Monash University Handbook 2011 Postgraduate - Unit

Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.

Notes

Synopsis

This unit explores the interplay of religion and sexuality in monotheist traditions (particularly Judaism, Christianity and Islam) and its representation from comparative and historical perspectives. It examines attitudes towards sexuality and the role of sex in a selective rather than comprehensive way. It looks at religious attitudes to sexual acts, reflections about sexuality and the Divine as well as the place of sexuality in religious practice. It also examines attitudes to the body as the site of sexuality and the way that religious texts act both to enshrine and to challenge patriarchal ideas about sexuality. It also addresses religious contributions to contemporary sexual ethics.

Objectives

Upon successful completion of this unit students will:

1. Have a general understanding of the main issues involved in the interrelationship between sexuality, gender and religion
2. Have an understanding of the role and representation of sex in Judaism, Christianity and Islam and its changing nature through history
3. Be able to identify the impact of the religious traditions on the discourse of contemporary sexuality and sexual practice
4. Have the capacity to articulate their interpretations of different reading materials- primary and secondary materials in English- and to be able to argue their merits or otherwise
5. Have an understanding of the religious contribution to discussions of sexual ethics
6. Level 5 students will have a more sophisticated understanding of the theoretical issues they encounter in their reading and a greater ability to situate their research essays within an appropriate conceptual framework.

Assessment

Written work (9,000 words): 100%

Contact hours

One 2.5-hour seminar per week

Prohibitions

ATS4344 and APG5344