Online Sexting: Sex in Sacred Texts

Catalog description

Taught by PSR. ONLINE: At the intersection of sex and sacred texts we often think of prohibitions, rules and regulations, and narratives of the origins of humanity. Yet, sacred texts offer a much expansive engagement with sexuality if we consider more broadly the ways in which sexuality operates in these writings. Using a literary approach, this course engages discourse about sexuality and writings that use the imagery of sexual expression in sacred texts of Judaism, Christianity and Islam, alongside extra-canonical and theological texts, as well as the texts of other religious and spiritual traditions, with a focus on the mystical and poetic. Focusing on deep engagement with a few texts, we will explore them as sources for liberating and complex sexual theologies beyond legalistic discourse. Grading will be based on a variety of written and creative projects, including tweets, blog posts, artistic expressions, and regular contributions to the course discussions on the class Moodle site. Designed for students in the Certificate in Sexuality and Religion, fulfilling the Area A requirement. Students in all degree and certificate programs are welcome.