Spring 2008/Pasadena
CH575
Thompson

CH575: WOMEN IN CHURCH HISTORY AND THEOLOGY. John L. Thompson.


DESCRIPTION: This course seeks to explore the experiences and contributions of women in the church from the post-apostolic period though the twentieth century, together with the theologies and presuppositions that sometimes supported but more often discouraged their full participation in church and religious life. It is highly desirable (but not required) that students have some basic orientation to the world and thought of the patristic and Reformation periods, such as would be acquired in CH500/1 and CH502/3, but this course does not otherwise presuppose any acquaintance with church history, women's studies, or gender issues.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: The course has three objectives: First, that students become familiar 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. Second, that by engaging in close readings of selected primary sources and by interacting with contemporary historical critics, students will increase their ability to analyze and articulate the historical significance and theological arguments of the Christian past and gain a critical appreciation for the theologies, worldviews, and experiences of women and men throughout this history. Third, that the knowledge and critical skills fostered in this course will equip students to reflect on the perennial nature of these doctrinal and ecclesiastical controversies over gender.

RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: While the role and ministry of women in the church is often seen as a recent and even "faddish" concern, one goal of this course is to acquaint students with the remarkable degree to which gender has always played a role in the church's practice of theology and ministry. Class discussions and reflection on readings will help students to evaluate anew the significance of gender issues for theology and church today.

COURSE FORMAT: Weekly three-and-a-half-hour meetings for lectures and discussions.

REQUIRED READING:

Clark, Elizabeth A. Women in the Early Church. Liturgical Press, 1984.

Heine, Susanne. Women and Early Christianity. Augsburg, 1988 (o.p.).

Jewett, Paul King. The Ordination of Women. Eerdmans, 1978.

Osiek, Carolyn, and Margaret Y. MacDonald. A Woman's Place. Fortress, 2006 [read 178 pp.].

Riggs, Marcia Y. Can I Get a Witness? Prophetic Religious Voices of African American Women. Orbis, 1997.

Thompson, John L. Reading the Bible with the Dead. Eerdmans, 2007.

Van Leeuwen, Mary Stewart. Gender and Grace. InterVarsity Press, 1990.

Packet of selected readings, available on cd-rom from the Fuller Bookstore. For specific page assignments for this packet and for the books listed above, see the full course syllabus, available on the instructor's website, http://www.fuller.edu/sot/faculty/thompson_john/CH575syllabus.pdf.

RECOMMENDED READING:
Extensive recommended reading is listed on the full course syllabus (URL link above).

ASSIGNMENTS: (1) Assigned readings of 1550 pages, with weekly 1000-word reading-response essays, 45%. (2) Specialized report of ~3000 words on women or gender issues in one's own denomination or tradition, 20%. (3) Final exam, 35%. (4) Optional research project in lieu of specialized report and final exam.

PREREQUISITES: None.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Elective.

FINAL EXAMINATION: Yes.

This ECD is a reliable guide to the course design but is subject to modification. (1/08)