academia

Brecken Hunter Wellborn's academic work is guided by two foundational questions: "How do gender and sexuality intersect with mainstream film and television?" & "How do I do research that allows me to watch Legally Blonde again?"

Teaching

Wellborn's teaching philosophy centers expanding existing frames of reference. Drawing on his experience as a student success coordinator, Wellborn prioritizes meeting students where they are, employs equity practices in the classroom, and scaffolds student learning. He is known for wearing outfits to class that are inspired by the films on his syllabus.

Classes taught include:

FILM 2332: Understanding Film

FILM 3325: Film Authorship - Queer(ed) US Cinema

Research

Applying the deconstructive and antihomophobic principles of queer theory, Wellborn's research focuses on the relationship between gender, sexuality, and mainstream media. His works offer new considerations of Hollywood genres, fans and audiences, and camp.

Peer-reviewed publications include:

Wellborn, Brecken Hunter. "Claws & Queer Fantasy: The Queer Power of Contemporary Television Narrative." In New Queer Television: from Marginalization to Mainstreamification, edited by Thomas Brassington, Debra Ferreday and Dany Girard. Intellect Books, 2024.

Wellborn, Brecken Hunter. "Fans, Gender, and the Sequel: Analyzing Audience Reactions to The Legend of Korra." In The Avatar Television Franchise: Storytelling, Identity, Trauma, and Fandom, edited by Francis M. Agnoli. Bloomsbury, 2023.

Cover image for New Queer Television, from Intellect Press

Intellect Press, 2024.

Service

Wellborn is dedicated to expanding frames of reference beyond the classroom. He organizes events and participates in workshops that bring queer perspectives on film and television to wider campus audiences.

Events include:

Shot/Reverse Shot Presents: Screening the Art of Drag

Queering Film: An Introduction to LGBTQ+ Film Analysis

Flyer for Screening the Art of Drag event

For more detailed information about Wellborn's academic works, including invited guest talks, additional publications, and conference presentations, please see his curriculum vitae.