RELN 211

RELN 211: Religion and Women (GE)

Prerequisite: None

Credit Hours: (3)

This course examines the role of women (past and present) in various religious traditions, feminist criticism of traditional religions, and contemporary developments in religious thought and practice affecting the status and image of women in selected Western, Eastern, shamanistic, and neopagan traditions.

Note(s): General Education and Humanistic or Artistic Expression designated course. This course may be used to meet requirements for the minor in Women’s Studies.

Detailed Description of the content of the Course

Topics may include, but are not limited to:

Feminist criticism of traditional scholarship regarding women’s activities and importance in religions
Goddess worship and its impact on women and culture
The status of women in various religions
Views of women in religious texts
Women’s leadership roles in religion(s)
Women’s rituals
Women’s roles as shamans
Biographies of influential women in various religions
Women in neopagan religions

Detailed Description of the Conduct of Course

The course will be taught in a lecture/discussion format. The instructor will provide background information through reading assignments and lectures. Students will read primary source material, assigned chapters and articles on relevant topics. These materials will be discussed in class.

Goals and Objectives of the Course

Student Learning Outcomes

Demonstrate understanding of feminist criticism of traditional scholarship about the roles and significance of women in religions over time and across multiple cultures.
Critically evaluate the stereotypes of women have been presented in both scholarly writings and religious texts.
Identify leadership roles of women in a variety of traditions.
Identify exemplary women in a variety of religions.
Recognize the role of rituals in empowering women in selected cultures.
Demonstrate an awareness of contemporary developments affecting the attitudes toward the status of women in selected religious traditions.

Assessment Measures

Assessment measures may include, but are not limited to:

Class participation
Brief written assignments
Research paper(s)
Quizzes
Examinations

Other Course Information

Opportunities for extra-curricular work vary from semester to semester. These opportunities will be assessed and announced each time the course is taught. This course may be used to fulfill a department elective for all Philosophy and Religious Studies majors.

Approval and Subsequent Reviews

DATE ACTION REVIEWED BY
June 1991 None Charles D. Taylor, Chr.
May 1994 Course information clarified Kim J. Kipling, Chr.
May 1995 Catalog entry revised Kim J. Kipling, Chr.
April 17, 1998 Reviewed Kim Kipling
September 25, 2001 Reviewed Kim Kipling

August 2020

March 01, 2021