Fall/Winter Timetable

POL380H1S L0201

Topics in International Politics

Queer IR

Themes

Are states straight? This course will tackle this and other questions at the intersection of sexuality and international relations. The first part of the course takes a critical look at IR paradigms and fundamental concepts in international relations such as sovereignty, war, and cooperation. The second part applies queer IR theory to case studies such as the spread right-wing populism in Europe and the Americas, international funding contingent on adoption of LGBT rights, and the institutionalization of SOGI terminology at the UN. By the end of the course, students are able to articulate the strengths and limitations of core theoretical concepts in international relations and explain contemporary global events using insights from queer theory.