DESCRIPTION: Beginning with a brief introduction of the religion of slaves, the class will survey the influence African-American women and men have had and now have upon African-American spirituality. Attention will be given to sermons, songs, prayers, poetry, novels, and theology that emanate from the souls of Black people. The themes of call, conversion, commitment, connectedness, community, and communion will be explored in the context of African-American spirituality.

SIGNIFICANCE FOR LIFE AND MINISTRY: The relevance of the course for ministry is that each student will be challenged to harmonize the professional and technical skills of ministry with a lifestyle of piety, prayer, and spiritual discipline.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: The student will display a mastery of the historical tradition and the theological movements within African American Spirituality. The student will show the ability to integrate within the practice of his/her own spirituality the insight that has been gleaned from the course.

COURSE FORMAT: The course will meet daily for four hours for two weeks. The basic format will include lectures, discussion of the texts and the required readings, and student presentations of their research. A field trip to The West Angeles Church of God in Christ or another approved church will be required of all students.

REQUIRED READING:

The Bible in a modern translation.

Hopkins, Dwight. Shoes That Fit Our Feet: Sources for a Constructive Black Theology. Orbis, 1993. ISBN 0-88344-848-3

McMickle, Marvin A. The Audacity of Faith: Christian Leaders Reflect on the Election of Barack Obama. Valley Forge, PA: Judson Press, 2009. ISBN 978-0-8170-1554-1

Stewart, Carlyle Fielding, III. Black Spirituality and Black Consciousness. Krenton, NJ, Africa World Press, Inc., 1999. ISBN 0-86543-663-0

________. Soul Survivors: An African American Spirituality. Westminster John Knox, 1997.

Thurman, Howard. Jesus and the Disinherited. Beacon Press, 1976. ISBN 978-0-8070-1029-7

Washington, James Melvin. Conversations with God. Harper Collins, 1994.

Smith, J. Alfred, Sr. Falling in Love with God. Chicago: Urban Ministries, Inc., 1997.

________. No Other Help I Know. Judson Press, 1996.

________. On the Jericho Road: A Memoir of Racial Justice, Social Action & Prophetic Ministry. InterVarsity Press, 2004.

________. Speak Until Justice Wakes: Prophetic Reflections from J. Alfred Smith, Sr. Judson, 2006.

1. Class attendance.

2. Completion of reading assignments (worth 15 points).

3. Completion of field trip evaluation (worth 10 points).

4. Completion of take-home examination due on Monday of the second week (worth 25 points).

5. Completion of a fifteen-page reflection paper that utilizes the insights gleaned from texts, required and recommended readings, field trips, class discussions, and the interaction with the instructor. The paper should also address the goals of the course (worth 50 points). Due September 15, 2009.