Dr. Margaret Speer is a lecturer at UC Irvine, where she received her PhD in English. She studies literature and histories of sexuality and race, and teaches courses in Medical Humanities. https://mspeer14.wixsite.com/website
Courses Typically Taught:
- Writing 45
- Writing 50
- Writing 60
Themes Typically Taught:
- "Medical Horror"
- "Medicine and Marginalized Identities"
Course Descriptions:
- "Medical Horror" (WR50) explores a specific subgenre of horror represented across a variety of media, and having to do with bodies, medicine. While some texts will be sci-fi or futuristic dystopia, medical realities of the past and present are sometimes scarier and grosser than fiction.
- "Medicine and Marginalized Identities" (WR60) examines a wide range of historical moments of scientific and medical violence against women, people of color, people with disabilities, and queer and trans people (a non-exhaustive list). Research projects will focus on the Covid-19 pandemic and its aftermath.
Textbooks Needed:
- All texts beyond the Anteater's Guide are provided. In WR50, "Medical Horror," expect a mix of films, short stories, and news media, and be prepared for the freaky and gross. In WR60, "Medicine and Marginalized Identities," we will read article- and chapter-length PDFs, as well as shorter-form news media. Students should note that many texts will address identity-based violence.
Email: mspeer@uci.edu