Summer 2016/Pasadena

ST510

Watkins

ST510: INTRODUCTION TO BLACK THEOLOGY. Ralph C. Watkins.

DESCRIPTION: This course is designed to introduce students to the nature of theological study, developing a structure of divine revelation as fundamental to understanding how African Americans have developed a systematic theology in America. This course will trace the will trace the development of African American theology along with its African origins. This course will also bring Womanist thought and theology to the center of the discussion and understanding of African American/Black Theology.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Upon successful completion of this course, students will (1) create an appropriate assessment, analysis, and critique of a systematic African American/Womanist/Black theology; (2) understand the theological issues present in the African American community from their time of coming from Africa, up through slavery, Jim Crow, Civil Rights, and the present post-soul/hip hop nation; and (3) appreciate the importance of interpreting culture and how that affects one's theology and can and should inform priorities for ministry.

COURSE FORMAT: This is a hybrid course, meaning that it is a ten-week course with nine weeks of online instruction and one week of classroom instruction during week five of the quarter. The week of classroom instruction will include five hours daily of lecture and discussion. Classroom and online instruction will include lecture and discussion for a total of 40 instructional hours.

REQUIRED READING: 1,030 pages required.

Coleman, Will. Tribal Talk: Black Theology, Hermeneutics, and African/American Ways of Telling the Story. The Pennsylvania State University Press, 1999. ISBN: 978-0271019451. Pub. Price: $35.95. [210 pages]

Cone, James. The Cross and the Lynching Tree. Orbis Books, 2011. ISBN: 978-1626980051. Pub. Price: $24.00. [200 pages]

Douglas, Kelly Brown. What's Faith Got to Do with It? Black Bodies/Christian Souls. Orbis Books, 2005. ISBN: 978-1570756092. Pub. Price: $27.00. [252 pages]

Copeland, M. Shawn. Enfleshing Freedom: Body, Race, and Being. Fortress Press, 2009. ISBN: 978-0800662745. Pub. Price: $24.00. [176 pages]

West, Cornel. Prophecy Deliverance: An Afro-American Revolutionary Christianity. Westminster John Knox, 2002. ISBN: 978-0664223434. Pub. Price: $27.00. [192 pages]

REQUIRED VIEWING (DVDs):

The Middle Passage (HBO video, 2003) Amazon price: $14.99.

Roots (Seven Disc 30th Anniversary Edition) (Warner Bros., 1977) Amazon price: $25.14.

Eyes on the Prize: America’s Civil Rights Years 1954-1965 (Blackside, 1986) Amazon price: $23.79.

ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT:

1. 1,030 pages of required reading and 14 videos/documentaries of required viewing (25%). [This assignment is related to learning outcomes 1,2 &3]. [51 hours reading, 17 hours viewing].

2. Students will be assigned two reflection papers throughout the term. The papers will be evaluated on the basis of depth of theological insight, appropriateness to the practice and goals of Christian ministry, and evidence of critical reflection upon the assigned readings and course content. Students will have to evidence that they can develop and critique the canon that is referred to as a systematic African American/Womanist/Black theology (25% each, 50% total). [This assignment is related to learning outcome 3]. [20 hours].

3. Class time [25 hours]. 250-word weekly post [10 hours]. 250-word weekly replies [10 hours]. Live chats and workshops [25 hours]. (25%) [This assignment is related to learning outcome 1,2 & 3].

PREREQUISITES: None.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Option to meet the TH4 requirement in the 120 MDiv and 80 MAT Programs (Fall 2015). Meets requirement for African American Church Studies emphasis.

FINAL EXAMINATION: None.