Queer Theology (CT9001P)

Postgraduate, 24.0 points

Content

This unit will explore queer theology as it has emerged from queer theory, LGBTIQ justice struggles, and faith development and practice. It will acquaint students with the history and challenges of the term ‘queer’, and introduce the multiplicity of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, and queer Christian theologies that have emerged in recent decades. It will seek to analyse and critique theological loci and motifs of Christian theology, including the queering of scripture and hermeneutics and key theological doctrines. Exploring intersectional approaches, including postcolonial perspectives, queer art, action and contemporary reflection, participants will be enabled to assess critically the value and possibilities of queer theology for faith and society today.

Unit code: CT9001P

Unit status: Approved (New unit)

Points: 24.0

Unit level: Postgraduate Elective

Unit discipline: Systematic Theology

Delivery Mode: Intensive

Proposing College: Pilgrim Theological College

Show when this unit is running

Learning outcomes

1.

critically evaluate queer theory as it relates to religious, especially Christian studies
2.

assess critically the history of queer identities and formulations within religious studies
3.

apply reflective understanding to theological discussion, both oral and written, about queer theological texts
4.

develop a critical analysis of contemporary issues surrounding queer identities and religion

5.

articulate a developed expression of the value and possibilities of queer theology to others

Unit sequence

24 points in Christian Theology and 24 points in Biblical Studies

Pedagogy

Lectures; on-line seminars

Indicative Bibliography

  1. Althaus-Reid, Marcella. The Queer God. New York, NY: Routledge, 2003.
  2. Cheng, Patrick S. Radical Love. NY: Seabury. 2011

  3. Cheng, Patrick S. Rainbow Theology: Bridging Race, Sexuality, and Spirit. NY: Seabury, 2013.

  4. Cornwall, Susannah. Controversies in Queer Theology. London, UK: SCM Press, 2011.
  5. Greenough, Chris. Queer Theologies: The Basics (New York: Routledge 2019)
  6. Lightsey, Pamela R. Our Lives Matter: A Womanist Queer Theology. Eugene, OR: Pickwick, 2015.
  7. Loughlin, Gerard (ed). Queer Theology: Rethinking the Western Body. Blackwell Publishing, 2007.
  8. Tanis, Justin. Trans-Gendered: Theology, Ministry, and Communities of Faith. Pilgrim Press, 2003
  9. Tonstad, Linn. Queer Theology: Beyond Apologetics Cascade, 2018
  10. Deryn Guest, Robert E. Goss, Mona West & Thomas Bohache (eds.), The Queer Bible Commentary. London: SCM Press, 2015

Assessment

Type Description Word count Weight (%)
Essay - Essay

Essay critically analysing the nature of queer theology

 1000 20.0
Essay - Analysing a queer text/artwork/event

Presentation analysing theologically a queer text, artwork or event, which is also submitted in writing (2000 words)

 2000 30.0
Essay - Essay

Essay critically exploring a significant feature of queer theology

 4000 50.0
Approvals

Unit approved for the University of Divinity by Maggie Kappelhoff on 17 Sep, 2021

Unit record last updated: 2021-09-17 13:01:41 +1000