Big Questions: Human Sexuality (BS9040L)

Postgraduate, 12.0 points

Content

In this unit students will consider how the Scriptures of Old and New Testaments represent living traditions rather than mere inert texts and continue to inform issues in the world. In particular, this unit will explore how Christian communities, including Lutheran communities, have understood and used the Scriptures to inform questions of human sexuality and how a biblical meta-narrative with Christ at its centre can still inform a response to contemporary issues arising from these questions.

Unit code: BS9040L

Unit status: Approved (Major revision)

Points: 12.0

Unit level: Postgraduate Elective

Unit discipline: Biblical Studies

Delivery Mode: Online

Proposing College: Australian Lutheran College

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Learning outcomes

1.

Interpret biblical texts in the light of a Christ-focused biblical meta-narrative
2.

Critically analyse biblical texts relating to human sexuality in the light of their cultural, historical, literary, social and religious contexts
3.

Apply a range of relevant methodological approaches to the interpretation of biblical texts relating to human sexuality
4.

Critically engage with contemporary issues in human sexuality from an informed perspective

Pedagogy

This unit uses teaching strategies (eg engagement with online learning materials, including audio/video, tasks, forums, and synchronous and asynchronous discussion with lecturer) which encourage student engagement and participation in a variety of learning tasks and opportunities which foster deep learning.

Indicative Bibliography

No required textbook. Key readings supplied in META Unit resources.

  • Anderson, Cheryl. Ancient laws and contemporary controversies: the need for inclusive interpretation. Oxford University Press, 2009.
  • Cornwall, Susannah. Intersex, theology and the Bible: troubling bodies in church, text and society. New York: Palgrave, Macmillan, 2015.
  • DeFranza, Megan K. Sex Difference in Christian Theology. Male, Female, and Intersex in the Image of God. Grand Rapids, MI: Wm Eerdmans, 2015.
  • Hiestand, Gerald L., and Wilson, Todd, eds. Beauty, Order, and Mystery : A Christian Vision of Human Sexuality. Westmont: InterVarsity Press, 2017.
  • Hirsch, Debra. Redeeming Sex : Naked Conversations About Sexuality and Spirituality. Forge Partnership Books. Downers Grove, IL: IVP Books, 2015.
  • Hornsby, Teresa J. and Amy-Jill Levine. Sex Texts from the Bible: Selections Annotated and Explained. Woodstock: Skylight, 2007.
  • Loader, William. Making Sense of Sex: Attitudes Towards Sexuality in Early Jewish and Christian Literature. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Wm B. Eerdmans, 2013.
  • Martin, Dale B. Sex and the single Saviour: gender and sexuality in biblical interpretation. Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press, 2006.
  • Thatcher, Adrian, ed. The Oxford Handbook of Theology, Sexuality, and Gender. Oxford, UK: University Press, 2015.
  • Yarhouse, Mark A., and Erica S. N. Tan. Sexuality and Sex Therapy : A Comprehensive Christian Appraisal. Christian Association for Psychological Studies Books. Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic, 2014.

Assessment

Type Description Word count Weight (%)
Forum

Students respond to unit content; submit responses to questions; articulate their position on topics; identify questions that remain unanswered or limitations and disagreements or counter-arguments.

 1500 33.0
Essay

An essay that reflects a critical and informed perspective on the historical, theological, social, and pastoral dimensions of human sexuality explored in the unit

 2500 67.0
Approvals

Unit approved for the University of Divinity by Prof Albert Haddad on 24 Aug, 2022

Unit record last updated: 2022-08-24 15:05:58 +1000