Content

Discover the layers and variations of meaning in the term “feminist” and explore a range of contemporary social issues using approaches from feminist theologies. This interdisciplinary unit surveys the history of feminism as a term and charts the increasing significance of feminism in Christian theological discourse since the 1980s, as well as resistance to it. It pays particular attention to the intersection of feminism with other theologies of liberation, against structures of oppression. With a grounding in the significance of feminist methods, hermeneutics and approaches to reading and interpreting Scripture, and the consequent impact on feminist theologizing, analysis of Christian doctrine, and the understanding Christian tradition and liturgical life, you will be equipped to examine the actual and potential contribution of feminist insights to shaping nuanced and vibrant theological perspectives.

Unit code: CT9111P

Unit status: Approved (New unit)

Points: 24.0

Unit level: Postgraduate Elective

Unit discipline: Systematic Theology

Proposing College: Pilgrim Theological College

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Learning outcomes

1.

Analyse the argument of one or more key contributions to the literature of feminist theology in English

2.

Evaluate key principles of feminist thought and interpretation in relation to particular theological disciplines

3.

Evaluate the contribution of feminist thought to theological discussion of a social issue in the contemporary context

4.

Evaluate changing definitions of feminism in relation to their implications for the contemporary church

5.

Formulate a response to a contemporary social question drawing on principles of feminist theology

Pedagogy

Guided reading, seminars, lecture input

Indicative Bibliography

Althus-Reid, Marcella, Indecent Theology: theological perversions in sex, gender and politics, London: Routledge, 2010.

Briggs Sheila and Mary McClintock Fulkerson. The Oxford Handbook of Feminist Theology [Paperback edition] ed. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2013.

Byron, Gay L and Vanessa Lovelace, Womanist Interpretations of the Bible: Expanding the Discourse, Atlanta: SBL Press, 2016.

Copeland, M. Shawn. Enfleshing Freedom: Body, Race, and Being. Minneapolis: Fortress, 2009.

Dube, Musa, Postcolonial feminist interpretation of the Bible, St Louis, MO: Chalice Press, 2006.

Handasyde, Kerrie, Cathryn McKinney and Rebekah Pryor. Contemporary Feminist Theologies : Power Authority Love. Abingdon Oxon: Routledge, 2021.

Hogan, Linda. From Women's Experience to Feminist Theology. London: Bloomsbury Publishing, 2016.

Hunt, Mary E., and Diann L. Neu, eds. New Feminist Christianity: Many Voices, Many Views. Woodstock, Vermont: Skylight Paths Publishing, 2010.

Kim-Kort, Mihee. Making Paper Cranes : Toward an Asian American Feminist Theology. St. Louis: Chalice Press, 2012.

Kwok Pui-Lan, Hope Abundant: third world and indigenous women’s theology, Maryknoll, NY: Orbis Books, 2010.

Peters, Rebecca Todd and Grace Kao. Encountering the Sacred : Feminist Reflections on Women's Lives. London UK: T & T Clark, 2019.

Assessment

Type Description Word count Weight (%)
Report

Report on reading and reflection

2000 30.0
Article (for Newspaper, e.g. letter to the editor)

2 x 750 articles for newsletter, letter to the editor

1500 30.0
Essay

Research Essay

4500 40.0
Approvals

Unit approved for the University of Divinity by Prof Albert Haddad on 5 Jul, 2023

Unit record last updated: 2023-07-05 12:55:00 +1000