Topics in Gender and Sexuality
Warrior Women in History
Course Description: This course will explore Amazons and women warriors in
various historical settings. The
subject of Amazons will be a theme used to familiarize students with Queer,
Feminist, and Postcolonial Theories, which we will use to situate and
understand the realities of women who took up the sword and fought for
themselves, both in battle and for revenge.
Using these theoretical precepts, we will strive to understand “gender
queerness” as a cultural construct that is both time and place specific. We will begin the course by discussing Judith
Halberstam’s groundbreaking Female Masculinity.
We will then explore the legends of the Amazons, as well as histories of
ancient warrior queens, women bodyguards, and courageous medieval warrior women
such as Joan of Arc. We will end the
course by studying the role of women in the modern U.S. military as well as
other nations, paying keen attention to studies and evidence demonstrating the
ability of women to serve in military settings.
REQUIRED BOOKS (Available at SDSU Bookstore):
Judith Halberstam, Female Masculinity
Walter Penrose, Jr. Postcolonial Amazons: Female Masculinity
and Courage in Ancient Greek and Sanskrit Literature
Rosemarie Skaines, Women in Combat
Dr. Walter Penrose
Office: AL 565
Spring 2018
Phone: 619-594-1102
Email: wpenrose@mail.sdsu.edu
Tu/Th 12:30-1:45 PM
Room: LSN 132
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