Frontiers of Theology: Advanced Studies

This course provides an opportunity to address in greater focus and depth issues of the "new" and "newer" voices in theology: liberation and contextual theologies in the global South (including US Black and womanist theologies, Hispanic theologies, Canadian-Asian and US-Asian theologies), feminist theologies, eco-theologies, indigenous spiritualities, LGBTQ theologies, and social ethics. First third of course will focus on reviews of: the emergence and development of these "new" theologies; key methodological issues (epistemological/ hermeneutical privilege(s) of the oppressed; postcolonialism, decolonialism); resurgence of social movements and emergent global civil society; recent dialogues and new initiatives (religious diversity, inter-culturality). Remaining classes provide opportunities for students (individually or in teams) to present their own in-depth research on specific topics. Class participation; seminar; research paper