Fall 2007/Pasadena
PM856A/556
Branson
PM856A/B/PM556: PRACTICAL THEOLOGY METHODS. Mark Lau Branson.
DESCRIPTION: This is a required methods seminar for all PhD students in
Practical Theology; at the 800 level students register Fall and Winter (PM856A
and PM856B). This seminar is also offered to a limited number of master's level
students as approved by the professor (Fall only, PM556). The seminar will
introduce students to recent studies of practical theology with a focus on
ecclesiology and mission in a Western context. The hermeneutical implications
of a praxis-based theology of ministry will be considered in an integrative,
interdisciplinary manner, with attention to matters of leadership appropriate
to participation in God's mission in both the church and the world.
LEARNING OUTCOMES: Cognitive: conceptual work in contemporary practical
theology and the integration of ecclesiology, missiology, leadership, and
ministry. Skills: individual and corporate skills in hermeneutics and
theological reflection regarding texts and contexts. Conative: vision
for and commitment to theology in service of congregations as learning,
missional, spiritual communities of faith.
RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: Those who teach and practice Christian ministry need
clarity and competency concerning methods that connect theories and practices.
Such competencies include being able to draw on the interpretation texts
(biblical, historical, theoretical), engage the resources and challenges of
cultures, and develop habits of thoughtful and faithful praxis, including
teaching and leadership.
SEMINAR FORMAT: The seminar will meet for three hours weekly, for ten weeks;
web-based media and interaction; class times will include lectures, individual
and group exercises, reflective discussions of materials and experiences, and
student presentations.
REQUIRED READING: PhD and ThM students will read a minimum of 3500 pages, and
MA/MDiv students need to scan all text and read a minimum of 1500 pages
(including books indicated by +). The primary texts are indicated by *:
- *+Anderson, Ray. The Shape of Practical Theology.
InterVarsity Press, 2001.
- +Booth, Wayne et al. The Craft of Research. 2nd ed. University of
Chicago, 2003.
- Branson, Mark Lau. Memories, Hopes, and Conversations. Alban
Institute, 2004.
- *Browning, Don. A Fundamental Practical Theology. Fortress, 1991.
- *+Groome, Thomas. Sharing Faith. Wipf & Stock, 1999.
- Heifetz, Ronald, and Marty Linsky. Leadership on the Line. Harvard
Business School, 2002.
- *Heitink, Gerben. Practical Theology. Eerdmans, 1999.
- Roxburgh, Alan. The Sky Is Falling. ACI, 2005.
- Schreiter, Robert. Constructing Local Theologies. Orbis, 1985.
- Toulmin, Stephen. Cosmopolis. University of Chicago Press, 1990.
- Walsh, Brian, and Sylvia Keesmaat. Colossians Remixed. InterVarsity
Press, 2004.
- Papers posted on moodle.
ASSIGNMENTS: (1) Read assignments as scheduled plus approved material to meet
total page requirements; keep a reading log for submission; arrive ready to
discuss readings (PG856A/556). (2) Write a 2000-2500 word midterm paper;
review another student's work; re-edit and submit work (PG856A/556). (3) Select
a topic for additional reading, provide class presentation/discussion
integrating material with course texts (PG856A/556). (4) Complete a 800 word
review of a book selected from required readings, in conversation with a
primary text (PG856A/556). (5) PhD/ThM students write a 10,000 word paper
(PG856B); MA/MDiv students write a 5000 word paper (PG556); Students will be
able to select from a variety of topics in the area of practical theology as
well as develop papers related to major dissertation research and writing.
PREREQUISITES: Master's level students must have completed a minimum of 48
quarter units of course work and have permission of the professor.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Elective; required for CATS Practical Theology
students.
FINAL EXAMINATION: None.
This ECD is a reliable guide to the course design but is subject to modification. (7/07)