Who is David M. Halperin, and what are his primary academic fields?

David M. Halperin, born on April 2, 1952, is an American theorist whose academic work spans gender studies, queer theory, critical theory, material culture, and visual culture. These fields broadly examine how society constructs and understands identity, sexuality, and cultural objects.

What significant academic journal did David M. Halperin co-found?

David M. Halperin co-founded *GLQ: A Journal of Lesbian and Gay Studies*, an academic journal dedicated to research and scholarship in lesbian and gay studies. He served as its editor from its inception in 1991 until 2006.

Which of David M. Halperin's books are mentioned as notable in the introductory information?

Two of David M. Halperin's notable books mentioned in the introductory information are *Before Pastoral*, published in 1983, and *One Hundred Years of Homosexuality*, published in 1990.

Where and when was David M. Halperin born?

David M. Halperin was born on April 2, 1952, in Chicago, Illinois, which is a major city in the United States.

What was David M. Halperin's educational background, including his degrees and the institutions he attended?

David M. Halperin graduated from Oberlin College with a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in 1973. He later earned both a Master of Arts (MA) and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Classics and Humanities from Stanford University in 1980. During his undergraduate studies, he also studied abroad at the Intercollegiate Center for Classical Studies from 1972 to 1973.

What was David M. Halperin's role at the American Academy in Rome in 1977?

In 1977, David M. Halperin held the position of Associate Director for the Summer Session of the School of Classical Studies at the American Academy in Rome, an institution that supports advanced research and independent study in the arts and humanities.

For how long did David M. Halperin serve as a Professor of Literature at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology?

David M. Halperin served as a Professor of Literature at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) for fifteen years, from 1981 to 1996.

What caucus did David M. Halperin co-found in 1989, and what is its current name?

In 1989, David M. Halperin, alongside Tina Passman, co-founded the Lesbian and Gay Classical Caucus, which is now known as the Lambda Classical Caucus. This organization supports LGBTQ+ individuals and studies within the field of classical scholarship.

At which universities did David M. Halperin teach in Australia during the mid-1990s?

In the mid-1990s, David M. Halperin taught at the University of Queensland in 1994 and Monash University in 1995, both prominent educational institutions in Australia.

What was David M. Halperin's academic position at the University of New South Wales from 1996 to 1999?

From 1996 to 1999, David M. Halperin was a Lecturer in Sociology at the University of New South Wales, an Australian public research university.

What was the duration of David M. Halperin's editorship for *GLQ: A Journal of Lesbian and Gay Studies*?

David M. Halperin served as the editor for *GLQ: A Journal of Lesbian and Gay Studies* for fifteen years, from its co-founding in 1991 until 2006.

In which year did David M. Halperin receive a Guggenheim Fellowship?

David M. Halperin received a Guggenheim Fellowship during the 2008–2009 academic year. A Guggenheim Fellowship is a prestigious award granted to individuals who have demonstrated exceptional capacity for productive scholarship or exceptional creative ability in the arts.

What awards did David M. Halperin receive from the Modern Language Association and the Council of Editors of Learned Journals?

David M. Halperin received the Michael Lynch Service Award from the Gay and Lesbian Caucus at the Modern Language Association, and the Distinguished Editor Award from the Council of Editors of Learned Journals. These awards recognize his contributions to scholarship and academic publishing.

When did David M. Halperin receive the Brudner Prize, and from which institution?

David M. Halperin received the Brudner Prize from Yale University in the 2011–2012 academic year. The Brudner Prize is awarded for significant contributions to lesbian and gay studies.

What was David M. Halperin's stance and action regarding the ROTC presence at MIT in 1990?

In 1990, David M. Halperin, who is openly gay, launched a campaign to oppose the presence of the Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) on the MIT campus. His opposition was based on the grounds that the ROTC discriminated against gay and lesbian students, reflecting his activism for LGBTQ+ rights.

What personal threats did David M. Halperin face in 1990 due to his activism?

In 1990, David M. Halperin received death threats as a direct consequence of his gay activism, highlighting the risks faced by advocates for LGBTQ+ rights during that period.

