Fuller Online

FS529: Summer 2008

Judy & Jack Balswick

THIS ECD IS FOR SUMMER 2008 QUARTER ONLY!

If you are viewing this after July 2008 it serves as a SAMPLE ONLY

FS529:MINISTRY ISSUES IN GENDER & HUMAN SEXUALITY (4 units)

Judy Balswick, SeniorProfessor of Marital and Family Therapy, and

Jack Balswick, SeniorProfessor of Sociology and Family Development

DESCRIPTION: Thiscourse will deal with the spiritual, psychological, sociological, andphysiological aspects of gender and human sexuality.  The focus will be on specific issues relevantto persons in Christian ministry.

 

cOURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES:By the endof the course students should (1) demonstrate an integrated theological andpsycho-socio-cultural understanding of gender and human sexuality, (2) be able to articulate and put inpractice basic principles of authentic sexual relationships, (3) have an understandingof the development of femininity and masculinity, (4) be able toidentify sexual struggles and sexual abuses that occur in our world today, and(5) be able to demonstrate the ability to provide effective preventative and ortransformational services to individuals, couples, families, the church and thewider community in the area of gender and sexuality.   Graduates will be equipped to with insightsfrom Christian theology regarding their understanding of masculinity andfemininity, and the relationship between genders.

 

RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: Every person inministry will benefit from having a solid integrated theological andpsycho-socio-cultural understanding of gender and human sexuality. There are avariety of issues that come up in the context of ministry whether this is inthe church, mission field or secular community. This course will equip students with a capacity to embrace God's goodgift of gender and sex as they minister to others.

 

COURSE FORMAT: The course will beconducted on the Internet using a 10-week lesson program aligned with Fuller’sacademic calendar. Lectures for each lesson will be available online.  Students and instructors will interact withthe material weekly through homework assignments and threaded discussions.

 

REQUIRED READING:

·          Balswick,Judith K. & Jack O. (2008). AuthenticHuman Sexuality: An Integrated Christian Approach. 2nd Ed. Downers Grove, IL:InterVarsity Press.

·          Balswick, Jack (1992). Men at the Crossroads: Beyond Traditional Roles and Modern Options. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.

·          Bilezikian, Gilbert (2006). Beyond Sex Roles: What the Bible Says about a Women’s Place in Churchand Family. Grand Rapids Il: Baker Academics.

RECOMMENDED:

·          Barton,Ruth Haley (1998). Equal to the Task: Men & Women in Partnership. Downers Grove: IV Press.

·          Carnes, Patrick (1991). Don’t call it love:  Recovery from sexual addiction. NY: DellBantam Books.

·          Grenz, Stanley(1997) Sexual Ethics: An EvangelicalPerspective.  Louisville,KY: WestminsterJohn Knox

·          Grenz, Stanley & Roy Bell (1995) Betrayal of Trust: Sexual Misconduct in thePastorate, Downers Grove, IL: IV Press.

·          Hsu, Albert (1997) Singlesat the Crossroads: A Fresh Perspective on Christian Singleness. Downers Grove, IL:IV Press.

·          McMinn, Lisa Graham (2004) Sexuality and HolyLonging:  Embracing Intimacy in a BrokenWorld, San Francisco, CA: Jossey Bass.

·          Miles,Carrie (2006). Redemption of Love:Rescuing Marriage and Sexuality from the Economics of a Fallen World. Grand Rapids:

Brazo Press.

·          Penner, Clifford and Joyce (1981) The Gift ofSex:  A Guide to Sexual Fulfillment. Waco. TX:  Word Books.

·          Pierce,Ronald, Rebecca Groothuis & Gordon Fee. (2005). Discovering Biblical Equality: Complementarity Without Hierarchy.InterVarsity Press.

 

ASSIGNMENTS:

1.        Weekly threaded discussions (30%) and journaling exercises, (10%),and two Web research assignments (5%)

2.        A midterm exam (10%). Exam questions will consist of case studiesin which students will analyze and reflect upon hypothetical issues regardinggender, sexuality, and ministry. 

3.        Four 2-page papers analyzing influences on students' views ongender and sexuality (20%).

4.        A 10-page final project (25%). The final project will consist of developing apractical ministry program on any aspect of gender or sexuality suitable for achurch or community setting.  Examples ofproject topics include: sex and singleness; gender issues in ministry; sexualfulfillment in marriage; gender and interpersonal relationships; dating afterdivorce; infidelity; and Internet addictions.

 

PREREQUISITES: None.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: This course will NOTmeet the core requirements of the MAFS and MSMFT programs; Note it is ONLYavailable to SOP students not on Pasadena campus; Ministry Focus Elective forMA in Global Leadership program.

FINAL EXAMINATION: None.                                                                                                                     

Updated April 2008