Queer Theory, Curriculum and Pedagogy
Adam Greteman, in his article “Helping Kids Turn Out Queer: Queer Theory in Art Education” addresses the fear that has been seen within classrooms and school administrations regarding queer theory and its influence within curriculum, particularly in arts education. Greteman (2017) first begins by outlining the different meanings that are associated with the word “queer” itself, as it is seen as a complicated term that “can be empowering and disempowering depending on its use” (p. 197). He then goes on to explain the importance of including queer artists not just in the curriculum but within art education research and allowing students and teachers to be able to access this queer research. This idea of queer research is important, as Greteman says it is what “impacts what issues, practices, and subjects are intelligible” (p. 197). This leads deeper into the idea that queer teaching and the presence of queer students creates fear, bullying, and violence in and out of schools and the reluctance for people to continue to support queer students when that fear is gone.
Greteman highlights the importance of breaking away from the heteronormative ways that have been present in classrooms and making calls “to engage queer issues, topics, and students” (p. 199). Sexuality is something that is often deemed inappropriate to address in school settings however it is something that is vital to helping students develop their self-identity and navigate as citizens in society, and the way to do this is by providing a safe space and the knowledge for students and teachers to learn (p. 200). Queer education is a way to stop queer students from being afraid of themselves as well, and Greteman addresses the issues of queer suicide and fears of sex. Greteman ends off explaining that it is not practical to expect queer curriculum and research to be so easily integrated into schools and arts education programs, however, opening discussion and the need for queer research can allow for different ways of learning and knowing for both straight and queer students and teachers.
Greteman’s article is a great primary source to continue to research different ways of thinking and addressing queer curriculum and pedagogy, and this article provides many resources that can be used to continue that research. Greteman has many notable references in his article that will be useful for me when looking for companion articles on queer theory as I work on this assignment.
Article Link: Helping Kids Turn Out Queer: Queer Theory in Art Education, Adam J. Greteman
Sources Referenced:
Adam J. Greteman (2017) Helping Kids Turn Out Queer: Queer Theory in Art Education, Studies in Art Education, 58:3, 195-205, DOI: 10.1080/00393541.2017.1331089
2 thoughts on “Queer Theory, Curriculum and Pedagogy”
I enjoyed how you touched on the point of it being a topic that is often avoided within discussions in education. I think that it is important to discuss sexuality and the role of queer education. Does the article go into detail about how these topics could be implemented into the curriculum? I feel that there is room for queer education in all subjects and not only art. I think that this topic needs to be further addressed and you come from a good base to continue forward and develop the idea of queer pedagogy and curriculum.
Hey Memphis, this article sounds really interesting and topical! I liked how summarized and reflected by using lots of direct quotes to clearly convey Gretemans ideologies. An important section that stuck out to me was “the importance of breaking away from heteronormative ways that have been present in the classroom”. Often, I find it difficult to actively challenge the binary norms of gender and sexuality that are systemically present in education and society, which is why it is so important to actively include queer representation in the content we teach. Thanks for sharing this article and reflecting on this important topic!!