REL 306 Feminist Approaches to Religion (Same as Women's and Gender Studies 307) (Not offered 2008-2009; to be offered 2009-2010) (W) (D)
What does feminist theory have to offer the study of religion? How have participants in various religious traditions helped to produce and enact feminisms? Feminisms and religion have a long though often troubled history of interconnection. In this course, we shall explore a range of feminist theoretical analyses that have either emerged out of particular religious contexts or have been applied to the study of religious traditions and practices. We shall consider how conflicts within feminism-especially those pertaining to issues of sexuality, race, class, nationality, ethnicity, and religious affiliation-make a difference for the ways that religion is interpreted and practiced. Satisfies the Women's and Gender Studies theory requirement for the major.
Format: seminar. Requirements: Assignments will include: one "position paper" for class discussion (3 pages), one analytical essay (4 pages), participation in writing workshop on drafts of final papers, one 15-page final paper.
No prerequisites. Enrollment limit: 19 (expected: 15). Open to all. Preference given to majors in Religion and Women's and Gender Studies. Satisfies the Women's and Gender Studies theory requirement for the major.
BUELL