Spring 2013/Houston
CH575
Haddad
CH575: WOMEN IN CHURCH HISTORY AND THEOLOGY. Mimi R. Haddad.
DESCRIPTION: This course is an introduction to the leadership, contributions and experiences of women from the early church period through the twentieth century. In each era, we will consider the theological and philosophical assumptions that supported, or more often, limited the fullest participation of women’s gifts and leadership in church and religious life.
SIGNIFICANCE FOR LIFE AND MINISTRY: While the church today debates the authority and type of service women may have in the church and marriage, this course will explore the significance gender has always played in shaping theology, ministry and Christian life. Readings, class discussion and assignments will help students to critique the significance of gender in the life of the church today.
LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students who successfully complete this course will have demonstrated (1)familiarity with the central theological doctrines and historical developments that have shaped the shifting attitudes and practices of the Christian church with respect to women throughout its history (attained through lectures and readings); (2) an ability to analyze and articulate the historical significance and theological arguments of the Christian past (attained through close readings of selected primary sources and contemporary historical critics, along with written responses); (3) critical appreciation for the theologies, worldviews, and experiences of women and men throughout this history (attained through lectures and group discussions); and (4) an ability to reflect on the perennial nature of these doctrinal and ecclesiastical controversies over gender (attained through lectures, discussion, and writing assignments).
COURSE FORMAT: Lecture/ discussion/ small groups. This course will meet over three weekends, April 12-13, April 26-27, May 10-11. Classes will be held Fridays, 6-9 pm, Saturdays 8-4 with time for lunch.
REQUIRED READING:
Clark, Elizabeth A. Women in the Early Church. Liturgical Press, 1984. ISBN: 978-0814653326. $24.95. [130 pp. assigned].
LaCelle-Peterson, Kristina. Liberating Tradition: Women’s Identity in Vocation and Christian Perspective. Baker Academic, 2008. ISBN: 978-0801031793. $24.00 [158 pp. assigned].
Oden, Amy, ed. In Her Words: Women’s Writings in the History of Christian Thought. Abington Press, 1994. ISBN: 978-0687459728. $30.00. [234 pp. assigned].
Payne, Philip B. Man and Woman, One in Christ: An Exegetical and Theological Study of Paul’s Letters. Zondervan, 2009. ISBN: 978-0310219880. $29.99. [178 pp. assigned].
Van Leeuwen, Mary Stewart. Gender and Grace. InterVarsity Press, 1990. ISBN-978-0830812974. $23.00. [224 pp. assigned].
Selected readings, available on course Moodle page and or as eReserves.
ASSIGNMENTS:
Reading log, class attendance, and discussion participation, 10%.
Two response papers (6-8 pp.), responding to assigned readings and questions posed in the syllabus, 20% each.
Final research paper (ca. 20 pp.), 50%.
PREREQUISITES: None.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Elective.
FINAL EXAMINATION: No.