Fall/Winter Timetable

POL338H1S L0101

Queer International Relations

Themes

Are states straight? How does racialized homophobia shape the international order? This course tackles these and other questions at the intersection of sexuality and international relations. The first part of the course takes a critical look at fundamental concepts in international relations such as anarchy, sovereignty, security 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 will be able to use queer theory to articulate the strengths and limitations of core theoretical concepts in international relations and explain contemporary global politics.