AP/RLST 3518 6.00
Feminist Approaches to Religion
In the last part of the 20th century in North America, an exciting re-membering of women’s voices began to emerge, sparking growth in critical consciousness and in feminist theory/methods designed to uncover, critique, and challenge problems firmly embedded in dominant patriarchal traditions. Spaces opened up where women shared their stories and traditions, and discussed empowerment; where they helped each other consider ways to disrupt dominant discourse and revision their lives and their communities; where they re-claimed their spiritual power—inside and outside of the dominant traditions. The constellation of feminist perspectives continues to blossom. There is an increased awareness about power and privilege, intersectionality, and a dialogue about relationships, respect, and responsibility among the human and other-than-human beings that share this planet. There is also a deeper understanding and respect for the diversity of stories and needs of women the world over. This transdisciplinary course foregrounds women’s voices/stories and examines a wide range of feminist approaches to religion. We will investigate the perspectives of feminists who identify themselves as practitioners of a tradition as well as those who do not. We will study a diversity of texts, artifacts and cultural practices, and explore feminist perspectives that are grounded in the arts, technology and the sciences, mythology/fairytale/folklore, and popular culture. The main thread spinning throughout these materials is the power of women’s voices/stories to bring women with shared concerns together to strengthen themselves and their communities, and to make change.
RELIGIOUS TRADITION(S) COVERED: Multiple
Course Category: Religion and Gender