ENGM5145 - Faith and Feminism I

Objectives:

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:

1 Demonstrate knowledge and critical understanding of how the position of women within selected faith communities has been expressed in a variety of writings
2 Analyse these writings with rigour and sensitivity, applying relevant literary techniques and theories
3 Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of feminist debates about religion and discuss the significance of selected writings in relation to such debates
4 Critically evaluate and engage with recent scholarship on the relationship between faith and feminism and on selected writings relevant to this relationship

Content:

Students will make a comparative study of writings concerning women within two different faith communities which will be chosen according to staff expertise and student interest. The course is structured to consider the two faiths in alternate sessions, working through three themes. The first part looks at sacred texts (eg the Bible in session 1 and the Koran in session 2), considering different interpretations, especially in relation to gender, and feminist scholarship in this area. The second part explores the life writings of women living within these faith communities (eg women in Islamic cultures in session 3 and Christian nuns in session 4), in the context of their presentation and reception, and of feminist debate. In the final two sessions of the course, students will critically consider a selection of recent novels relating to women in the chosen faith communities, considering them in the context of feminist discourse, and of the reception of these novels.

Learning and Teaching Information:

Seminars will make use of a number of learning and teaching methods including: short presentations by tutor; exercises in groups; informal presentations by students; plenary discussions.

6 x 2-hour seminars
Contact hours: 12
Number of Groups: 1

Individual tutorial
Contact hours: 20 minutes

Assessment: