I have a master's degree in English. That's not a humblebrag of any sort — it's just the direction my life took me. I was feeling stifled in my job as a newspaper reporter and the opportunity to earn a master's degree while teaching English classes (and collect a $4,000-a-year stipend!) is what made me continue my education. I can't say that an English degree has been useless in the public sector. I think I might be the only English major who's managed to make a living either writing or editing for the past 40 years. (As an aside, I managed to make it through college before the English department was turned into the dumping ground for gay and gender studies.)
So I find it kind of a bummer when I see graduate-level courses like this one offered … it devalues my degree.
Boston University (where AOC went) is offering a graduate level course in gender fluid angels and transsaints. Medieval Trans Studies. They will study the deep history of trans embodiment from the Middle Ages.
— Insurrection Barbie (@DefiyantlyFree) December 31, 2024
“Students will read about “alchemical hermaphrodites, genderfluid… pic.twitter.com/caK1AHbTge
“Students will read about “alchemical hermaphrodites, genderfluid angels, Ethiopian eunuchs, trans saints, sex workers, and genderqueer monks,” according to the university.”
Counted towards a masters or PHD in English.
In English. What bothers me even more than the course itself is that the instructor has found enough reading material on trans saints and genderqueer monks to fill up a semester's worth of instruction. I find it hard to believe this is real. But it is. I checked Boston University's Arts and Sciences webpage to see what courses were offered for the Spring 2025 semester, and there it is:
Medieval Trans Studies
This class will consider the deep histories of transgender embodiment by exploring literary, historical, medical, and religious texts from the Middle Ages. Expect to read about alchemical hermaphrodites, genderfluid angels, Ethiopian eunuchs, trans saints, sex workers, and genderqueer monks. We will consider together how these medieval texts speak to the historical, theoretical, and political concerns that animate contemporary trans studies. Works will be read in translation or in student-friendly editions; no previous experience with medieval literature or trans studies required.
EN 522 A1 Goodrich
W 2:30 – 5:15p
The closest graduate course I could find related to actual English studies was "Modern English Grammar & Style," which will "explore other varieties of English and strive to cultivate an appreciation for all forms of language" to deepen students' understanding of the social and cultural implications of grammatical and stylistic choices and help them become more informed and capable readers, speakers, and writers. Man, I am so glad to have graduated when I did.
Alchemical hermaphrodites?
Recommended
🤡
— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) January 1, 2025
How much does that class cost?
— The People Versus The State (@woodifitweretru) December 31, 2024
Total Cost per year at BU $90,207.00https://t.co/n09QMFdU76
— Ribo413 (@ribo413a) December 31, 2024
Joe Biden will forgive your loans, though, so it's essentially free.
Sounds like a great foundation to a lucrative career
— CaptainTLB60 (@CaptainTLB60) January 1, 2025
Very useful courses, will surely assist you in obtaining a decent job out of college.
— Charles Jantelle (@RosemaryLeon28) December 31, 2024
Trade schools are the way to go.
If I had the opportunity to do it all over, I think I would have joined the military after high school. This would have been the '80s military, not Gen. Mark Milley's woke DEI playground.
It amazes me that these activists can come up with class ideas like this one, and the university says, "Go for it."
***
