Introduction to Gay and Lesbian Studies

1. Pre-modern and modern understanding of (homo)sexuality (homosexuality as a sin and social crime)
2. Scientific research into sexual desire (psychiatric and medial investigations into construction of a homosexual as a mentally ill person)
3. Sociological theories and homosexuality (essentialism, social constructivism, labeling theory, symbolic interactionism and homosexual identity)
4. Queer theory (deconstruction of identities and binaries hetero/homo, normality and heteronormativity, social construction of homosexuality and heterosexuality)
5. Domestic and foreign modern gay and lesbian movement (from the politics of assimilation to the identity politics)
6. Homosexuality and religion
7. Homosexuality and popular culture (media representations of homosexuality, gays and lesbians in the film)
8. Homosexuality and literature
9. Aids, private/public, intimate citizenship
10. Everyday life of gays and lesbians (formation and disclosure of homosexual identity, homophobia, prejudices and stereotypes, public opinion, human rights)