Fairfield University to host conference on Jesuit and feminist teaching | Press Releases

On Oct. 27-29, Fairfield University will host the first national conference on the intersections of Jesuit and feminist teaching.

It is entitled, "Jesuit and Feminist Education: Transformative Discourses for Teaching & Learning Conference," and faculty from several Jesuit universities will be in attendance.

The conference will explore how gender can help educators gain better insight into the complexities of multicultural education contexts. By reflecting on the shared perspectives and inherent differences between Jesuit and feminist ways of understanding the world, organizers Jocelyn Boryczka, Ph. D., assistant professor of politics, and Elizabeth Petrino, Ph. D., associate professor of English, want to begin a dialogue about Jesuit and feminist education that will enliven and impact campuses for years to come.

Among the topics explored will be "the role gender plays in Jesuit education," and "how can diversity become a more fundamental part of Jesuit education." Other panel topics include "Sexual Orientation, Ignatian Pedagogy, and Feminism," "Foreign-Educated Women Faculty," and "Campus Ministry and Women's Studies Programs." There also will be an open forum on academic freedom. The forum aims to engage participants in a vibrant discussion about how hot button issues such as "The Vagina Monologues" and same sex marriage are addressed on Jesuit campuses.

Dr. Boryczka said that the issue of implementing diversity on Jesuit campuses is a crucial one to explore, and will complement the goal of University President Rev. Jeffrey P. von Arx, S.J. to make Fairfield a more diverse campus. "We do imagine a terrific dialogue. It puts Fairfield at the forefront of this dialogue on Jesuit campuses."

Dr. Petrino said that it's key that opinions are voiced openly by male and female students, faculty and staff. "Fairfield University is concerned with what unites us. We're very interested in exploring how our differences might yield a creative tension that will allow us to work together more productively."

The keynote speaker is Dr. M. Shawn Copeland, associate professor of systemic theology at Boston College. She is recognized as an important voice in bringing attention to African-American Catholic issues. Her academic research and publications include the areas of theological and philosophical anthropology, political theology, and embodiment, with special attention to gender and race.

Dr. Boryczka said, "We felt that Dr. Copeland would bring a unique perspective and be key to setting the right tone about engagement and dialogue. This conference is not about conflict. It's all about a Jesuit university taking on sometimes controversial issues in a positive way."

Dr. Petrino added, "We find it of utmost importance that this be an interactive conference in which all participants and audience members can respond openly to these issues."

Sponsors include The Humanities Institute of Fairfield University, The Office of the President, The Office of the Academic Vice President, the Program in Catholic Studies, the Program in Women's Studies, and the Center for Academic Excellence. The conference is funded by a Fairfield University Humanities Institute grant award.