Write a Persuasive essay on homosexuality.

Final Paper on Homosexuality (20% of final grade)

Each student will write a final paper (5-7 pages, 12 pt font, double spaced, 1 inch margins)) that analyzes one of 3 films in light of a suggested reading or readings. The films are all on hold at Snell library and can be checked out for 3 hours at the Help and Information Desk on the first floor.

The papers should clearly articulate and evaluate the religious arguments about sexual ethics made (or performed) by one or more characters in the film in light of class readings. You are also free to reference any reading from the class. This is NOT meant to be a research paper (do not cite outside sources). It is a persuasive argument: take a position on some issue and convince me you are right. Additional topics are subject to approval of the instructor.

Option 1:
• David Novak, “Religious Communities, Secular Society, and Sexuality,” 11-28.
• Judith Plaskow, “Sexual Orientation and Human Rights: A Progressive Jewish Perspective,” 29-45.
Film: Eyes Wide Open (Directed by Haim Tabakman, 2010).
PN1995.9.F67 E517 2010
A married, Orthodox Jewish father of four falls in love with a twenty two year old male student.

Option 2:
• Ali, “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell: Same-Sex Intimacy in Muslim Thought,” 75-96.
Film: Jihad for Love (Directed by Parvez Sharma, 2007).
HQ76.3.I75 J54 2009
A documentary on gay, lesbian, and transgender Muslims across the Muslim and Western worlds.

Option 3:
• Andrew Sullivan, “Alone Again, Naturally: The Catholic Church and the Homosexual,” 275-288. CD
• Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, “Letter to the Catholic Bishops on the Pastoral Care of Homosexual Persons,” 1-10.
Film: For the Bible Tells Me (Directed by Daniel Karslake, 2007).
BS680.H67 F67 2007
An exploration of the intersection between religion and homosexuality in the U.S.

Option 4:
• Najmabadi, “Chapter 5: Verdicts of Science, Rulings of Faith,” in Professing Selves, 163-201 (online access through NEU library available now—PDF will be available 4/21)
• Bucar, “Bodies at the Margins,” 601-615.
Film: Inside Out
(Directed by Zohreh Shayesteh, 2006)
HQ77.95.I7 I57 2006
Documentary about transsexuality in Iran