Spring 2014/Pasadena

TC521

Garcia-Johnson/Font

TC521: TEOLOGÍA Y LITERATURA HISPANOAMERICANA (4 Units). Oscar Garcia-Johnson and Eduardo Font.

DESCRIPTION: This course explores the historical, cultural, religious, and political relationship between theology and literature, from a global Latino/a perspective and based on a selective group of literary works from Spain, Latin America, and the United States.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Upon successful completion of this course, students will have demonstrated: 1) an increased knowledge of Western and indigenous literary traditions as experienced in the Americas; 2) critical thinking skills by acquiring a better understanding of how Christianity and literature have influenced each other and how both correctly or incorrectly have shaped the perspective and significance of human existence in the particular context of the American continent; 3) abilities to analyze and critique intellectual theories and current events which are transforming culture and proposing new theological approaches to life and ministry, assisted by literary critical theory and theological hermeneutics.

COURSE FORMAT: The class will meet once a week for three hours for ten weeks. A typical session will involve: a critical analysis of the assigned readings and lectures on specific issues related how literature has influenced theological perspectives and religious life in the context of the Americas. In addition, students will work in cohorts with forum discussions on Moodle in preparation for the weekly sessions. Classes will occasionally use panels with guest speakers and video clips.

COURSE FORMAT: 1300 total number of pages required

Carpentier, Alejo. Los pasos perdidos. Lectorum Publications, 2002. ISBN: 978-9707320024, Pub. Price $13.90 [200 pp.]

García Márquez, Gabriel. Cien años de soledad. Edición Jacques Joset, 17th ed. Ediciones Cátedra, 2005. ISBN: 978-8437604947, Pub Price $19.99 [250 pp.]

Gutiérrez, Gustavo. Teología de la Liberación. 18th ed., Sígueme, 2009. ISBN: 978-8430104826, Pub Price € 20.00 [200 pp.]

Paz, Octavio. El laberinto de la soledad. Penguin, 1997. ISBN: 978-0140258837, Pub. Price $17.00 [200 pp.]

Roa Bastos, Augusto. Hijo de hombre. Debolsillo, 2008. ISBN: 978-9708103480, Pub. Price $14.00 [200 pp.]

Sábato, Ernesto. El Tunel. Planeta, 2003. ISBN: 978-8432216428, Pub. Price $11.95 [150 pp.]

Unamuno, Miguel de. San Manuel Bueno, Mártir. 4th ed. Edaf, 2001. ISBN: 978-8441402812, Pub. Price not available [50 pp.]. ***OUT OF PRINT.

eReader with selected theological and philosophical articles [50 pp.]

ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT:

1. Attendance and participation [10%]
2. Weekly threaded discussions and assignments that interact with the reading materials [40%]
3. Mid-term: An oral presentation based on a five-page critique of one of the novels in the bibliography [20%].
4. A research essay that addresses a particular theme in Latin American/Latino literature that has influenced theological perspectives and can be didactic to the practice of Christian ministry. [2,500-3,500 words] [30%].

PREREQUISITES: Spanish.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Meets the interdisciplinary course requirement for the MACL in Integrative Studies (IDPL); the theology and art requirement for the MA in Theology (Theology and Arts format); and specialized requirements for the MA in Worship, Theology, and the Arts, and for the MDiv Concentration in Worship, Theology, and the Arts.

FINAL EXAMINATION: None.