Which organization attempted to ban David M. Halperin's course 'How to Be Gay: Male Homosexuality and Initiation' in 2003?

In 2003, the Michigan chapter of the American Family Association, a conservative Christian organization, attempted to ban David M. Halperin's course titled 'How to Be Gay: Male Homosexuality and Initiation,' indicating controversy surrounding his academic work on sexuality.

What action did David Halperin take in 2010 concerning homophobic harassment at the University of Michigan?

In 2010, David Halperin wrote an open letter to Michigan's Attorney General, Mike Cox, to publicly denounce the homophobic harassment of a University of Michigan student, Chris Armstrong, by one of Cox's staffers, Andrew Shirvell. This action demonstrated Halperin's continued commitment to combating homophobia.

What method does Halperin employ to study the history of homosexuality?

Halperin employs the method of genealogy to study the history of homosexuality. Genealogy, in this context, refers to a method of historical analysis that traces the origins and development of concepts or practices, often revealing their contingent and constructed nature rather than a fixed essence.

What is Halperin's argument regarding Aristophanes' speech in Plato's *Symposium*?

Halperin argues that Aristophanes' speech in Plato's *Symposium* does not indicate a 'taxonomy' of heterosexuals and homosexuals that is comparable to modern classifications. This suggests that ancient Greek understandings of desire and sexual identity differed significantly from contemporary ones.

Who criticized David M. Halperin's arguments concerning the genealogy of homosexuality?

Medieval historian John Boswell criticized David M. Halperin's arguments regarding the genealogy of homosexuality, indicating a scholarly debate on the interpretation of historical sexualities.

When was David M. Halperin's book *One Hundred Years of Homosexuality* published?

David M. Halperin's book *One Hundred Years of Homosexuality* was published in 1990.

According to Halperin, what significant change does the introduction of the term 'homosexual' mark?

According to Halperin, the introduction of the term 'homosexual' marks an important change in how homosexuality is treated and considered, suggesting a shift in medical, social, and cultural understanding.

How many essays are collected in Halperin's book *One Hundred Years of Homosexuality*?

Halperin's book *One Hundred Years of Homosexuality* collects six essays by the author, with the first essay providing the book's title.

Why did Didier Eribon demand his name be withdrawn as a recipient of the Brudner Prize in 2008?

Didier Eribon demanded that his name be withdrawn as a recipient of the 2008 Brudner Prize because he did not want to be associated with David M. Halperin, who also won the prize for his book *What Do Gay Men Want?*. Eribon accused Halperin of plagiarizing his own work, *Une morale du minoritaire*.

What was Halperin's response to Didier Eribon's plagiarism accusations as of 2011?

According to *L'Express* in 2011, David M. Halperin had not yet responded to Didier Eribon's claims of plagiarism, leaving the accusation unaddressed publicly at that time.

What accusation did Camille Paglia make against Halperin's work in her 1991 essay?

In her 1991 essay 'Junk Bonds and Corporate Raiders: Academe in the Hour of the Wolf,' Camille Paglia accused Halperin's work of being a prototypical example of rampant careerism in the humanities. She characterized it as assembling a pastiche of faddish opinions for career advancement rather than for the pursuit of truth.

What specific intellectual flaw did Camille Paglia identify in Halperin's generation of academics?

Camille Paglia identified a 'contemporary parochialism' in Halperin's generation of academics, observing that they were prone to eagerly citing recent articles without critically assessing their objective merit in the broader intellectual tradition. This suggests a focus on novelty over enduring scholarly value.

To what did Camille Paglia compare Halperin's scholarship in her critique?

Camille Paglia compared Halperin's scholarship to 'junk bonds,' which are highly volatile investments. This comparison implied that his academic work lacked substantial value and was primarily driven by speculative career motives.

Who criticized Camille Paglia's review article in the journal *Arion*?

Camille Paglia's long review article was criticized by W. Ralph Johnson and Thomas Van Nortwick in a subsequent issue of *Arion*, indicating a counter-response within the academic community to her strong critique.

What has David M. Halperin published since Camille Paglia's critique?

