Winter 2012/Pasadena
SP500
Tiersma Watson

SP500: SPIRITUAL TRADITIONS AND PRACTICES. Jude Tiersma Watson.


DESCRIPTION: Spiritual practices emerge out of spiritual traditions which, in turn, often emerge from the life and experience of spiritual pioneers. In this course we will explore the lives of eight spiritual pioneers (Patrick of Ireland, Francis (and Clare) of Assisi, Julian of Norwich, Ignatius of Loyola, Kagawa of Japan, Archbishop Romero, Mother Teresa, and Desmond Tutu) and the spiritual traditions they founded (or influenced). Within each tradition a spiritual practice will be examined (and often experienced) with an eye to its use in contemporary society. In addition, these traditions will be set in conversation with contemporary spiritual traditions from the worldwide church. All this will be set in the context of the broad sweep of the history and theology of Christian spirituality.

SIGNIFICANCE FOR LIFE AND MINISTRY: Interest in spirituality is growing both in the church and outside the church. This course will not only explore the nature of spirituality, but will also seek to assist students to engage in various spiritual practices and disciplines designed to foster the way of love.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: The student will

  1. understand the life, ministry, and spiritual practices of eight spiritual pioneers in the context of a broad understanding of the history and theology of Christian spirituality;

  2. explore and experience various spiritual disciplines and practices from these traditions;

  3. develop a deeper understanding of one particular school of spirituality;

  4. develop skills that enable the student to lead others in the practices of Christian spirituality.

COURSE FORMAT: A mixture of lecture, discussion, small groups, media, case studies, and interactive dialogue. The class will meet Tuesday evenings for a three hour session. In addition, participation in a spiritual retreat at the Mater Dolorosa retreat center in Sierra Madre on Friday, February 3, 9:00am-3:00pm, is required. There will be an additional charge of $25 for the retreat, which will be charged to the student's account at the time you register. (If students cannot make the retreat, they can arrange their own six-hour retreat.)

REQUIRED READING: Students are required to read 1000 pages from the books listed below, plus a course e-reader, plus materials drawn from a particular spiritual tradition for the final project.
Chan, Simon. Spiritual Theology: A Systematic Study of the Christian Life. InterVarsity Press, 1998. 239 pages. ISBN: 978-0830815425. Pub.Price $23.00.

Maas, Robin, and Gabriel O'Donnell. Spiritual Traditions for the Contemporary Church. Abingdon, 1990. 459 pages. ISBN: 978-0687392339. Pub.Price $33.00.

Martin, James, SJ. The Jesuit Guide to (Almost) Everything. Harper Collins, 2010. 397 pages, ISBN 978-0-06-143268-2. $26.99.

Scorgie, Glen, ed. Dictionary of Christian Spirituality. Zondervan, 2011, 850 pages. ISBN 978-0-310-29066-7. $39.99.

ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT:
  1. Regular attendance and participation in all aspects of the course including active involvement in a small group (10%)

  2. Attendance at a six-hour retreat plus reflection paper (10%)

  3. Research paper on a particular spiritual tradition and its implications for the global church (10 pages) (40%)

  4. Personal engagement in weekly spiritual exercises with journal reflections (includes an urban contemplative exercise) (20%)

  5. Reading (20%)

PREREQUISITES: None.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Meets program requirement for MAT, MATM, MACL, MAIS (2010); meets the following MA spirituality requirements: FSP, SP2, or SPIR.

This ECD is a reliable guide to the course design but is subject to modification. (October 2011)