Spring 2026 Course Descriptions

GCST-7820-001: Topics in Visual Cultures-Indigenous Theory and Curatorial Practice | Professor Mattes | MWF 1230 - 1600 | May 4, 2026 - June 1, 2026

GCST-7901-001: Top in Genders and Sex- Libertines, Whores, Mollies, and Female Husbands: Transgressive Sexuality in the Restoration and Early Eighteenth Century | Professor Ready | TTH 1300 - 1600 | May 5, 2026 - June 11, 2026

This course examines a range of representations of transgressive sexuality in England and Great Britain during the Restoration and early eighteenth century, with an effort to place these materials into cultural context, and to consider various theoretical frameworks for understanding them, including the work of Michel Foucault and Thomas Laqueur. For the study of sexuality, the Restoration period and eighteenth century arguably command special interest. In the backlash against Puritanism following the end of the Interregnum, English society saw more relaxed attitudes towards sex and more open expression of sexual desire (at least among elites) than ever before. Although moral censure and legal and other penalties remained potentially high, cults of libertinism flourished around the court of Charles II, and with these came greater tolerance for various forms of extramarital and homosexual sex. As the eighteenth century wore on, attitudes began to shift once again. In the meantime, understandings of sexuality and sexual difference were changing and becoming secularized as a result of developments in medicine and elsewhere. Some of the writers we will look act in this context include Aphra Behn; John Wilmot, the Earl of Rochester; Jonathan Swift; Alexander Pope; Mary Wortley Montagu; John Gay; John Cleland; and Henry Fielding. We will also be looking at visual materials from the period and a variety of primary source materials.

GCST-7105-001 | Capstone Seminar | Professor Cornellier | Wednesdays 0900 - 1200 | May 6, 2026 - July 29, 2026

This capstone seminar consolidates Master of Arts in Cultural Studies students’ learning acquisitions and experiences, and offers a transitional experience to doctoral degree or into a variety of post-graduation fields. Students build their capacity for advanced study and application through developing high-capacity skills in research, dissemination, professionalization, peer engagement, and portfolio development.   Through regular seminar meetings, students work in teams or sub-committees in all aspects of professional events and symposium planning, from programming and financing to advertising and scheduling.  Course outcomes are suited to students in both streams of the program (Texts & Cultures and Curatorial Practices).