Since Camille Paglia's critique, David M. Halperin has continued his academic output, publishing four monographs and co-editing two volumes of queer criticism, demonstrating ongoing productivity in his field.

What was the title and publication year of David M. Halperin's first book?

David M. Halperin's first book was *Before Pastoral: Theocritus and the Ancient Tradition of Bucolic Poetry*, published in 1983. Bucolic poetry is a genre of poetry that deals with rural life, often in an idealized way.

Which book did David M. Halperin edit with John J. Winkler and Froma I. Zeitlin?

David M. Halperin edited the book *Before Sexuality: The Construction of Erotic Experience in the Ancient Greek World* with John J. Winkler and Froma I. Zeitlin, published in 1990.

What is the full title of Halperin's 1990 book that collects essays on Greek love?

The full title of Halperin's 1990 book that collects essays on Greek love is *One Hundred Years of Homosexuality: and Other Essays on Greek Love*.

Who were the co-editors of *The Lesbian and Gay Studies Reader*?

*The Lesbian and Gay Studies Reader* was co-edited by David M. Halperin, Henry Abelove, and Michele Aina Barale, and it was published in 1993.

What is the title and publication year of Halperin's book that explores the work of Foucault?

Halperin's book that explores the work of Foucault is titled *Saint Foucault: Towards a Gay Hagiography*, and it was published in 1995. Michel Foucault was a French philosopher whose work significantly influenced critical theory, particularly in relation to power, knowledge, and discourse.

When was David M. Halperin's book *How to Do the History of Homosexuality* published?

David M. Halperin's book *How to Do the History of Homosexuality* was published in 2002 by the University of Chicago Press.

Which book did David M. Halperin co-edit with Valerie Traub?

David M. Halperin co-edited the book *Gay Shame* with Valerie Traub, which was published in 2009 by the University of Chicago Press.

What is the title and publication year of Halperin's book published by Belknap Press?

Halperin's book published by Belknap Press is titled *How to Be Gay*, and it was released in 2012. Belknap Press is an imprint of Harvard University Press.

Which book did David M. Halperin co-edit with Trevor Hoppe?

David M. Halperin co-edited the book *The War on Sex* with Trevor Hoppe, which was published in 2017 by Duke University Press.

In which academic journals has David M. Halperin's work been published, according to the source?

David M. Halperin's work has been published in a wide array of academic journals, including the *Journal of Bisexuality*, *Identities: Journal for Politics, Gender and Culture*, *Journal of Homosexuality*, *Michigan Feminist Studies*, *Michigan Quarterly Review*, *Representations*, the *Bryn Mawr Classical Review*, *Ex Aequo*, *UNSW Tharunka*, *Australian Humanities Review*, *Sydney Star Observer*, *The UTS Review*, *Salmagundi*, *Blueboy*, *History and Theory*, *Diacritics*, *American Journal of Philology*, *Classical Antiquity*, *Ancient Philosophy*, *Yale Review*, *Critical Inquiry*, *Virginia Quarterly Review*, *American Notes & Queries*, *London Review of Books*, *Journal of Japanese Studies*, *Partisan Review*, and *Classical Journal*.

What types of fellowships has David M. Halperin held at various institutions?

David M. Halperin has held several prestigious fellowships, including a Rome Prize Fellow at the American Academy in Rome, a Fellow at the National Humanities Center in North Carolina, a fellow at the Stanford Humanities Center, the Humanities Research Centre at the Australian National University in Canberra, and at the Society for the Humanities at Cornell University. These fellowships typically provide scholars with time and resources for advanced research.

David M. Halperin Wiki: The Critical Lens: Exploring the Scholarship and Activism of David M. Halperin

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Overview

A Distinguished Scholar

David M. Halperin, born on April 2, 1952, in Chicago, Illinois, is a prominent American theorist whose work spans gender studies, queer theory, critical theory, and the intricate fields of material and visual culture. His intellectual contributions have significantly shaped contemporary academic discourse on sexuality and its historical constructions.^[1]

Academic Leadership

Halperin is recognized not only for his extensive publications but also for his foundational role in establishing academic platforms for LGBTQ+ scholarship. He co-founded *GLQ: A Journal of Lesbian and Gay Studies*, serving as its editor for fifteen years, and was an early co-chair of the Lesbian and Gay Classical Caucus, now known as the Lambda Classical Caucus.^[1]^[5]

