The Gay & Lesbian Studies / Queer Theory
Reading Group at Tel-Aviv University
An Other Sex 10 Call for Papers
An Other Sex
Past Conferences
| What is the
Gay
Studies / Queer Theory Reading Group at Tel-Aviv University? |
The reading group is, as its name
indicates, a reading group which reads and discusses texts from the
academic fields of gay studies and queer theory. Usually we read
texts and discuss them, but occasionally we have guest speakers or
members of the reading group presenting their own work.
| What are Gay Studies
and
Queer Theory? |
Gay and Lesbian Studies is an
interdisciplinary academic field, which deals with various issues
relating to gays and lesbians. Research in gay studies may deal
with gay history,
 |
| Queer
Theory views sexuality (both heterosexuality and homosexuality)
as social constructions, and not as essentialist identities. |
|
sociology, etc. Recent years saw the
development of Queer Theory, which continued gay studies, while
being influenced by feminist theory and post-structuralism. Queer
Theory seeks to unstable the binary understanding of sexuality
(heterosexual / homosexual) and to question the naturalness of the
prevailing categories of sexuality. Highly influenced by Michel
Foucault's History of Sexuality, Queer Theory views sexuality (both
heterosexuality and homosexuality) as social constructions, and not
as essentialist identities. For more about Gay Studies and Queer
Theory see the essay Gay Studies and
Queer Theory Here and Now (in Hebrew).
| When and where does the
reading group meet? |
The reading group meets on a bi-weekly basis while school is in
session. For a schedule of meetings for this term, check this page. Sometime we also hold additional
informal meetings during breaks, often devoted to the viewing of
gay-related films. The regular meetings are held on the campus of
Tel-Aviv University.
| Who are we and who are
the participants? |
The reading group was founded in the fall of 1996 by a group of
faculty and students from Tel-Aviv University. It is indeed
primarily targeted at students and faculty from Tel-Aviv University
and other academic institutions. However, other people are of course
also welcome, although please bear in mind that some academic
background is usually needed for following the discussions. All
participants are asked to read the relevant text before attending a
meeting. The texts are usually in English.
| Where can the
texts for the reading group
be found? |
Texts may be obtained by email from: qttau (at) gay (dot) org (dot) il
| How may the
Reading Group be reached? |
You can contact us at:
qttau (at) gay (dot) org (dot) il
Introductory reading list in Queer Theory (thanks to Amalia)
Copyright © 1998-2005
Last
modified: 14.4.2005 |
The TAU Reading Group website
is hosted by GAY.org.il |