Spring 2004/Pasadena
ST817/517
Augsburger

ST817/517: HUMAN NATURE AND DESTINY. David Augsburger.

DESCRIPTION:

: A seminar on human nature and destiny focusing on the assumptions of behavioral sciences, philosophical and sociological theories, and current theological issues. The course will include Biblical doctrine, theoretical, behavioral, clinical, and practical issues in theology, therapy, and education.

RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY:

: This course is central to correlative/integrative theological and psychological work in practical theology. Its focus will be on ministry in pastoral psychotherapy, counseling, and education.

COURSE FORMAT:

: The seminar will meet two hours each week for discussion, for presentations by all participants, for both exposition and experiencing of theory and praxis. The work of each student Is designed to fit their particular dissertation goals. The reading list that follows will be renegotiated to fit the goals of each student.

REQUIRED READING:

: Anderson, Ray. On Being Human. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1982.; Hefner, Phillip. The Human Factor. Minneapolis: Augsburg/Fortress, 1993.; Jewett, Paul. Man as Male and Female. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1975.; Moltmann, Jürgen. Man. Philadelphia: Fortress, 1974.; Myers, David G. The Human Puzzle. San Francisco: Harper & Row, 1978.; Niebuhr, Reinhold. The Nature and Destiny of Man. Vol. . 1 New York: Scribners, 1964.; Van Leeuwen, Mary Stewart. The Person in Psychology. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1985.

ASSIGNMENTS:

: Rigorous participation in the seminar presentations, experiences, and discussions. Three position papers, six pages each, summarizing, "My View of Human Nature," including (1) psychological perspective, (2) theological stance, and (3) integrative constructions, are required of all students in addition to class presentations on their major areas of research which will be the final class paper/project.

PREREQUISITES:

: This seminar is designed for Th.M. and Ph.D students in the areas of Pastoral Theology. It is open to doctoral students in other specializations and to M.A. or M.Div. students who have completed at least three courses in pastoral care or counseling. Permission of instructor required for master's level students.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM:

: This seminar is a basic unit in the practical theology Ph.D. and is available as an elective to other students.

FINAL EXAMINATION: