SOWK 3340 - Introduction to LGBTQ Issues

3 hour(s)

The purpose of this course is to introduce students to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) issues. To that end, this course surveys the LGBTQ experience and influences, for example in the areas of culture, theory, and research. Acknowledging the diversity that exists within LGBTQ culture, this course will explore the overlapping effects of race, ethnicity, class, age, gender, physical and mental ability, religion, political ideology, and national origin. These realities will be examined in social, political, historical, and psychological contexts. Such an analysis cannot be undertaken without first examining one’s own attitudes toward and values around sexuality and gender. With this awareness, we will begin to deconstruct prejudice, discrimination, and oppression as they exist on an interpersonal (micro), institutional (mezzo), and societal (macro) level. This course will build on and complement content from other diversity courses across varied disciplines and also stands alone with a sole focus on LGBTQ issues. Acquisition of content in this course will enhance content in other diversity-related courses across a spectrum of disciplines.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Is this course repeatable for credit? No
Offered: As Needed.