Fall 2006/Pasadena
SP514
Kaigler-Walker

SP514: WOMEN'S SPIRITUALITY. Karen Kaigler-Walker.


DESCRIPTION: Women's spirituality as a unique experience of and expression of God's presence is explored. The course analyzes how women hear God's voice and answer God's call based on their acquisition of knowledge, their emotions, their life experiences, the importance of relationships in their lives, and their connection with their bodies. Resources include biographical and historical sketches of godly women and women's spiritual literature, music, and artwork. Students will participate in an off-campus group retreat (choices of November 3-4; November 4; November 4-5; cost of approximately $25 plus transportation) directed by the instructor or will undertake an individual retreat in consultation with the instructor.

COURSE OBJECTIVES/LEARNING OUTCOMES: Upon completion of the course students will have (1) analyzed women's spirituality as a unique expression of God's presence; (2) comprehended how women learn and communicate; (3) examined the powerful roles of experience and relationship in the lives of women and their impact on women's relationship with God; (4) reflected on the lives and works of godly women; (5) analyzed women's expressions of spirituality through literature, artwork, and music; (6) recognized the influence of diversity of age and ethnicity/race on women's spirituality; (7) developed an effective method of evangelizing/ministering to women.

RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: Women make up over 50% of church congregations, yet rarely are women treated as a unique segment within the congregation. Women, similar to other subgroups in society, claim a special set of needs, a distinct understanding of God, and a unique spirituality. To minister effectively to women and to assist women in their spiritual development such differences need to be addressed and respected.

COURSE FORMAT: The course will meet weekly for a three-hour session, including lecture, class/small group discussion, group projects, and student presentations.

REQUIRED READING:

Conn, J. W., ed. Women's Spirituality. Minneapolis: Paulist, 1996.

Lamott, A. Plan B: Further Thoughts on Faith. New York: Riverhead, 2005.

Madigan, Shawn, ed. Mystics, Visionaries and Prophets. Minneapolis: Fortress, 1998.

Norris, K. Amazing Grace: A Vocabulary of Faith. New York: Riverhead, 1998.

Tamez, E., ed. Through Her Eyes: Women's Theology from Latin America. Wipf & Stock, 2006.

Townes, E. M., ed. Embracing the Spirit: Womanist Perspectives on Hope, Salvation, and Transformation. Maryknoll: Orbis, 1997.

Course reader.
Biography. Choose one from the following list:
Blumhofer, E. L. Her Heart Can See: The Life and Hymns of Fanny J. Crosby. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2005.

Dallimore, A. A. Susanna Wesley. Grand Rapids: Baker, 1993.

Kempe, Margery. Book of Margery Kempe. Trans. B. Windeatt. Penguin Classics, 2000.

Spink, K. Mother Teresa: A Complete Authorized Biography. San Francisco: Harper, 1997.

ASSIGNMENTS:
  1. Journal on course readings (minimum 1000 pages) [10%].

  2. Reflection paper (2-3 pages) on group or individual retreat [10%]; Opinion paper (2-4 pages) on the concept of women's spirituality [10%].

  3. Biographical sketch (5-6 pages) based on selected autobiography [20%].

  4. Group project--written and oral presentation [20%].

  5. Research paper (10-12 pages) on selected topic [30%].

PREREQUISITES: None.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Meets MA in Theology requirement in Spirituality (SPIR).

FINAL EXAMINATION: None.