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2.362-21 Feminist Theologies
Spring 2008
Wednesday Mornings: 8:45 – 11:25
Office Hours: by appointment
Dr. Kristin Johnston Largen
Rationale
In the choir of voices that constitute systematic theology in the 21st century, one of the most important sections of the choir is that of the feminist theologians. While feminist theology has deep roots in the Christian tradition, it has only been since the late 20th century that the work of feminist theologians has received a wide audience and garnered serious consideration. Certainly, there is a great diversity among feminists, reflective of the many different contexts from which they do theology; however, it is also clear that they share many similar concerns and approaches. Many of these similarities have their roots in the oppression, abuse, and neglect that many women in the church in particular, and in society as a whole, have experienced in the past, and are still experiencing today. However, it is becoming increasingly apparent that feminist theologians are raising issues and challenging traditional church doctrines in ways that are deeply meaningful and relevant not only for women, but for all Christians. Therefore, it is of critical importance that women and men who are planning to serve the church in public ministry have both an understanding and appreciation of feminist theology. This course seeks to provide students with both. In this way, this course seeks to address one of the goals of the vision statement for “The Gettysburg Theologian,” which reads in part: “[the students’] preparation will enable them to remain faithful to God’s Word and agile in interpreting its contemporary implications. These leaders are confident Christians who are able to discern the cultural and social contexts. They are skillful communicators, listening and speaking to a hungering world. Conversant with their confessional Lutheran tradition, this Seminary’s graduates will be able to address both classical and yet unforeseen questions in creative and faithful ways and potentially new forms of ministry.”
Course Objectives
At the conclusion of this course, the students should be able to:
1) Define and describe the various
theological issues at stake in feminist theology
2) Analyze and discuss the different theological arguments made by various
feminist theologians
3) Develop and articulate one’s own theological position on a variety of
these issues
4) Integrate the study of feminist theology into one’s own understanding of
public ministry
5) Clearly express sophisticated theological reasoning in both written and
oral communication
Strategies for achieving course objectives
Students will be expected to meet the following class requirements:
- Required Reading: The required reading consists of the following essay & books:
“Reflections on the Right Use of School Studies with a View to the
Love of God,” in Waiting for God, by Simone Weil [On Reserve in the
library]
Feminist Theory: A Reader, by Wendy Kolmar & Frances Bartkowski
Introducing Feminist Theology, by Anne Clifford
*The
Power of Naming, by Elizabeth
Schüssler Fiorenza
*Feminist
Theology: A Reader, edited by Ann Loades
*Recommended, not required
- Class Participation:
All students are expected to attend class regularly, and read all assignments prior to class time. Most importantly, however, students are expected to actively participate in class discussions. Given the nature and topic of this course, the class will function best if everyone is actively involved in the conversation – that includes you introverts! Public ministry requires all of us to be “functional extroverts,” so now will be a good time to practice that skill!
In this class, and in this seminary, we respect the rules of inclusivity, as stated in the academic catalog, pages 13-14. Please note that written work that does not conform to these standards will be returned for a re-write; and in the classroom, we will practice referring to both human beings and God in ways that are respectful of personhood and inclusive in terms of gender, race and class.
*A word about laptop computers: The use of a laptop in the classroom is a privilege, not a right, and this privilege can be revoked at any time during the semester by the instructor, if any student is found to be using his/her computer for personal business. Such action is a distraction to the class, and disrespectful both to the instructor and one’s classmates: forewarned is forearmed!
- Class Assignments:
Timely completion of all assignments is expected of all students. Late work may or may not be accepted, at the instructor’s discretion. A reduction in the grade should be expected for late work.
a) Theological Autobiography
Feminist theologians have taught us the need to recognize that the context of a theologian impacts his/her theology; and that all theology is, in one form or another, autobiographical. It does not mean that theology done out of one context [white male European, for example] cannot be relevant for someone in another context, but it does mean that the questions asked and the answers given by any theologian are shaped by a specific world-view. For this reason, then, as theologians ourselves it is important for us to critically reflect on our own backgrounds, and be able to relate our own theology to our context. In this exercise, then, the student is invited to reflect on his/her background and write a 3 page [give or take] “theological autobiography,” explaining how s/he sees connections between his/her context and his/her theology. These will be discussed in class together, but not handed in. Use the “Theological Autobiography” from Rosemary Radford Ruether as a guide [this will be handed out in class on the first day].
b) Discussion leadership
Each student is required to lead an hour discussion one day in class on that day’s topic. A sign-up sheet will be passed around on the first day of class. This assignment consists choosing readings for that week from the Feminist Theory reader, and then raising important issues for discussion and facilitating the conversation around those readings.
c) Dialog Review
One of the long-term goals of this course is to inspire interest and enthusiasm for systematic theology that will continue on into the student’s public ministry. One excellent means of developing and sustaining such interest is through the reading of quality theological journals. To that end, one of the course requirements is a short review of any major journal article from the past three years from Dialog. This review should be no more than 2-3 pages, and simply summarize the article read, including the main points of the author, and conclude with a short response by the student. This assignment is due on April 30th, but may be submitted at any point in the semester.
d) Final Paper
There will be one final paper, due on the last day of class, in which the student will make a constructive argument relating feminist thought to one aspect of Christian theology and/or practice. The student will present his/her paper in class on either the penultimate or final day of the semester.
This paper should be roughly 10-15 pages in length, with proper footnotes or endnotes. The student is welcome to turn in a paper topic and/or outline in advance, if s/he would like early feedback from the instructor.
Possible Paper Topics include the following:
Feminism & the Bible
Feminism & “God-talk”
Feminist thought & Christian doctrine [such as Christology,
soteriology, pneumatology, creation, etc.]
Feminism & the Christian Tradition
[this category can also include specific thinkers – Feminist
thought & Augustine/Luther/Ruether/St. Teresa]
Domestic Violence & the Church
Women’s roles in the Church
Issues relating to women’s bodies & the Church [such as
pornography, rape, eating disorders,
pregnancy, abortion, etc.]
Women & the Economy - as it relates to Christian faith/
the Church
Sexuality/Homosexuality & the Church
The Family & the Church
Women in the Global South – as it relates to
Christian faith/the Church
Evaluations
- Theological Autobiography: 10%
- Discussion leadership on the Readings: 20%
- Final Paper: 40%
- Class Participation: 20%
- Dialog Review: 10%
Course Outline:
January 30th
Introduction to the Course
Introduction to Feminism
Part 1, FT, “Reading Feminist Theory,” pp. 1-6; Essays 1, 2, 5, 6, 7; pp. 42-60
February 6th
History & Overview of Feminist Theology
Discussion of Theological Autobiographies
Theological Autobiographies due!
Chapter 1, IFT
February 13th Conversation with Bishop Margaret Payne
February 20th Feminism & the Bible
Chapter 2, IFT
February 27th
Language
Student discussion on “Language”
Chapter 3, IFT
March 5th
What is a Woman: Feminist
Anthropology
Student discussion on “Essentialism”
Chapter 4, IFT
March 12th NO CLASS: SPRING BREAK
March 19th
Spirituality & the Body
Student discussion on “Bodies”
Chapter 5, IFT
Weil Essay
March 26th
Women’s Ways of Knowing
Student discussion on “Epistemologies”
April 2nd
Women and the Church
Student discussion on “Power”
April 9th GUEST LECTURER
April 16th
Sexuality
Student discussion on “Sexualitities”
Chapter 6, IFT
April 23rd SPRING CONVOCATION – NO CLASSES
April 30th Student Presentations
May 7th Student Presentations