Interdisciplinary Impact

His scholarship is characterized by an interdisciplinary approach, drawing from classics, literature, and sociology to critically examine the historical and cultural dimensions of sexuality. Halperin's work challenges conventional understandings and has been instrumental in advancing queer theory as a distinct and influential field of study.^[1]

Academic Journey

Educational Foundations

Halperin's academic journey began at Oberlin College, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1973. During his undergraduate studies, he also enriched his classical knowledge by studying abroad at the Intercollegiate Center for Classical Studies in 1972–1973. He then pursued his graduate education at Stanford University, completing both his Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in Classics and Humanities by 1980.^[1]^[2]^[3]

Distinguished Professorships

His extensive teaching career includes significant appointments at several prestigious institutions:

Associate Director of the Summer Session of the School of Classical Studies at the American Academy in Rome (1977).^[2]
Professor of Literature at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (1981–1996).^[1]
Lecturer in Sociology at the University of New South Wales (1996–1999).^[1]
Visiting appointments at the University of Queensland (1994) and Monash University (1995).^[2]

Currently, he holds the esteemed titles of W. H. Auden Distinguished University Professor Emeritus of the History and Theory of Sexuality, Professor Emeritus of English Language and Literature, and Professor Emeritus of Women's and Gender Studies at the University of Michigan.^[1]

Awards and Fellowships

Halperin's scholarly excellence has been recognized through numerous awards and fellowships:

Rome Prize Fellow at the American Academy in Rome.^[1]
Fellowships at the National Humanities Center, Stanford Humanities Center, Humanities Research Centre at the Australian National University, and the Society for the Humanities at Cornell University.^[1]
Guggenheim Fellowship (2008–2009).^[1]
Michael Lynch Service Award from the Gay and Lesbian Caucus at the Modern Language Association.^[1]
Distinguished Editor Award from the Council of Editors of Learned Journals.^[1]
Brudner Prize at Yale University (2011–2012).^[6]

Scholarly Contributions

Genealogy of Homosexuality

A cornerstone of Halperin's methodology is the genealogical approach to studying the history of homosexuality. This method, inspired by Foucault, critically examines how concepts and categories of sexuality have been constructed and transformed over time. For instance, Halperin argues that Aristophanes' speech in Plato's *Symposium* does not present a taxonomy of heterosexuals and homosexuals analogous to modern classifications, challenging anachronistic interpretations of ancient texts.^[14] This perspective emphasizes the historical contingency of sexual identities rather than their timelessness.

One Hundred Years of Homosexuality

Published in 1990, this seminal work predates the centenary of Charles Gilbert Chaddock's 1892 English translation of Richard von Krafft-Ebing's *Psychopathia Sexualis*, which is credited with introducing the term "homosexual" into the English language.^[15]^[16] Halperin posits that the emergence of this term marked a pivotal shift in the conceptualization and treatment of same-sex desire, moving from acts to identity. The book compiles six essays that collectively explore the historical evolution of Greek love and its implications for understanding modern sexual categories.^[15]

Academic Debates

Halperin's work, particularly his genealogical approach, has not been without academic debate. Medieval historian John Boswell, for example, offered critiques of Halperin's arguments regarding the historical understanding of sexuality.^[14] Such scholarly exchanges highlight the vibrant and evolving nature of queer theory and the history of sexuality as academic disciplines.

