This course explores the lives of women in ancient times through their religious beliefs and rituals, many of which have survived to the present day. It examines the close association of religion with fertility and reveals that religion was often the means by which women could realize their talents and express their deepest needs, in addition to acquiring some measure of power and status in the ancient world. In the Ancient Middle East, women were considered to be more sensitive to the spiritual world but at the same time more vulnerable to evil spirits; a belief which lingers subconsciously in the Christian debates over women priests. Magic, mystery, and tragedy are interwoven in these stories of women from the Neolithic to the 1st century of the Common Era.

This is a Discussion Group course, if you aren’t already part of a group please see ‘Getting Started’ below.  

Independent Study Discussion Courses are for study by groups without a tutor, so there is no need to write reports. These courses were written by tutors who have now since retired from the Discussion Group Program. Some courses were written a number of years ago, and therefore contain references to events which are now more historical than current, however, all are entertaining, well-produced and worthwhile.

COURSE INFORMATION

Course Author: Susanne Glover

Course Code: D199

Supplied Material: Course Booklet

Units & Pricing: 6 units / $48 per person

GETTING STARTED

Start your Group: Anyone can start a Discussion Group – seek out some like-minded friends or put up a notice in your local library, bookshop or workplace. Please note a minimum of 6 people is required to start a new discussion group.

Arrange the Meetings: New groups need to decide where and when to meet, and for how long – whatever best suits members' particular situations.

Run your Group: Choose a secretary to liaise with WEA and your tutor, a Discussion Leader to chair meetings, a reporter to take discussion notes to send to your tutor, and maybe a librarian to look after the books.

Start the Course: Contact WEA Sydney to enrol. Bookings can be made for one year, divided into two terms – Term 1 commences in February, Term 2 in July (Groups may make forward bookings for popular choices). Please indicate in what order your Group wishes to study the courses, if more than one course is booked.