Author Type

Graduate Student

Date of Award

Spring 3-2-2026

Document Type

Dissertation

Publication Status

Version of Record

Submission Date

March 2026

Department

Comparative Studies Program

College Granting Degree

Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters

Department Granting Degree

Comparative Studies Program

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Thesis/Dissertation Advisor [Chair]

Jane Caputi

Abstract

This dissertation explores the potential of applying tarot as a pedagogical tool in connection with ecofeminist theories in order to assess if tarot can be a meaningful pedagogical modality to improve learner comprehension. The dissertation is guided by six research questions, explored in the introduction section, in order to examine how tarot embodies ecofeminist critiques of dualistic Western thought. In Chapter 1, the dissertation begins by providing a foundational understanding of ecofeminism, tarot, and pedagogy in order to provide key background information and assess the current conversations around ecofeminism, queer and nature-based tarot decks, and the basis of critical pedagogy. The dissertation then shifts to Chapter 2 which includes a comprehensive guidebook that explains and connects the 26 Rooted Wisdom Ecofeminist Tarot digital deck, to ecofeminist theories. Finally, Chapter 3 provides the results from nine one-on-one interviews utilizing the tarot deck in order to assess how participants understanding of ecofeminism shifted during the interview process.

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