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from the issue of March 30, 2006
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LGBTQ minor to be offered in the fall
BY SARA PIPHER, FOR THE SCARLET
When UNL junior Rachael Stern decided to formalize her study of gender theory, sociology and gay and lesbian studies, her only option was to create an individualized minor, composed of courses from multiple departments.
The Los Angeles native, who plans to pursue a graduate degree in sexuality studies, contacted professor Barbara DiBernard in the English department and began the lengthy process of seeking approval for her personalized minor.
For students who find themselves in similar predicaments in the future, there will soon be the option of a minor in Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Sexuality Studies, one of the first of its kind in the Midwest.
While similar programs aren't yet commonplace at UNL's peer institutions, the field is growing rapidly, and a number of schools - among them Macalester College, New York University, Yale and the Indiana University - offer undergraduate and graduate degrees in the field. UNL's new minor will be offered beginning fall 2006.
UNL has a distinguished history of scholarship in the field of sexuality studies. In 1970, UNL professor Lou Crompton offered the second course in the country in what was then called "homophile studies." His course was cross-listed among the English, sociology and anthropology departments. Crompton published a number of landmark articles during his tenure at UNL, and went on to write the definitive text on the subject, "Homosexuality and Civilization." In the 1980s, English added a course in lesbian novels, and course offerings in several departments have expanded since. These classes are typically over-enrolled, according to Joy Ritchie, director of Women's Studies.
"A need for this minor has been identified among our students for a long time," Ritchie said. "This is a burgeoning area of scholarship, and students have said that they want and need access to this scholarship at UNL."
"As much as anything, this is a recruiting and retention issue," said Barbara DiBernard. "Some students want to get credentialed in this subject so they can pursue this field in graduate school."
Two years ago, the women's studies department received an Initiative for Teaching and Learning Excellence grant to assess the need for a minor at UNL.
With an outside consultant, professors found what they expected - demand for a program in LGBTQ studies was high, and many courses already offered would fit naturally into the structure of a minor.
The process of researching and developing the minor has been encouraging to students and faculty.
"Since day one, there has not been a quiver of a question, or any wavering in support from the administration," Ritchie said.
Faculty involved wanted to create a minor that was as broadly based as possible.
The minor requires 18 hours and selections from the history, psychology, sociology, anthropology, women's studies and English departments. Two new "core" courses have been added: an introduction to LGBTQ studies and a senior seminar. Classes cover a range of topics, including homosexuality and heterosexuality, queer theory, inter-racial relationships, eugenics debates, and an overall "study of diverse populations whose voices and stories have often been neglected by traditional scholarship."
Scholarship and intellectual investigation are not the only draw to these subjects, Rachael Stern pointed out.
"The environment in these classes is very empowering, and empowerment is something that every student wants," she said. "I am so excited about this minor. It is so great to be at a university that lets students study what they want to study."
Students, faculty and staff interested in more information can contact program advisers Barbara DiBernard at bdibernard2@unl.edu or 472-1828, or Rose Holz at rholz2@unl.edu or 472-9392.
GO TO: ISSUE OF MARCH 30
NEWS HEADLINES FOR MARCH 30
Program in play
Biotechnology effort prepares for international convention
Ginsburg to visit campus
Golf management majors score a first
LGBTQ minor to be offered in the fall
CASNR week events begin April 8
FROM THE ARCHIVES
GOP DEBATE
One of U - Straatmann brings history to life
Series of events to celebrate ethnic studies, April 1-7
TEST DRIVE
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