Summer 2013/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, 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: Class will meet online two hours per week in the 6 weeks leading up to the seminar, which will meet for two weeks daily for three-hour sessions as well as a retreat Friday August 9 (see schedule note for further information). Lectures, class discussion, media, small groups, spiritual practices and the retreat will make up the class time.
REQUIRED READING: Students are required to read a total of 1400 pages, including a course e-reader, 500 pages from these sources:
Chan, Simon. Spiritual Theology: A Systematic Study of the Christian Life. InterVarsity Press, 1998. ISBN: 978-0830815425, Pub. Price $23.00 [239 pp. assigned].
Forter, Richard. Streams of Living Water: Celebrating the Great Traditions of the Christian Faith. HarperOne, 2001. ISBN: 978-0060628222, Pub. Price $15.00 [400 pp. assigned].
Maas, Robin, and Gabriel O’Donnell. Spiritual Traditions for the Contemporary Church. Abingdon, 1990. ISBN: 978-0687392339, Pub. Price $33.00 [459 pp. assigned].
Sheldrake, Philip. Spirituality: A Brief History. 2nd ed. Wiley-Blackwell, 2013. ISBN: 978-1118472354, Pub. Price $32.95 [250 pp. assigned].
Course reader, on eReserves, required.
300 pages from a specific spiritual tradition––for example (more will be posted on Moodle):
Martin, James, SJ. The Jesuit Guide to (Almost) Everything. Harper Collins, 2010. ISBN 978-0061432682. Pub. Price $26.99.
300 pages from global/majority world sources––for example (more will be posted on Moodle):
Tutu, Desmond. No Future Without Forgiveness. Image Books, 2000. ISBN: 978-0385496902, Pub. Price $15.95.
ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT:
Regular attendance and participation in all aspects of the course including active involvement in a small group (10%)
Attendance at a six-hour retreat plus reflection paper (10%)
Research paper on a particular spiritual tradition and its implications for the global church (10 pages) (40%)
Personal engagement in weekly spiritual exercises (online) with journal reflections (includes an urban contemplative exercise) (20%)
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.
FINAL EXAMINATION: None.