Religions and gender [ LTHEO2430 ]

At the end of this activity, the student will be able - to explain the notion of gender, its origin, evolution and pertinence; - to understand what is at stake in this notion in the fields of anthropology, ethics, history, society and religion; - particularly, to understand and analyse the impact of gender on religions and of religions on gender.

The elements of evaluation are the regular and active participation, the writing of a short essay (maximum 5 pages on a subject that can be chosen among the topics of the course) and an oral exam.

There will be lectures and also important interactive moments based on texts that have to be read by all participants.

2014-2015
Who is afraid of gender studies? Anxieties and controversies in the world of religions
Religions are not indifferent in view of the existence of gender studies. The attacks on the 'ideology of gender' have been multiplied and contribute to a climate of distrust and polemics. What is the reason for such an excitement? The course proposes a structured introduction to the aspects of sex and gender in religious traditions (particularly the three monotheisms) and tries to understand why these anthropological dimensions are considered as essential in the different theological systems. It will also be shown how gender studies deal with the controversial religious topics.

Selected texts will be available on iCampus.