DESCRIPTION:

The course uses a theological/sociological approach designed to enhance the student's understanding of the complexities of doing ministry in the urban Hispanic/Latino context. Instructors will expose students to a variety of disciplines, such as urbanology, social psychology, missiology, and theology, in search of an integrative model of ministry in the city. The course involves doing theological reflections and designing practical ways of developing ministries geared towards effecting social transformation in the Hispanic/Latino communities.

The unmistakable realities characterizing the Hispanic/Latino community require an expression of ministry that responds to the demands of this community and empowers it to attain social transformation. Completion of the course should allow students to:

1. Have a foundational understanding of a ministry model for Latino/a communities in the urban setting.

2. Gain an understanding of how a variety of disciplines and Hispanic/Latino theologies interpret the Hispanic/Latino condition and make significant contributions toward social transformation and community development.

3. Gain exposure to Hispanic/Latino ministries that are being effective in the urban context of Los Angeles.

The course will meet once a week for three and a half hours of lecture and discussions.

A reader consisting of a series of articles and chapters from different books from the following authors: José Miguez Bonino, Robert Caves, Roberto Goizueta, Orlando Costas, Eldin Villafañe, Allan Figueroa Deck, David Avalos, Robert Linthicum, Ray Bakke, Stephen Clark, Carl S. Dudley, Edward H. Spicer, Maria Pilar Aquino, Daisy Machado and Jeanette Rodríguez, plus other mujerista theologians.

1. Initial paper on one's personal view of the city and prospective for urban ministry.

2. Reading assignments to be completed before each class.

3. A one-page reflection paper on the reading assignments due each week.

4. Keeping a personal journal that is to be submitted on the sixth and tenth week of classes.

5. Minimum of 10 hours of volunteer work that is reflected in the personal journal.

6. A paper following instructions given in class.

Spanish.

Meets M.Div. core requirement in Missions (MIN 8). Also meets requirement for M.Div. concentration in Multicultural Ministries (Hispanic Church Studies) and for M.A. in Multicultural Ministries (Hispanic Church Studies).

None.