Abstract

First, this thesis acknowledges that Jesus Christ is the central figure in the plan of salvation, and that the principal doctrine in the young women's curriculum should detail the Lord's atoning sacrifice (see Helaman 5:12). Second, it emphasizes the importance of God's law of witnesses (see Duet 19:15, Matt 18:16, 2 Cor 13:1, D&C 6:28). Third, it discusses the principles of edification within the young women's learning environment. Fourth, it explains the need to focus curriculum on universal and unchanging doctrine. The doctrine is the most crucial component in measuring the young women curriculum according to the latest standards offered by the Church Curriculum Department, the Seminaries and Institutes of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saint (S&I) and the Young Women Department. Brief histories of how these organizations developed their tools justify their use in this thesis. Finally, I share how the research was conducted and report findings. All of these sections are to aid the reader's vision of the lessons contained in the curriculum designed for young women in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This thesis emphasizes lessons rooted in universal and unchanging doctrine in order for young women to formulate timeless and true principles. These principles, if lived, will then allow the young women to obtain testimonies that assist them in safely navigating their course in the spiritually treacherous environment spoken of in scripture (see 2 Tim 3:1). This thesis recognizes the family as the primary focus of gospel instruction, accentuating how the Young Women Department is support to the family. The General Young Women leaders exemplify the virtues requisite in today's faithful young women of the Church, and is it essential to follow their lead in curriculum updates. This thesis is meant to present timeless principles, historical witnesses of these principles (including an abbreviated doctrinal history used in the early organization), an analysis of young women curriculum in an effort to provide the Young Women organization information useful in further developing curriculum that requires minimal updating. In addition, I will offer a simple suggestion to assist in the development of a curriculum proposal which would have the enabling power to successfully teach a world-wide audience of young women.

Degree

MA

College and Department

Religious Education; Church History and Doctrine

Rights

http://lib.byu.edu/about/copyright/

Date Submitted

2009-03-14

Document Type

Thesis

Handle

http://hdl.lib.byu.edu/1877/etd2834

Keywords

Young Women, curriculum, historical analysis, doctrinal analysis, LDS, women's education

Language

English

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