Thinking Otherwise: Feminist Theologies
Four Day Intensive
(30 Sep-1 Oct, 3-4 Oct)
Rev Dr Christy Capper, Professor Katharine Massam & Rev Assoc Prof Monica Melanchthon
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 theologising, analysis of Christian doctrine, and the understanding of 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.
Delivery Notes
Pre-recorded lectures and other resources available from 15 September. Time is provided in class to follow the recordings or students can view them ahead of class. All should be present online and/or in the Perth or Melbourne hybrid hub for the synchronous discussions: AET: 11am to 12.30pm, 3.30pm to 5pm each of the meeting days. There will be reading and other out-of-class activities to complete on 2 October.
Prerequisites
There are no prerequisites required for this subject.
Learning Outcomes and Assessment Details
Learning Outcomes
- Outline the argument of one or more key contributions to the literature of feminist theology in English
- Summaries key principles of feminist thought and interpretation in relation to particular theological disciplines
- Assess the contribution of feminist thought to theological discussion of a social issue in the contemporary context
- Evaluate changing definitions of feminism in relation to their implications for the contemporary church.
Assessment
Task 1 - Report
Report on reading and reflection (1000 words)
Task 2 - Article (for a Newspaper, e.g. letter to editor)
750 word article for newsletter, letter to the editor (750 words)
Task 3 - Essay
Essay of 2500 words (2500 words)
Learning Outcomes
- Analyse the argument of one or more key contributions to the literature of feminist theology in English
- Evaluate key principles of feminist thought and interpretation in relation to particular theological disciplines
- Evaluate the contribution of feminist thought to theological discussion of a social issue in the contemporary context
- Evaluate changing definitions of feminism in relation to their implications for the contemporary church
- Formulate a response to a contemporary social question drawing on principles of feminist theology
Assessments
Task 1 - Report
2000 word report on reading and reflection (2000 words)
Task 2 - Article (for Newspaper, e.g. letter to the editor)
2 x 750 word articles for a newsletter, letter to the editor (1500 words)
Task 3 - Essay
Research essay (4500 words)