HIST 4506A: Gender, Sexuality and Women’s History – “Trans History”
Winter 2025
Instructor: Noë L. Bourdeau
This seminar delves into the evolving concept of trans history across time and space. Through a focused lens on trans studies and theory, we will critically examine the definitions of ‘trans’ and ‘history,’ questioning the composition of trans historical narratives—who is included, who is excluded—and grappling with the complexities of archival representation, engaging with decolonial responses such as archival refusal. Our thematic journey spans from pre-colonial eras to the present day, encompassing trans media, literature, and the contributions of trans scholars, activists, and artists.
Participants should desire to engage deeply with queer and trans theory at an advanced seminar level, understanding that this course operates on the premise that trans history is a validated field of study, not a subject for debate.