Autotheory

4 units · Undergraduate upper division (100-199)

Seminar, two and one half hours. Autotheory integrates autobiography with philosophy and theory. It is a mode of self-aware storytelling—a transdisciplinary practice that embraces the entanglements of research and creation. Autotheory treats theory as a creative material; and is present in works of art, writing, film, and criticism. Exploration of the use of queer, feminist, and women-of-color critiques by autotheorists in their social and cultural analyses to investigate questions of power and the performance of identity. Weekly discussion of autotheory books, films, and artworks. Consideration of possibilities as well as challenges and limitations offered by autotheoretical mode. A final project of original autotheory is required. May be repeated once for credit. P/NP or letter grading.