Announcing the New Women's Studies in Religion Program at the Graduate Theological Union

The Program for Women's Studies in Religion affirms the Graduate Theological Union's long-standing commitment to women's studies in theology and religion. It builds upon the network of academic and community centers, as well as initiatives established by GTU member schools and affiliates, for the study and support of women in religion. The program recognizes the innovative work contributed by women faculty in theological and religious disciplines.

THE WSR PROGRAM HAS TWO FOCUSES:

I. The Women's Studies in Religion Certificate serves graduate students at the GTU and its member schools who are interested in an academic emphasis on women's studies in religion and/or theology

II. The Colloquium Series consists of workshops, forums, and conferences to support research and exchange in the study of women and religion.

Women's Studies in Religion Certificate

Requirements:

• Submit intent to enroll form.
  
• Successfully complete the 3.0 unit "WSR Seminar" (offered each fall semester beginning Sept. 2007), which provides disciplinary perspectives and critical theories important to the study of women in religion and theology.
• Successfully complete three additional 3.0 unit courses (total of 9.0 units) at the GTU or UC Berkeley in which the experiences of women, women-centered theologies, or feminist theories form a significant component. Two of these courses must also emphasize religious studies or theology. Special reading courses that cover these topics may also be counted toward the certificate. Course requirements should be tailored to the student's degree level.
• Participate in one colloquium series (offered each year).
• Submit requirements checklist.
  

The certificate program is designed so it is possible to complete the requirements in a single year; however, students are welcome to take longer to finish. Students must be enrolled at the GTU or a member school in order to start the certificate program, but may complete the requirements after they graduate.

Colloquium Series

Each year, WSR presents a Colloquium Series emphasizing issues around women in religion and highlighting significant recent scholarship in the field. The series will be open to the GTU, UC Berkeley, and the general public. Check the GTU calendar and announcements for current Colloquium information.

Fall 2008 Colloquia Possibilities:

• Tuesday, Sep. 16th, 7:30pm, Film and Discussion Series, Persepolis, at SKSM
• Tuesday, Sep. 30th, 5:30-7:30, Saving Paradise with Rita Nakashima Brock, Rebecca Parker and panelists at the PSR Bade
• Tuesday, Oct. 28, 6:00pm, Film and Discussion Series, Poverty Outlaw, at SKSM
• Tuesday, Nov. 18th, 6:00pm, Film and Discussion Series, Boys Don't Cry, at SKSM
• Thursday, Dec. 4th, 6:00pm, Film and Discussion Series, The Education of Shelby Knox, at SKSM

• Tuesday, Sep. 2, 7:30, "An Evening of Functional Wisdom" with Vandan Shiva, First Congregational Church, Berkeley
• Thursday, Sep. 11, 7:30, Film and Discussion at UCB, Making Trouble, 1414 Walnut Street, Berkeley, CA
• Tuesday, Sep. 30, 4:00, Trnh Minh-ha "Colorlust: The Other's Bones, Flesh, and Blood" lecture, UCB, 190 Barrows, Berkeley, CA
• Monday, Oct. 20, Rosemary Radford Ruether "Ecofeminism, Globalization, and World Religions," location TBA, GTU
• Nov. 2-4 Wisdom's Urgent Cry: A Faith and Feminism/Womanism/Mujerista Conference, SF, see www.herchurch.org
  

History

The GTU has a rich history of programs, activities, and initiatives on women and religion. For more than 33 years, a Center for Women and Religion existed to serve as a vital social, academic, and spiritual resource for students, staff, faculty, and the wider community. The new Program for Women's Studies in Religion will continue to advance the GTU's commitment to women's studies in religion and theology, building upon our rich diversity of voices, experiences, academic disciplines, and faith traditions.

The WSR program consists of the Certificate in Women's Studies in Religion and a Colloquium Series open to wider communities. These offerings arise from the collaborative effort of a group of women faculty at the GTU, in consultation with students, consortial faculty, board members, and community leaders.

Expanding its network, the Program for Women's Studies in Religion is a member of the Gender Consortium at UC Berkeley and is recognized by its Department of Gender and Women's Studies' Designated Emphasis in Women, Gender, and Sexuality program.

For more information, or to enroll in the WSR certificate program, please contact wsr@ses.gtu.edu