Course Syllabus

Queer Theologies (A Pain in the Ass or Effing Fun Times? Or: "Do tell your mother what we do in class.")

a pdf copy of the syllabus can be downloaded here. please note that some of the assignments are described in more detail on the respective canvas page

This course explores representative attempts at queering Christian theologies and at developing queer theologies. It will include a survey of modern theological projects with the emergence of queer theory as a critique of modern Western culture, and an exploration of aims and methods of queer theory and its differences to e.g. gay and lesbian studies

"Queer" theology, taking cues from queer theory, transgresses dominant constructions of sexuality and gender identity. Theologically, then, it interprets and constructs expressions of Christian thought and practice that rethinks and subverts understandings of human life, community, and the divine. 

We will explore “queer approaches” to theology and biblical interpretation, especially where notions of identity (esp. gender and sex, but also race, ethnicity, class, ability) are concerned. Investigations into the potential of queer insights into Christian theology and biblical interpretation will include, but move beyond, apologetic arguments regarding inclusion of sexual minorities into Christian communities. In this course, we will learn to engage in "queering" Christian theology and biblical interpretation, and test the benefits and usefulness of queer theory as a tool for constructive theological projects and Christian practices.

 

Required Texts (also available on course reserves):

Marcella Althaus-Reid. The Queer God. New York, NY: Routledge, 2003.

Susannah Cornwall. Controversies in Queer Theology. London, UK: SCM Press, 2011.

Michel Foucault. The History of Sexuality, Volume 1. (you can read this online / download as pdf here http://suplaney.files.wordpress.com/2010/09/foucault-the-history-of-sexuality-volume-1.pdf )

Jay Emerson Johnson. Peculiar Faith: Queer Theology for Christian Witness. New York, NY: Seabury Books, 2014.

Dale B. Martin. Sex and the Single Savior: Gender and Sexuality in Biblical Interpretation. Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press, 2006.

Kathy Rudy. Sex and the Church: Gender, Homosexuality, and the Transformation of Christian Ethics. Boston, MA: Beacon Press, 1997.

 

Optional / Recommended (also on course reserves):

Patrick S. Cheng. Radical Love: An Introduction to Queer Theology. New York, NY: Seabury Books, 2011. (A good introductory resource useful for lay audiences, with study questions in the back suitable for small groups / church groups).

Patrick S. Cheng. Rainbow Theology: Bridging Race, Sexuality, Spirit.

Patrick S. Cheng. From Sin to Amazing Gzrace: Discovering the Queer Christ.

Robert E. Goss & Mona West (eds). Take Back the Word: A Queer Reading of the Bible. Cleveland, OH: Pilgrim Press, 2000.

Gerard Loughlin (ed). Queer Theology: Rethinking the Western Body. Malden, MA: Blackwell Publishing, 2007.

Judith Butler. Gender Trouble.

Justin Tanis. Trans-Gendered: Theology, Ministry, and Communities of Faith

Robert Goss. Queering Christ: Beyond Jesus ACTED UP.

Elizabeth Stuart. Gay and Lesbian Theologies: Repetitions with Critical Difference.

 

 

 

Course Summary:

Date Details Due