Religion & Gender - 20 credits (RT1217)
Module Tutor: Professor Geoffrey Samuel
Summary of course content
Introduces students to a range of issues relating to gender and particularly to the role of women in different religious traditions, both Western and Asian. The approach is mainly anthropological, but also draws on feminist, historical and religious sources.
Credits: 20
Availability of module: Next taught in 2013-14
Prerequisites:
None
Necessary for:
N/A
Aims
• To introduce students to current theoretical perspectives in the study of gender and religion
• To introduce students to current methodological approaches to the study of gender and religion
• To introduce students to the ways in which gender roles are formulated and challenged in a range of religious traditions
• To familiarise students with examples of religious practice that have a gendered dimension
• To encourage students to consider common themes in the study of gender and religion (such as the nature and role of authority and protest, the negotiation of individual and group identities and the social and political roles of religious practice)
• To encourage students to consider the global role of gender and gender studies in the study of religions both ancient and modern
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module, the student will:
• be aware of and knowledgeable about gender issues within a number of historical and contemporary religious traditions;
• understand the significance of religion in relation to issues of gender and sexual identity;
• have an ability to analyse anthropological, textual and other relevant bodies of material;
• be able to discuss these issues in assessed work with coherent and logical arguments, clearly and correctly expressed
Teaching Methods
Lectures; seminars; some film and video
Assessment
Assignment and Exam
Suggested book purchases
A collection of seminar readings and supplementary readings will be available via Learning Central.
Suggested preparatory reading
Nothing specific, but students are encouraged to look at relevant material about religious traditions in which they are personally interested.
Primary sources
Again nothing specific, but personal exploration is encouraged.