Religions are all about power - divine power, social power, and personal empowerment. Within most religions, power is unequally or differently distributed with regard to sex and gender, typically along patriarchal lines. In this course, we will ask questions about the distribution of power within religions, with particular regard to those who identify as cis- and LGBTQIA. How do religions oppress on the basis of gender? Do they empower on that basis? Do religions allow for or suppress gender norms and fluidities? Do they enforce the status quo or offer a vehicle for resistance or change? What is at stake for religious groups when gender issues arise?
This course presents a historically-based examination of the construction of gender ideals by religious groups in America (predominantly) and the role of gender in the transformations of religions since the 17th century. Our investigations will touch upon several traditions, including Protestantism (Puritan, evangelical) Catholicism, Buddhism, Judaism, Islam, and Vodou. We will focus on individuals, ideas, and practices that have threatened/challenged (witches) orthodox ideals and practices, advanced/led/transformed (seers) them, and embrace/modeled (saints) them. We will look at how gendered practices have shaped religious beliefs, practices, and experiences from the colonial period to the present, and we will flip the categories to explore how religions define gender - feminine, masculine, and LGBTQ.
Because no person's experience of religion or gender occurs outside of other central components of identity, particularly ethnicity and race, these factors will also be taken into account in our explorations. The course will be divided into three overlapping units focused on specific themes across two or more traditions: I. Theology, Gender and Authority; II. Sexuality, Marriage, Family Roles and Religion; III. The Body, Suffering, Healing, and Religious Authority.
Ø Gain knowledge of the history of women in the U.S. across several traditions, including Christianity, Judaism, Islam, and Vodou
Ø Gain knowledge of how religious constructions of gender have both oppressed and empowered women across these traditions
Ø Develop a set of analytical categories and methods that help shed light on the development and ramifications of religious constructions of gender and gender roles
Ø Engage with ethical consequences of the historical situations and trajectories regarding these gender constructs
Ø Practice using writing to develop ideas and effectively communicate them
Ø Hone the ability to critically assess one's own writing