WGST 333 examines the evolution, fragmentation, and re-creation of spiritual traditions, myths, and stories associated with Goddess. The course explores the symbolic significance of female divinity and the impact of its loss on all aspects of Western culture. Through the study of ecofeminism, we reconnect with the sacredness and interconnectedness of all life. We reflect on our own journeys, we deepen our understanding of the environment, and we consider strategies for healing women and Earth.
Outline
Unit 1: Goddess and Her Mythologies
Unit 2: Upper Palaeolithic and Neolithic Goddess Mythology
Unit 3: Sumerian-Babylonian and Egyptian Goddess Mythology
Unit 4: Goddesses in Greek Mythology
Unit 5: Goddess Mythology in the Judeo-Christian Tradition
Unit 6: The Goddess Is Alive! Indigenous and Global Goddess Traditions
Unit 7: Goddess Mythology and Ecofeminism: All Is Alive
Unit 8: Ecofeminist Views of Women, Animals, and Nature Healing
Unit 9: Ecofeminism and Goddess Spirituality: Coming Home
Learning outcomes
After completing WGST 333, you should be able to:
Reclaim an ancient and powerful heritage of women’s spirituality centred on goddesses.
Examine the ways spirituality and its symbols have historically empowered or disempowered women
Explore the link between goddess mythology and the contemporary movement known as ecofeminism
See women as sacred, beautiful, and powerful.
Evaluation
To receive credit for WGST 333, you must obtain at least D (50 percent) on the telephone review and each of the three written assignments. The weighting of the composite grade is as follows:
Activity
Weight
Assignment 1 Telephone Review
15%
Assignment 2 Goddess Essay
30%
Assignment 3 Research Proposal for Final Essay on Ecofeminism
20%
Assignment 4 Essay on Ecofeminism
35%
Total
100%
To learn more about assignments and examinations, please refer to Athabasca University’s online Calendar.
Materials
Baring, A., & Cashford, J. (1993). The myth of the goddess: Evolution of an image. London, UK: Penguin. (Print)
Other Materials
All other materials are available online.
Challenge for credit
Overview
The challenge for credit process allows you to demonstrate that you have acquired a command of the general subject matter, knowledge, intellectual and/or other skills that would normally be found in a university-level course.
Full information about challenge for credit can be found in the Undergraduate Calendar.
Evaluation
The Challenge for Credit consists of 10 short essay responses. To receive credit, you must complete all 10 essays and achieve a grade of D (50 percent) or higher. Credit will be awarded as either a pass or a fail.
Athabasca University reserves the right to amend course outlines occasionally and without notice. Courses offered by other delivery methods may vary from their individualized study counterparts.