Summer 2020/Online

HT504

Sumner

HT504: MODERN THEOLOGY IN A GLOBAL CONTEXT (4 Units: 160 hours). Darren Sumner.

DESCRIPTION: HT504 is a survey of systematic and philosophical theology that focuses especially on the articulation of Christian doctrine in the modern world. The course reflects the historic Christian church’s development of eschatology in its dialogue with its opponents and with its cultural context, including the current global diversity and plurality. It also considers recent constructive theologies, including theologies of liberation, public theology, and contextual theology. Related topics and themes to be addressed may include the development and articulation of the Christian doctrine of the four last things (death, judgment, heaven, and hell), the intermediate state, so-called “contextual” theologies, and the place of theology in contemporary public life; the relation of Christian theology to other religious traditions may also be included in this consideration.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students who complete HT504 will demonstrate: (1) a basic critical theological knowledge of the conceptual and normative dimensions of Christian eschatology, and of recent constructive theologies (e.g. theologies of liberation, public theology, and contextual theology); (2) a basic competence in interpreting historic and contemporary perorations of these doctrines and an ability to evaluate these theological issues and their historical and contemporary development; and (3) a critical and sympathetic appreciation for the breadth, unity, and diversity of the Christian church.

COURSE FORMAT: This course will be conducted online on a ten-week schedule aligned with Fuller’s academic calendar for a total of 40 instructional hours. Students are required to interact with the material, with each other, and with the instructor regularly through online discussions, reading, and other assignments that promote active learning.

REQUIRED READING: Approximately 1,050 pages in total.

Bloesch, Donald G. The Last Things. InterVarsity Press, 2005. ISBN: 978-0830827572, Pub. Price $32.00. Available as an e-book from the Fuller Library [200 pp. assigned].

Busch, Eberhard. The Barmen Theses Then and Now. Wm. B. Eerdmans, 2010. ISBN: 978-0802866172, Pub. Price $16.00 [115 pp. assigned].

Plantinga, Richard J., Thomas R. Thompson, Matthew D. Lundberg. An Introduction to Christian Theology. Cambridge University Press, 2010. ISBN: 978-0521690379, Pub. Price $37.99 [155 pp. assigned].

Wilson, John E. Introduction to Modern Theology: Trajectories in the German Tradition. Westminster John Knox, 2007. ISBN: 978-0664228620, Pub. Price $35.00 [200 pp. assigned].

Other selected readings to be made available weekly via e-Reserves, including selections from D. Bonhoeffer, D. Bosch, J. K. Carter, J. Cone, L. Feuerbach, G. Gutiérrez, S. McFague, J. Moltmann, L. Newbigin, R. R. Ruether, and others [approximately 380 pp. assigned].

ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT:

1. Online instruction through video lectures. [10 hours].
2. Class participation and discussion in the form of weekly, directed forum posts. (15%). [This requirement is related to learning outcomes #1, 2, and 3]. [25 hours].
3. Approximately 1,050 pages of required reading [70 hours] and two 1,000-word critical response essays integrating course reading with the work of Christian ministry [12 hours]. (30%). [This assignment is related to learning outcomes #1, 2, and 3]. [82 hours total].
4. A video presentation on a significant figure in modern theology. (15%). [This requirement is related to learning outcomes #1 and #3]. [10 hours of Directed Learning Activity].
5. A 10-page research paper on a topic chosen in consultation with the instructor (35%), following a research topic statement, outline, and annotated bibliography (5%). [This assignment is related to learning outcome #2]. [33 hours].

PREREQUISITES: None.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Option to meet the TH3 or TH4 requirement in the 120 MDiv Program and the 80 MAT Program (Fall 2015). Option to meet the TH3 requirement in the MATM Program (Fall 2015). Meets STC in the 144 MDiv Program.

FINAL EXAMINATION: None.

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. Copyright 2019 Fuller Theological Seminary.