Christian fundamentalist religious beliefs, expressed by social work students, present a challenge to the social work educator. In this paper we explore the tensions between Fundamentalism, diverse sexual orientation and gender expression and social work pedagogy. Particularly, we focus on how an anti-oppressive pedagogical approach, while…

Introduces queer theory as a development in literacy and cultural theory that English teachers and their students will find applicable to reading, writing, and thinking about academic and social texts. Demonstrates how this theory might be applied. (TB)

Presents methods and strategies for using gay literature in the English classroom, focusing on the experience of using Harvey Fierstein's play, "Torch Song Trilogy." Provides details about how the text was introduced and used in the classroom. (HB)

Included herein is the conference proceedings of the 26th Annual Conference on the Teaching of Psychology: Ideas and Innovations, sponsored by the Psychology Department of the State University of New York at Farmingdale. The conference theme for 2012 was: The value of an undergraduate degree in psychology: Why psychology--Why now?. The Conference…

Popular media such as films, television programmes/commercials and magazines have become the dominant source through which children learn about others and their world, develop attitudes and beliefs as manifested in media expressions, and formulate their sense of identity. Popular media have enormous influence on children who are constantly…

Discusses the teacher's role in helping students deal with homosexuality and suicide. Teachers can provide unbiased information about personal relevant biological issues; be good listeners and confidantes; and value each student without regard to race, gender, class, or sexual orientation. Provides useful information on addressing homosexuality in…

This article describes the Spare Tyre Theatre Company, which has been creating theatre about gay issues including homophobia since the mid-nineties. They have worked with a variety of groups and over the years have aimed their projects at a younger and younger age group. Shows are accompanied by workshops run by the actors, and audiences are…

This article recounts my search for a context-appropriate way of exploring gender and sexuality issues in an English as a Foreign Language (EFL) classroom. The first half of the article explains why and how I sought a pedagogic strategy that would be educationally effective, institutionally viable, and culturally appropriate-in my case, for EFL…

Advocates a direct, honest approach to lesbian poetry and demonstrates how such an approach can contribute to an understanding of poetry written by lesbians as well as of American lesbians' place in society. (DD)

In articulating global and local forms of sexuality and its impact on how people conceptualise conceptualised LGBT issues in education, the author explores three timely texts: (1) Dennis Altman's "Global Sex" (2000); (2) Vanessa Baird's "The No-Nonsense Guide to Sexual Diversity" (2001); and (3) an edited volume by Evelyn Blackwood and Saskia…

If lesbian and gay students are to be moved into the classroom writing communities consciously and aggressively, in the same way other "minorities" are included, then first-person narratives are an effective starting place for their own work and as material for reading and discussion. Half of the reading selections in one composition…

Discusses gender role enforcement as a way of disguising the ongoing pervasive presence of homophobia in modern society. Describes seven class activities intended to move students from simplistic notions of "boys do this and girls do that" to comfort with and acceptance of the deconstruction of traditional gender roles. (SR)

Focuses on the homoerotic elements of Herman Melville's novel, "Billy Budd." Describes how these controversial elements were taught in a college literature course. (HB)

Stories of actual classrooms and the ways teachers teach a variety of texts illustrate that literature can be a catalyst for engaging students in critical discussions and eliciting multiple perspectives and voices in pursuit of understanding. The following selections are included: (1) "Negotiating the Meaning of Differences: Talking Back to…

Approaches for teaching about homosexuality as part of the school health curriculum are offered. Suggestions include discussion of popular values and stereotypes, teaching by example, and teaching through role playing. (JMF)