DESCRIPTION: The class will study how the values of African American spirituality have inspired the spiritual and freedom aspirations of persons around the globe. The course will address the emphasis of African American spirituality upon nonviolence, social justice, and spiritual harmony with God, humankind, and the natural environment. Students will survey the songs, prayers, poetry, novels, and theology that emanate from the souls of Black people.

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. Pub.price $11.97.

Stewart, Carlyle Fielding, III. Black Spirituality and Black Consciousness. Krenton, NJ, Africa World Press, Inc., 1999. ISBN: 0-86543-663-0. Pub.price $14.28.

Thurman, Howard. Jesus and the Disinherited. Beacon Press, 1976. ISBN 978-0-8070-1029-7. Pub.price $15.00.

Townes, Emile. A Troubling in My Soul. Orbis, 1997. ISBN: 0883447835. Pub. Price $15.99.

Washington, James Melvin. Conversations with God. Harper Collins, 1994. ISBN: 0-06-017161-8. Pub.price $15.99.

Smith, J. Alfred, Sr. On the Jericho Road: A Memoir of Racial Justice, Social Action & Prophetic Ministry, InterVarsity Press, 2004. ISBN: 0-8308-3200-9. Pub.price $15.00. (Please order this book from Allen Temple Baptist Church, 8501 International Blvd., Oakland, CA 94621 - The publisher has no books in stock.)

Smith, J. Alfred, Sr. Speak Until Justice Wakes: Prophetic Reflections from J. Alfred Smith, Sr. Judson, 2006. ISBN: 0-8170-1501-9. Pub.price $11.00.

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 August 29, 2011.