Lesbian literature in America in the twentieth century : a syllabus : an honors thesis (HONRS 499)

Abstract

Literature by Lesbians is often omitted or overlooked by many survey courses, including those found in many Women and Gender Studies programs. This syllabus explores the progression of Lesbian literature and cultures as they are found in twentieth-century American society and provides a resource for future colloquiums dealing with these subjects. The selections, which are organized chronologically, were chosen specifically to expose students to a range of literary genres and Lesbian issues. Included are discussion questions and project guidelines which are intended to promote student involvement in the readings and subjects.ACKNOWLEDGEMENTSMany thanks go to Kim and Jesse in the Women and Gender Studies Office for their encouragement in my efforts and their patience in my enthusiasm. Thanks to the Honors College for providing me with the opportunity and the incentive to complete a project such as this. As advisor, Chris Smith provided the resources and guidance I needed, as well as the freedom to make this work completely my own. Of all the friends whose patient listening skills or creative contributions were an aid to the completion of this thesis, it seems that thanks are especially due to Dan Fitzstephens, whose grammar guidance and helpful insight into the professorial mind were invaluable.A special thanks goes to my sister Courtney for her help in keeping me on task and her praise when the work was finally done. Finally, I need to offer heartfelt thanks to my parents for not preaching "tolerance" of homosexuality, but rather teaching intolerance of ignorance in whatever form it exists.