pride and shame, and nurturing and dependency in lesbian relationships. Finally, we will look at the roles of lesbian literature, psychological theory and treatment strategies in producing a vision of lesbian culture.
Analytic Comments are short analytical summaries of the assigned readings for one class meeting.
They should be printed. Analytical Comments are not meant to be exhaustive . They are intended to demonstrate your understanding of one or two of the more important arguments the author is making. Analytic Comments help prepare you for in-class discussion, and over time they help you hone your skills in critical thinking and writing by identifying and engaging with arguments, integrating arguments across readings, and increasing clarity and conciseness of presentation. Ask yourself what the author is trying to convince you of and how.