Ryan ChartrandNext quarter, the English department will be offering a new class to count for general education area C4 upper-division credit. The class ENGL X382, entitled Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Literature and Media, will examine and critique British and American literary, film and other media representations created by and about LGBT people.
The class is the first at Cal Poly to focus specifically on the issue of homosexuality and how it is transmitted and received through public works. The curriculum will range in time from the literary works of 19th century Oscar Wilde to films like “Transamerica” released in 2005.
“People are more afraid of things that they don’t know anything about. I know many people who do not know anything about the LGBT community. This type of class will open up the issue and educate people on campus,” said Daniel Pfau, animal science sophomore and Pride Alliance member.
English professor David Hennessee has been working on opening this class since October, presenting the idea to three different general education boards before it became approved.
“One of the good things about this class if you are not familiar with GLBT studies is it may expose you to people and causes that are not your own,” said Hennessee. “Like all new classes it will expand imagination, sympathy and diversity.”
Hennessee has also taught teaches three different courses pertaining to British literature.
Cal Poly is trailing behind several other California State University campuses that have already created programs and classes for LGBT studies. Cal State Channel Islands added a LGBT studies general education course in 2003, while Cal State Northridge provides its campus with a LGBT research institute. San Francisco State offers a multitude of sexuality courses and a minor in LGBT studies.
“This class provides LGBT students with something about their history. Nothing in our high school experiences or classes at Poly until now have been able to do that,” said Pfau.
The course will also touch on the emotional effects of AIDS on the individual and communities, the process of coming out, and the current debates of same-sex marriage and adoption. The course topics will be studied through mediums as modern as the issues, like popular songs, Web sites and television shows.
“Having this class offered will make Poly look more educated, friendly and welcoming to diversity. You are not forced to take it, but for someone who identifies with these issues its good they have a place to discuss them,” said Jessica Adams, a child development sophomore.
Along with general education credit, the class can count for an English major elective, a women’s studies minor course and a general writing requirement course. Prerequisites include completion of GE area A and the C1 credits. The course will be held next quarter Monday through Thursday from 1 to 2 p.m.
“My goal with this class is for my students to have a good overall academic experience. I want them to learn about the issues but more importantly appreciate the literature, it’s not just about homosexuality, it’s about the work,” Hennessee said.