Feminist Interpretations of the Bible

College University of St. Michael's College, Faculty of Theology
Instructor(s)
Course Code SMJ6451HS
NOTE: Basic degree students enrol in SMJ3451HS
Semester Second Semester
Section 0101
Online No
Credits One Credit
Location Toronto (St George Campus)
Description

Feminist biblical interpretation and Feminist theology are rather broad terms, encompassing a variety of different approaches, strategies, and goals. For the purpose of this course, we will primarily utilize three basic approaches (although other informed approaches are certainly welcome during our class discussions): 1) Identifying and d iscussing the characterization and role(s) of authoritative women in both testaments who are widely regarded as such in a positive light, 2) Locating additional positive depictions of aspects of the feminine and female figures who have been either under-discussed or irresponsibly interpreted in a negative manner, and 3) Developing and utilizing reading strategies and methodological approaches for negotiating ?tough texts.?1 These strategies and methodologies will be responsible (in that they resist distorting, white-washing, or treating dismissively the texts themselves,), reflective (in that they resist knee-jerk judgements), and attuned to the nuances of the socio-historical location of the composition and transmission of the texts of the Bible (this will inform our understanding of them as well as ensure that we cannot and do not make the texts read ?anything we want?). These combined approaches seek to reconcile the two ?F-words? that have often been rather uneasy bedfellows: Faith and Feminism.

Schedule Mon
Start Time 17:00
End Time 19:00
Hours Per Week 2
Minimum Enrolment 5
Maximum Enrolment 20
Teaching Method
Lectures
Readings
Means of Evaluation
Class Participation
Research Paper
Book Review
Short Paper
Other
Currently Offered Winter 2020