Taught By:
Naomi Washington-Leapheart
Adjunct Faculty
Theology/Religious Studies and Peace and Justice
Villanova University/Eastern University
Read profile here, here, and here.
Motivation to Teach Social Action:
I'm interested in connecting with other faculty who are teaching social action. I'd like to understand how they make the course meaningful given the time constraints of a 14-week semester.
Course Description:
In movement-building work, to agitate is to hold individuals and institutions accountable to our highest values and noblest aspirations. How can we agitate Christian theologies, re-reading the Jesus tradition for communal liberation? How can Christian theologies agitate society, supporting public action for social and political change? The phrase “faith-rooted” describes a style of organizing and action work that is shaped and guided in every way by faith principles and practices. In this course, through readings, lectures, case studies, guest speakers, and written reflections, and a group project, we will explore faith-rooted community organizing as a response to social injustice, throughout history and today. In particular, we’ll examine how students and people of color, grounded in faith, have mobilized successful campaigns to redistribute power and resources to those who have been denied access. Students will ultimately use their analysis of Christian theologies and faith-rooted frameworks, methods, practices, and outcomes to participate in local organizing here at Villanova.
