Course Description
The relationship between women and Christianity, particularly concerning matters involving gender equality in church and society.
Additional Requirements for Graduate Students:
Additional readings and a research paper along with more extensive examinations to reflect the additional responsibilities.
Athena Title
Women in Christian History
Prerequisite
Third- or fourth-year student standing or permission of department
Semester Course Offered
Offered every odd-numbered year.
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Student learning Outcomes
- By the end of this course, students will be able to discuss the main historical periods and outline of the history of women in Christianity, from early Christianity to the present.
- By the end of this course, students will be able to identify women leaders and organizers across the history of Christianity as well as movements, groups, and denominations founded by women.
- By the end of this course, students will be able to discuss and appreciate the many differences among women in Christianity, across historical periods, geographical areas, social status, etc., and reflect upon how social identities and roles shape interactions.
- By the end of this course, students will be able to examine historical themes and developments in the relation between Christianity and women, including continuities and changes in power, politics, language, theology, family, and work, forming and supporting their own arguments about these historical themes based on evidence.
Topical Outline
- 1. Introduction: The Course, Its Philosophy and Methodology
- 2. Introduction: Academic Study of Religion/Biblical Criticism
- 3. The Bible and Women: Selected Readings from the Old Testament/Hebrew Bible
- 4. The Bible and Women: Selected New Testament Passages
- 5. Women in the Early Church, ca. 100-500 CE.
- 6. Women Christians in Medieval Europe, ca. 500 - 1500
- 7. Women in Reformation and Early Modern Ages, ca. 1500 - 1850
- 8. Women in American Religious History
- 9. Conclusion
