معرفی
Thia Cooper is a Professor at Gustavus, affiliated with the departments of Religion, Peace Studies, Gender, Women and Sexuality Studies, and LALACS. Since joining the university in 2005, she has directed the First Term Seminar and Challenge Seminar programs, contributing to academic leadership and interdisciplinary education.
Education
- A.B. from Brown University (1996)
- MSc from the School of Oriental and African Studies, London (1997)
- M.Th. and Ph.D. from the University of Edinburgh, Scotland (1999 & 2005)
Research Interests
Professor Cooper specializes in liberationist theologies, feminist theologies, queer theologies, and theology and development. Her work explores non-Western Christianities, with a focus on religion in Latin America, particularly Brazil. She integrates critical social theory with theological inquiry to address issues of justice, gender, and globalization.
Publication Trends
Her publications center on liberation theology, queer theory, and international development. The themes emphasize decolonization, gender equity, and ethical frameworks in religious contexts. Recent works analyze intersections of theology with sexuality, race, and economic justice.
Advising & Leadership
As First Term Seminar and Challenge Seminar Director, she mentors students and shapes curricular initiatives. She has taught 16 courses on Faith, Religion, and Culture (REL-123) and advanced seminars like Liberation Struggles (REL-383) and Sex/Race/Money/God (REL-393).
