Spring 2014/Houston

SP500

Huffman

SP500: SPIRITUAL TRADITIONS AND PRACTICES (4 units). Kristin M. Huffman

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 from the contemplative tradition (Patrick of Ireland, Benedict of Nursia, Hildegard of Bingen, Francis of Assisi, Clare of Assisi, Julian of Norwich, Ignatius of Loyola, and Frances DeSales) 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 the postmodern church. In addition, these traditions will be put 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.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Upon successful completion of this course, the students will have demonstrated: (1) An understanding of 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) Evidence of an exploration and experience of 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: This is a hybrid class, combining online learning with one week of face-to-face class time. The online class will include a mixture of written assignments, forums and chats, online small group discussions, reading, media, journal entries, and personal practice of spiritual practices. During the one-week of face-to-face class time in Houston, there will be lecture, discussion, small groups, presentations, interactive dialogue, and engagement in spiritual practices. In addition, participation in a one-day (minimum) spiritual retreat is required sometime during the quarter (guidelines will be in the syllabus).

REQUIRED READING: Students are required to read 1200 pages from the following texts (as assigned) plus materials drawn from a particular spiritual tradition (reading lists included in the syllabus).

Chan, Simon. Spiritual Theology: A Systematic Study of the Christian Life. InterVarsity Press, 1998. ISBN: 978-0830815425, Pub. Price $24.00 [239 pp.]

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

Sittser, Gerald L. Sittser and Eugene H. Peterson. Water from a Deep Well: Christian Spirituality from Early Martyrs to Modern Missionaries. InterVarsity Press, 2010. ISBN: 978-0830837458, Pub. Price $22.00 [364 pp.]

RECOMMENDED READING:

Collins, Kenneth, ed. Exploring Christian Spirituality: An Ecumenical Reader. Baker, 2000. ISBN: 978-0801022333, Pub. Price $34.00 [400 pp.]

Foster, Richard. Celebration of Discipline: The Path To Spiritual Growth. HarperSanFrancisco, 2002. ISBN: 978-0060628390, Pub. Price $25.99 [228 pp.]

Holder, Arthur, ed. Christian Spirituality: The Classics. London: Routledge, 2009. ISBN: 978-0415776028, Pub. Price $29.00 [392 pp.]

McGrath, Alister. Christian Spirituality: An Introduction. Wiley-Blackwell, 1999. ISBN: 978-0631212812, Pub. Price $45.90 [224 pp.]

Willard, Dallas. Spirit of the Disciplines: Understanding How God Changes Lives. New York: HarperCollins, 1988. ISBN: 978-0060694425, Pub. Price $15.99 [288 pp.]

ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT: 138 structured hours total

  1. Full attendance at the one week, face-to-face class in Houston (20 hours) [15% of grade] [This assignment is related to learning outcomes #1, #2, and #4].
  2. 1200 pages of reading (48 hours) [10% of grade] [This is related to learning outcomes #1 and#3].
  3. Personal engagement in weekly spiritual exercises with journal reflections (10 for quarter, 2 hours each, total 20 hours) plus participation in a Silent Retreat (min. 6 hours, plus 2 hour journal reflection, total 8 hours). [total 28 hours, 20% of grade] [This is related to learning outcome #2].
  4. Weekly interaction with the online lecture/assignment, weekly posts (250-400 words) reflecting on the assigned reading and weekly response to classmate’s post (150-200 words), and preparation and delivery of presentation to class (either online or face to face) on a contemporary expression of spirituality. [total 30 hours, 30% of grade] [This is related to learning outcomes #1, #2, and #4].
  5. Research paper (12 pages) on a particular spiritual tradition and its implications for the postmodern church (12 hours) [25% of grade] [This is related to learning outcome #3].

PREREQUISITES: None.

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


NOTE: This ECD is a reliable guide to the course design but is subject to modification. Textbook prices are set by publishers and are subject to change.