University of Maryland Introduces New “Fat Studies” Course

The University of Maryland is offering a new course titled “Intro to Fat Studies: Fatness, Blackness and Their Intersections” for the spring semester. This three-credit course, taught by Professor Sydney Lewis, is part of the university’s Harriet Tubman Department of Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies.

According to the course description, the three-credit course, which will be taught by Professor Sydney Lewis on Tuesdays and Thursdays, examines “fatness as intersectional,” emphasizing “the relationship between fatness and Blackness.” The course addresses methods to challenge “fatmisia,” or hatred of fatness.

The school says the course aims to examine fatness as an area of human difference subject to privilege and discrimination, with a particular focus on its intersection with “Blackness.” It approaches the topic through an interdisciplinary lens, emphasizing fatness as a social justice issue.

“Intro to Fat Studies” will examine “fatness as an area of human difference subject to privilege and discrimination that intersects with other systems of oppression based on gender, race, class, sexual orientation, and ability,” the description said.

Professor Lewis, a senior lecturer in the department, is known for her research in areas such as Black feminist thought and LGBTQ studies. Her teaching methods aim to “blur the boundaries between the academy, art, and activism,” according to her university biography.

The course announcement caused chatter on social media. Libs of TikTok wrote, “This is real.”

The course has already garnered significant interest, with all 20 spots filled and eight students on the waitlist. It can fulfill the university’s Distributive Studies or Diversity course requirements for graduation.

While the course has attracted attention, it has also sparked debate. Critics, including Richard Vatz, a professor emeritus at nearby Towson University, have questioned its practical value in preparing students for the job market. Vatz told TNND that it doesn’t seem like the course will help students get a job. Towson is part of the University System of Maryland.

“I have to be honest with you, this is kind of a laughable, laughable subject,” Vatz said. “This stuff is just ludicrous.”