Marriage, Sex, & Family in Historical Perspective

This course will trace major historical shifts in cultural understandings of gender, sexuality, marriage, and the family from the time of the early church to the present day. Together, we will explore how Christian belief and practice have shaped these categories over time, and how Christians have engaged with culture over these issues at different moments in time.

By design, the course will offer a broad-ranging historical overview, enabling students to explore key changes in cultural perceptions of gender, sexuality, marriage, and the family alongside economic, political, philosophical, legislative, social, and technological changes (including key developments such as changing practices around childbirth and parenting, the evolution of scientific discourses, and the emergence of feminism, individualism, and the modern state). In providing a thematic historical framework, this course aims to equip students with deeper insight into present-day debates surrounding issues such as sexual identity, gender fluidity, and same-sex marriage, and to offer a repertoire of language for sensitive missional engagement with these themes in the postmodern context both inside and outside the church.

Special Note: Assignments for this course will be marked by a qualified grader.