Literature   

Oregon has been the site of rich literary offerings by lesbians. Starting in the 1970s, lesbians here began to gather and record their lives, their spirituality, their erotic experiences and their politics. In WomanSpirit magazine, Ruth and Jean Mountaingrove offered years of meditations, rituals and spiritual insights that touched women around the world. A group called the Southern Oregon Women Writers’ Group, Gourmet Eating Society and Chorus helped writers create and publish dozens of lesbian books. The “We’Moon Calendar” has showcased global women’s art and writings annually for over 40 years. Tee Corrine made lesbian sex a literary and visible celebration from her home in Oregon. Come out and enjoy discovering lesbian writing, art and publication in Oregon. There will be books to read and art to view. The course will be taught from the perspective of preserving lesbian herstory as part of the LGB cultural mosaic. No background knowledge is needed.  

NOTE: Most materials will be excerpted, scanned and distributed to the class. Full versions may be available online.

This is the perfect course for those who might enjoy a deep dive into some of the finest short stories published last year. Some of the authors contributing this year include Molly Dektar, Alexandra Chang and Jim Shepard. Before each session, students will read three designated submissions from the anthology “The Best American Short Stories 2024,” which will then be discussed in comfortable, inclusive classroom surroundings. This collection explores a wide variety of settings, characters, styles and intentions — all stunningly contemporary. Please look forward to this new term with confidence that students and teacher alike will enjoy and learn from this text and from one another. Class participation is expected and encouraged. 

NOTE: A copy of “The Best American Short Stories 2024” edited by Lauren Groff is required. The current paperback version of this book is available online at Thriftbooks, Amazon or anywhere else books are sold, and is priced at about $16.

What tickled the theatrical fancies of our early American ancestors? Stories about George Washington and his soldiers, Pocahontas, the Salem witches, Indian chiefs, poor but honest yeoman farmers and social climbers aping the latest fashions from London and Paris were all grist for our playwrights in the early days of our republic. The two best-known plays of the era, “The Contrast” and “Fashion,” will be presented, along with others I’m sure you have never heard of. As part of the tale, you will learn how show business moved from London to the Colonies and how one of the bloodiest riots in our history was started by a performance of “Macbeth.” No text is required. No prior knowledge is assumed.

NOTE: Be aware that some of these plays would not be considered “politically correct.” They reflect the attitudes and language of the late-18th and early-19th centuries.