Women and the Church
Understand the present, reread history, and build new possibilities for participation.
An interdisciplinary pathway to explore the contemporary reality of women and their relationship with the Church, culture, and society through historical, anthropological, and ecclesiological perspectives.
Why choose this course
Understanding the relationship between women, the Church, and society
The cultural, social, and religious transformations of recent decades have opened new questions about women’s identity, experience, and participation in society and in the life of the Church.
The course offers tools for analyzing these changes without reducing them to ideological or oversimplified interpretations. Through dialogue between history, anthropology, culture, and ecclesiology, the pathway helps students understand contemporary tensions, recognize opportunities for participation, and develop critical, humanistic, and dialogical reflection.
Theoretical study is connected to real cases, experiences, and contexts, transforming acquired understanding into discernment and proposals applicable in educational, pastoral, ecclesial, and social settings.
Who is it for?
This pathway is for you if…
You are a teacher, educator, or trainer and want to integrate historical, anthropological, and ecclesial perspectives into your work
You are involved in pastoral ministry and want to explore the role and participation of women in the Church
You work in social projects, accompaniment, communication, or cultural promotion and want to better understand contemporary transformations
You are interested in philosophy, anthropology, theology, history, social sciences, or religious studies and are looking for an interdisciplinary pathway.
Course program
A pathway structured into five modules
The program progressively moves from analysis of contemporary reality to historical contextualization, anthropological reflection, and ecclesiological understanding, culminating in the development of concrete proposals. Each module lasts five weeks and corresponds to approximately 25 hours of learning activities.
Methodology
A progressive, independent, and supported pathway
The course is delivered entirely online across five five-week modules, separated by one administrative week. Each week, students devote approximately 5–7 hours to video lessons, guided readings, study of selected materials, and analysis and application activities.
Each unit follows a clear structure: introduction to the topic, learning objective, exploration of resources, critical questions, contextual application, and a brief assessment with feedback. Activities may include forums, interpretation exercises, short essays, and learning journals. Some modules may include live sessions in the form of masterclasses or meetings to clarify questions and explore the content in greater depth.
Students progress independently but receive feedback from the instructor or through automated activities. Each unit includes a brief demonstration of learning, and each module concludes with an integrative activity.
Faculty
Prof.ª Anita Cadavid
Director, ISSD APRA
Certification and academic value
Complete the pathway and earn the corresponding credits
After completing the modules and passing the assessment activities, you will receive the official document provided by the course, with the corresponding ECTS credits awarded. The total learning workload is calculated on the basis of approximately 25 hours per ECTS credit, including classes, individual study, learning activities, and assessments.
Enrollment
Take part in the dialogue on women, the Church, and society
Explore the historical, cultural, and ecclesial processes that have shaped women’s experience and acquire tools to interpret today’s challenges with a critical, humanistic, and dialogical perspective. A pathway for turning reflection into discernment, participation, and concrete proposals.
