C364 Women and Theology Dr. Nancy Hawkins, IHM, Ph.D
St. Bernard’s Summer 2007
Phone: (585) 271-3657 x 294
E-Mail: nhawkins@stbernards.edu
Please call ahead and make an appointment if you wish to meet with me.
Course Dates: May 16, 23, 30, June 6, 20 and July 5
Time: 6-9 pm
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course will explore various aspects of contemporary theology and spirituality done from the perspective of women’s experience: a perspective committed to the full and equal human dignity of women. The impact of women theologians upon the Bible, the doctrines of God and Christ, Christian anthropology, Mariology and the sacraments has been significant. The theological questions posed by women of color and women from Third World nations are especially important to this discussion. The methodology used in the class will be a mixture of lecture, discussion, group work and media. The students are encouraged to draw upon their own experiences when participating in discussions and the asking of questions.
REQUIRED READINGS:
Hayes, Diana L. Hagar’s Daughters: Womanist Ways of Being in the World. NY:
Paulist Press, 1995. This small book is part of the Mandeleva Lecture Series.
LaCugna, Catherine Mowry, ed. Freeing Theology: The Essentials of Theology in
Feminist Perspective. Harper San Francisco, 1993.
Schneiders, Sandra M. Beyond Patching: Faith and Feminism in the Catholic Church.
Revised Edition. NY: Paulist Press, 2004.
****Be sure it is the revised edition that you purchase!
Chapters from:
Aquino, Maria Pilar. Our Cry For Life: Feminist Theology from Latin America.
Maryknoll, NY: Orbis Press, 1993.
Isasi-Diaz, Ada Maria. La Lucha Continues: Mujerista Theology. Maryknoll, NY: Orbis
Press, 2004.
These articles will be on reserve at the school and on the U of R site.
Evaluation:
1.Full attendance at class is expected as well as the completion of weekly readings. Students should be prepared to discuss, share ideas, ask questions and offer critical analysis in class.
2.There will be three papers for this course.
a)The student will choose a biblical passage from the New Testament that seems highly patriarchal, or does not acknowledge the presence or importance of women in the tradition. Using the biblical work of feminist biblical scholars, the student will explain how this text can be “redeemed and liberated” to support the dignity of women. The student will also comment on how this exercise impacted her/him and their appreciation of the scriptures. Length: 4-5 pages.
Due date: May 30
b)The student will write a 4-5 page critical reaction/analysis paper on Hagar’s Daughters by Diana Hayes. Please see the attached sheet that explains this kind of writing.
Due Date: June 20
c) The student will write a paper on the various ways they see themselves integrating the material from this course into their faith and ministerial life. Please be down to earth and creative if possible! Length 4-5 pages
Due Date: July 5
Each paper is worth 30% of the grade and class participation is worth 10%.
Class Descriptions and Readings
May 16 Introduction to the course
What is feminist theology?
Waves of Feminism
Important Definitions
Methodology
Readings: Beyond Patching pgs. 1-36
Freeing Theology Chapter 1
May 23 Feminist Theology and the Bible
Feminist Biblical Hermeneutics
The Doctrine of God and the questions of Women
The significance of God language.
Readings: Beyond Patching Chapter 2
Freeing Theology Chapters 2 and 3
May 30 Sharing on the first paper
Feminist Theology and Christology
Bride and Bridegroom Model
Who Is Sophia?
The Importance of a Feminist Anthropology
Readings: Freeing Theology Chapters 5 and 6
First Paper is Due
June 6 Womanist Theology
The wilderness metaphor for women of color
Hagar’s significance
Discussion of the Hayes book
Reading: Hayes book, Hagar’s Daughters
June 20 Feminist Theology, the Church and her Sacraments
The possibility of a feminist sacramental theology
What Church do women want?
The figure of Mary
Reading: Freeing Theology Chapters 7 and 8
Second paper is due on Hayes book.
July 5 Feminist Theology from the Third World
Realities for women
Mujerista Theology and its points
The reality of poverty and other concerns specific to women
A woman’s spirituality: Its elements
Readings: Two articles from Isasi Diaz and Aquino
Final Paper is due
What am I looking for in the critical analysis/reaction paper?
A tightly organized paper with an introduction, body, and conclusion.
It should be double spaced in font 12 with one inch margins all around.
Please use page numbers.
I would like a title page with the title of the assignment, your name, the date and the course name. Please staple the pages.
No outside reading is required for this paper!!
Take the book you have read and identify the main thesis of the book. In other words, what is the author trying to do in this book?
What are the main points that emerge from the author’s presentation?
What impacted you the most from this book? How were you challenged to view theology in a new way?
Are there any weaknesses in this book? Don’t be afraid of critiquing this author.
How does this book contribute to the field of feminist theology and do you think it is a good book to use for our course?
Weave these answered questions into a well written, comprehensive essay whose length is 4-5 typed pages.
Your writing should be academic as well as engaging.
It is permissible to include your personal opinions in the paper, as long as the writing stays academic. I don’t want journal writing, or a homily!
PLEASE DO NOT RETELL THE BOOK TO ME: THIS HAPPENS OFTEN AND IT WILL SERIOUSLY LOWER YOUR GRADE!!!
I WANT TO HEAR YOUR VOICE THROUGHOUT….DON’T BE AFRAID TO TAKE A STAND!
Remember that every book has its strong points and maybe some flaws, so be balanced in your critique.