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2013/14 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

THEO3110 Gay and Lesbian Christian Theologies

20 creditsClass Size: 60

Module manager: Dr Kevin Ward
Email: trskw@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable

Year running 2013/14

This module is approved as an Elective

Module summary

The module will explore Christian attitudes to sexuality, specifically homosexuality, same sex desire and friendship. It will involve analysis of biblical material, social and ethical understandings, and theological reflection. Although the course will be primarily located within the discipline of Christian theology, Muslim and Jewish debates will also be included, and the course will have a worldwide scope.

Objectives

The module will explore Christian attitudes to sexuality, particularly homosexuality, through the use of biblical, theological, sociological and cultural approaches.

Learning outcomes
The module will inform participants about theological thinking in the field in historical context, and will aim to enable participants to make assessments about the differing, often conflicting, theologies and ethics on same sex relations within and beyond the Christian tradition.

Skills outcomes
- Theological reflection and debate
- Understanding of complex and contentious issues
- Ability to appreciate points of view differing from one's own


Syllabus

The module will explore Christian attitudes to sexuality. It will be specifically concerned with Christian theological reflection on homosexuality, same sex desire, and friendship. It will include analysis of biblical material, of social and ethical understandings of homosexuality within the Christian tradition and will examine the changing social constructions of same sex relations in modern western culture. The globalisation of arguments about homosexuality will be discussed with specific emphasis on non-western understandings of sexuality, both within Christianity and among other faith communities. Although this will be primarily a course within the discipline of Christian theology, Muslim and Jewish debates will also be included.
The module will utilise biblical, theological, sociological and cultural themes to examine the role of same sex relations in contemporary Christian theological thinking and in emerging patterns of Christian discipleship.
Artistic representation of homosexual relationships, for example, in poetry, novels, film and pictorial representation, both religious and secular, will be a part of the course.
Issues of sexuality are likely to involve deeply held personal, faith and ethical positions. The course does not assume any particular theological or ethical stance. Both conservatives and radicals will have the opportunity to explore their own convictions in an environment where all are respected.

Lectures
1. The theme of sexuality and its role in Christian theology
2. Cultural changes in understanding homosexuality: queer, gay, lesbian
3. Traditional Christian attitudes to homosexuality
4. Biblical themes + OT + contemporary Jewish attitudes
5. Biblical themes + NT
6. Further Biblical reflection
7. Methodological issues on the authority of biblical texts
8. Theological reflection
9. Homosexuality and church theology
10. The rise of gay and lesbian theologies
11. The Anglican Communion debates
12. Sexuality and human rights
13&14. Conservative reactions understandings of 'creation', 'natural law' and family values; 'post-gay': 'overcoming unwanted sexual attraction'.
15. Sexuality in an African context
16. Being gay in the Muslim world
17. Conclusion

Teaching methods

Delivery typeNumberLength hoursStudent hours
Lecture171.0017.00
Seminar51.005.00
Private study hours178.00
Total Contact hours22.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)200.00

Private study

- Book learning
- Websites
- Writing an essay

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Feedback on a draft essay
General monitoring of seminar discussion

Methods of assessment


Coursework
Assessment typeNotes% of formal assessment
Essay3,000 words60.00
Reflective logThroughout the module beginning in week 240.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)100.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 14/03/2014

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