DESCRIPTION: This course is a general introduction to womanist hermeneutics and thought. Womanist scholars distinguish themselves from white feminist scholars and black male theologians by interpreting texts and contexts through the lens of black female experiences and sources. Major attention will be given to the hermeneutical methodology and interdisciplinary sources womanists use to interrogate Bible and context in addressing contemporary issues like racism, sexism, classism, and sexuality.

COURSE OBJECTIVES/LEARNING OUTCOMES: After completing this course students will know and understand (1) the similarities and dissimilarities between womanist thought, feminist thought, and Afrocentric thought; (2) the hermeneutical methodology utilized by womanist scholars to interrogate texts and contexts; (3) the interdisciplinary approach and sources of this thought; (4) the interrelationship of racism, sexism, classism, and heterosexism.

RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: Issues of race, gender, class, and sexuality are prominent issues in our contemporary culture and the life of the church. Women are not only a dominant group in numbers but in their life experiences. Womanist scholarship is a major voice in confronting these issues and thus will be helpful to all in ministry who are called to serve the church.

COURSE FORMAT: This course will meet daily for two weeks for four-hour sessions. Class meetings will combine lectures, video tapes, discussion, individual and/or group presentations.

REQUIRED READING:

Mitchem, Stephanie Y. Introducing Womanist Theology. Orbis, 2002.

Townes, Emilie M. Breaking the Fine Rain of Death: African American Health Issues and a Womanist Ethic of Care. Continuum, 2001.

Townes, E. M., ed. A Troubling in My Soul: Womanist Perspectives on Evil & Suffering. Orbis, 1993.

Sanders, Cheryl J., ed. Living the Intersection: Womanism and Afrocentrism in Theology. Fortress, 1995.

hooks, bell. Where We Stand: Class Matters. Routledge, 2000.

Douglas, K. B. Sexuality and the Black Church: A Womanist Perspective. Orbis, 1999.

________. What's Faith Got to Do With It? Black Bodies/Christian Souls. Orbis, 2005.

Brown, Teresa Fry. God Don't Like Ugly: African American Women Handing on Spiritual Values. Abingdon, 2000.

Weems, Renita J. I Asked for Intimacy: Stories of Blessings, Betrayals & Birthings. LuraMedia, 1993.

Sanders, Cheryl J. Empowerment Ethics for a Liberated People. Fortress, 1995.

Riggs, Marcia Y., ed. Can I Get a Witness: Prophetic Religious Voices of African American Women: An Anthology. Orbis, 1997.

Douglas, Kelly Brown. The Black Christ. Orbis, 1994.

Collins, Patricia Hill. Black Feminist Thought: Knowledge, Consciousness, and the Politics of Empowerment. Routledge, 2000.

Gilkes, Cheryl Townsend. If It Wasn't for the Women: Black Women's Experience and Womanist Culture in Church and Community. Maryknoll: Orbis, 2001.

Kirk-Duggan, Cheryl A. "Exorcising Evil": A Womanist Perspective on the Spirituals. Orbis, 1997.