Midterm Exam Questions
Queer Theory/Queer Lives, Fall 2004 (Mays/Erbaugh)
This exam is worth 20% of your grade. You will take the exam on Tuesday, October 12 in class.
You will have the whole class period to write the exam. You are allowed to bring with you one
3x5 or 5x7 card with notes for yourself. You do not need a blue book. If you have any
questions, please ask via email or in class. Have a good week.
Short Answer Questions
1. From our in-class discussion, what are three different meanings of “queer?”
2. Based on course readings and class discussions, summarize the distinction between the terms
“sex” and “gender.”
3. What do Anzaldúa, Lorde and Moraga call us (and/or feminists/LGBTIQ people) to do in the
articles we read?
4. In one paragraph, what would your theory in the flesh have to include, based on your specific
identities?
5. According to Foucault, what are two of the major institutions/processes that played roles in
discourses about sex, sexuality and desire, and what roles did they play?
6. According to Sedgwick, how does the closet function to maintain and/or enforce notions of
safety for both gay and straight people? Give an explanation and offer an example for each.
7. Drawing upon writings by West & Zimmerman and Judith Butler, what are the main
elements of the concept of “gender performativity?” Explain and give an example.
8. Based on Estevan Montano’s presentation on religious discourse and sexuality, explain one
of the main debates/points of difference regarding interpretation of terms in Judao-Christian
sacred texts.
9. Based on readings and class discussion, what is a “present absence?” Offer a definition and
give an example from either Paris is Burning or Sex in the City.
10. Somerville draws upon two theorists’ work to establish her argument about the
interdependence of race and sexuality as areas of study. Who are these two theorists and how
does she employ their theories?
11. According to Gamson, what is the “queer dilemma” of identity politics? (Or, how are identity
politics useful and how are they limiting for queer people/movements?)
Essays – 1 page each
1. Somerville critiques assumptions underlying statements such as, “Being gay is like being
black.” What are Somerville’s main reasons for this critique? Do you agree or disagree with
her argument, and why?
