Thia CooperFaculty
Professor Cooper teaches in the area of Religion, Culture, and Society. Her teaching and research interests include liberation theologies, feminist theologies, queer theologies, theology and development, non-western Christianities, and religion in Latin America, particularly Brazil.
Her recent publications include: Queer and Indecent: An Introduction to the Theology of Marcella Althaus-Reid (2021, SCM Press), A Theology of International Development (2020, Routledge), and A Christian Guide to Liberating Desire, Sex, Partnership, Work and Reproduction (2018, Palgrave). She regularly publishes and speaks on a variety of areas within liberation theology. At Gustavus since 2005.
Thia is serving as Interim Vice President for DEIB Strategy & Planning, 2024-2025. She is also the First Term Seminar Director and the Faculty Senate Representative on the Faculty Compensation Commission.
To make an appointment with Thia related to DEIB, please email Deb Swanberg: dswanber@gac.edu. For all other areas, please email Thia directly: tcooper@gac.edu.
Education
A.B. Brown University, 1996; MSc School of Oriental and African Studies, London, 1997; M.Th. & Ph.D. University of Edinburgh, Scotland, 1999 & 2005
Areas of Expertise
liberationist theologies, feminist theologies, queer theologies, and non-western Christianities
Courses Taught
| Synonym | Title | Times Taught | Terms Taught |
|---|---|---|---|
| REL-123 | Faith, Religion, and Culture | 16 | 2022/SP, 2014/SP, 2013/SP, 2010/FA, 2010/SP, 2008/FA, 2007/FA, 2007/SP, 2006/FA, 2006/SP, and 2005/FA |
| REL-273 | Latin Amer Rel and Pol | 8 | 2019/FA, 2018/SP, 2015/SP, 2013/SP, 2011/SP, 2009/SP, 2008/SP, and 2007/SP |
| REL-383 | Liberation Struggles | 7 | 2024/SP, 2022/SP, 2020/SP, 2018/SP, 2016/SP, 2014/SP, and 2010/SP |
| FTS-100 | FTS:Why Multi Matters | 7 | 2022/FA, 2020/FA, 2016/FA, 2014/FA, 2009/FA, 2007/FA, and 2006/FA |
| REL-399 | Senior Thesis | 7 | 2020/SP, 2017/SP, 2016/SP, 2013/SP, 2012/FA, 2011/SP, and 2009/SP |
| REL-200 | Sources and Methods | 6 | 2023/SP, 2022/SP, 2021/SP, 2019/FA, 2016/FA, and 2015/FA |
| NDL-210 | Community Action | 6 | 2015/JN, 2013/JN, 2011/JN, 2010/JN, 2009/JN, and 2008/JN |
| GWS-260 | Global Feminisms | 5 | 2021/SP, 2020/SP, 2017/FA, 2015/FA, and 2013/FA |
| REL-244 | ST:Global Christians | 4 | 2018/SP, 2008/FA, 2007/FA, and 2006/SP |
| REL-393 | Sex/Race/Money/God | 3 | 2025/SP, 2023/SP, and 2020/FA |
| LAS-399 | LALACS Senior Capstone | 3 | 2020/SP, 2015/SP, and 2014/SP |
| REL-299 | Sources and Methods | 3 | 2014/FA, 2011/SP, and 2010/FA |
| REL-344 | ST:Sex, Race, Money | 3 | 2014/FA, 2012/FA, and 2008/SP |
| REL-212 | Christian Theologies | 2 | 2023/FA and 2022/FA |
| REL-293 | God and Globalization | 2 | 2013/FA and 2009/FA |
| GWS-393 | Sex/Race/Money/God | 1 | 2025/SP |
| REL-391 | IS:Christianity Hlth W Africa | 1 | 2023/FA |
| PCS-211 | Introduction to Peace Studies | 1 | 2021/SP |
| REL-237 | Global Christianities | 1 | 2021/JN |
| NDL-244 | ST:Global/Local | 1 | 2011/SP |