Chabot College
Fall 2001
Replaced Fall 2010
Course Outline for General Studies 31
WOMEN'S SPIRITUALITY: AN EXAMINATION OF ANCIENT AND EMERGING TRADITIONS
Catalog Description:
31 – Women's Spirituality: An Examination of Ancient and Emerging Traditions
3 units
A cross-cultural look at the women's spirituality movement in the U.S. and abroad. Examination of
reformist aspects of this movement as they impact religions such as Christianity, Islam, Judaism,
Buddhism and/or Hinduism. Also focus on the reclamation of pre-Christian and indigenous spiritual
systems of Europe and the Americas. Explores text, ritual, music, and film. Strongly recommended:
Eligibility for English 1A. 3 hours.
[Typical contact hours: 52.5]
Prerequisite Skills:
None
Expected Outcomes for Students:
Upon completion of the course the student should be able to:
1. demonstrate familiarity with the expressed perspectives of the various writers and artists;
2. express an understanding of the considered works in relation to cultural and religious
perspectives in historical and societal contexts;
3. compare the different approaches and trends the studied philosophers, theologists, and
artists represent;
4. analyze the diversity of these approaches, acknowledging their plurality and identifying
common themes and concerns;
5. respond to the issues while identifying personal experiences and belief systems.
Course Content:
1. Perspectives on traditions in women’s spirituality
2. Critiques of established spiritual systems
3. New philosophical and theological perspectives
4. Theoretical framework for analyzing gender and plurality in spiritual systems
5. Examination of the intersections of culture, philosophy, belief systems, and personal
experiences
Methods of Presentation:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Lecture
Discussion
Group work
Student presentations
Multimedia
Guest presentations
Chabot College
Course Outline for General Studies 31, Page 2
Fall 2001
Assignments and Methods of Evaluating Student Progress:
1. Typical Assignments
a. Write a researched essay on the evolution of women’s role in a particular spiritual tradition,
focus on particular aspects of change as well as on the cause(s) and effect(s) of change
b. Using film, video, text, music, and/or dance, present to the class an aspect of the way(s) in
which women from one or several traditions practice ritual, identifying the meaning(s) inherent
in its symbolism
2. Methods of Evaluating Student Progress
b. Journal
c. Participation in discussions and group work
d. An essay final exam
e. An oral presentation, either individually or as part of a group
Textbook(s) (Typical):
Standing Again at Sinai, Judith Plaskow, Harper San Francisco, 1991
The Politics of Women's Spirituality, Charlene Spretnak, ed., Anchor Press, 1982
Blood, Bread, and Roses, Judy Grahn, Beacon Press, 1993
At the Root of this Longing, Carol Lee Flinders, Harper San Francisco,1997
Women in Praise of the Sacred, Jane Hirshfield, Harper Collins, 1994
Special Student Materials:
None
dk 5/29/16
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