Module THEO3401: CHRISTIAN GENDER

Department: THEOLOGY AND RELIGION

THEO3401: CHRISTIAN GENDER

Prerequisites

• None.

Corequisites

• None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None.

Aims

• To introduce students to gender theory - especially in the work of Michel Foucault and Judith Butler - in order to understand how Christianity shapes and is shaped by Western understandings of the body - of its 'sex' and 'gender'.

Content

• This Level 3 module will introduce you to gender theory in the context of Western Christianity, enabling you to understand how Christian theology has shaped and is shaped by Western understandings of the body - of its 'sex' and 'gender'. The module will introduce you to 'constructivist' and 'performative' theories of the body, and their usefulness for understanding Christian sex and gender; Christian symbolics, with particular regard to ancient, medieval and medern attitudes to the gendered body as a site of spiritual meaning and encounter; the role of Christian thought in the invention of 'homosexuality' and 'hereosexuality'.

Learning Outcomes

• a systematic understanding of key aspects, and a coherent and detailed knowledge of gender theory and its relationship to Christianity, at least some of which is informed by the most recent research and methodologies.

• ability to analyse and deploy a range of sociohistorical, philosophical and theological concepts and arguments.

• skills in the acqusition of information through reading and research, and in the structured presentation of information in written form.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• Lectures convey information and exemplify an approach to the subject-matter, enabling students to develop a clear understanding of the subject and to improve their skills in listening and in evaluating information.
• Through small-group discussion, tutorials provide feedback on student work and the opportunity to discuss specific issues in detail, enhancing student knowledge and writing skills.
• Formative essays develop subject-specific knowledge and understanding, along with student skills in the acquisition of information through reading and research, and in the structured presentation of information in written form.
• Examinations assess subject-specific knowledge and understanding, along with student skills in the structured presentation of information in written form under time constraints.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

One formative essay.

■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University