Activism & Advocacy

Openly Gay Activist

David Halperin is openly gay and has been a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and visibility throughout his career. His academic work is deeply intertwined with his commitment to social justice, often translating theoretical insights into public engagement and advocacy.^[7]

Challenging Discrimination

In 1990, while at MIT, Halperin spearheaded a campaign to oppose the presence of the Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) on campus. His opposition was grounded in the argument that ROTC policies discriminated against gay and lesbian students, reflecting a broader commitment to institutional equity. This activism, however, led to him receiving death threats, underscoring the personal risks associated with advocating for LGBTQ+ rights during that era.^[8]^[9]^[10]

Defending Academic Freedom

Halperin's course, "How to Be Gay: Male Homosexuality and Initiation," offered at the University of Michigan, faced attempts to ban it in 2003 by the Michigan chapter of the American Family Association.^[11]^[12] This incident highlighted the ongoing challenges to academic freedom and the study of sexuality in higher education. In 2010, he further demonstrated his commitment to combating homophobia by writing an open letter to Michigan's Attorney General, Mike Cox, denouncing the homophobic harassment of a University of Michigan student by one of Cox's staffers.^[13]

Academic Critiques

Accusations of Plagiarism

In 2011, French philosopher and sociologist Didier Eribon publicly accused David Halperin of plagiarizing his work, *Une morale du minoritaire*, in Halperin's book *What Do Gay Men Want? An Essay on Sex, Risk, and Subjectivity*. Eribon's accusation led him to demand the withdrawal of his name as a recipient of the 2008 Brudner Prize, an award Halperin also received. As of 2011, Halperin had not publicly responded to Eribon's claims.^[17]^[18]^[19]

Critique of "Faddishness"

In her 1991 essay, "Junk Bonds and Corporate Raiders: Academe in the Hour of the Wolf," cultural critic Camille Paglia presented a critique of Halperin's work, characterizing it as a "pastiche of the latest faddish opinions." Paglia argued that such scholarship, in her view, prioritized career advancement over genuine intellectual inquiry, likening it to "junk bonds" due to its perceived volatility and lack of enduring merit. This critique, however, also drew counter-criticism from other scholars.^[20]^[21] Despite these criticisms, Halperin has continued to publish extensively, releasing four additional monographs and co-editing two volumes of queer criticism since Paglia's essay.^[20]

Key Publications

Authored and Edited Works

David M. Halperin's extensive bibliography reflects his profound engagement with classical studies, literary theory, and the history and theory of sexuality. His works are foundational texts in queer theory and related fields.

*Before Pastoral: Theocritus and the Ancient Tradition of Bucolic Poetry* (1983)
*Before Sexuality: The Construction of Erotic Experience in the Ancient Greek World* (Edited with John J. Winkler and Froma I. Zeitlin, 1990)
*One Hundred Years of Homosexuality: and Other Essays on Greek Love* (1990)
*The Lesbian and Gay Studies Reader* (Edited with Henry Abelove and Michele Aina Barale, 1993)
*Saint Foucault: Towards a Gay Hagiography* (1995)
*How to Do the History of Homosexuality* (2002)
*What Do Gay Men Want? An Essay on Sex, Risk, and Subjectivity* (2007)
*Gay Shame* (Edited with Valerie Traub, 2009)
*How to Be Gay* (2012)
*The War on Sex* (Edited with Trevor Hoppe, 2017)

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References

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The Critical Lens: David M. Halperin

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Overview ℹ️

👤 A Distinguished Scholar

🏛️ Academic Leadership

💡 Interdisciplinary Impact

Academic Journey 🎓

📚 Educational Foundations

👨‍🏫 Distinguished Professorships

🏆 Awards and Fellowships

Scholarly Contributions 📝

📜 Genealogy of Homosexuality

📖 *One Hundred Years of Homosexuality*

🗣️ Academic Debates

Activism & Advocacy ✊

🏳️‍🌈 Openly Gay Activist

🚫 Challenging Discrimination

📚 Defending Academic Freedom

Academic Critiques ⚖️

📝 Accusations of Plagiarism

📉 Critique of "Faddishness"

Key Publications 📚

📖 Authored and Edited Works

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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References

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Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Overview

A Distinguished Scholar

Academic Leadership

Interdisciplinary Impact

Academic Journey

Educational Foundations

Distinguished Professorships

Awards and Fellowships

Scholarly Contributions

Genealogy of Homosexuality

One Hundred Years of Homosexuality

Academic Debates

Activism & Advocacy

Openly Gay Activist

Challenging Discrimination

Defending Academic Freedom

Academic Critiques

Accusations of Plagiarism

Critique of "Faddishness"

Key Publications

Authored and Edited Works

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice