Fall 2020/Online Live

HT503

Taylor

HT503: THE CHURCH’S UNDERSTANDING OF CHURCH, HUMANITY, AND CHRISTIAN LIFE IN ITS THEOLOGICAL REFLECTION (4 Units: 160 hours). W. David O. Taylor.

DESCRIPTION: HT503 is a survey of systematic and philosophical theology that focuses especially on revelation and scripture; creation and providence; theological anthropology (human identity and nature, the image of God, the fall, sin, and evil), soteriology (the election, calling, justification, regeneration, and sanctification of the Christian), and ecclesiology (the ministry and mission of the church). The course reflects the historic Christian church's development of these doctrines in dialogue with its opponents and with its cultural context. Related topics and themes to be addressed may include the development and articulation of the inspiration and authority of scripture, God's work in creation, human persons in relation to God, and the place of the church in the purposes of God.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students who complete HT503 will demonstrate: (1) a basic critical theological knowledge of the conceptual and normative dimensions of the doctrines of revelation, creation and providence, anthropology, soteriology, and ecclesiology as those and other selected doctrines emerged in the early church and developed to this day; (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’sacademic calendar for a total of 40 instructional hours. Students are required to attend the scheduled class times via videoconference each week (see schedule and note for specifications). Students are also 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: 1,100 total pages required

Gunton, Colin, ed. The Cambridge Companion to Christian Doctrine. Cambridge University Press, 1997. ISBN: 978-0521476959, Pub. Price $36.99. Available as an e-book from the Fuller Library. [Selections - 100 pgs.]

Felker-Jones, Beth. Practicing Christian Doctrine: An Introduction to Thinking and Living Theologically. Baker Academic, 2014. ISBN: 978-0801049330, Pub. Price $24.99. Available as an e-book from the Fuller Library. [Selections - 150 pgs.]

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. [325 pgs.]

Essays and primary texts by historical and contemporary theologians on key topics of the course: selections include Kathryn Tanner, Irenaeus, Christine McSpadden, Origen, Esau McCaulley, Diana Butler, Cyril of Jerusalem, Sally McFague, John Calvin, Simon Chan, Joel Green, Serene Jones, John Webster, Stanley Grenz, Philip Blowers, Ellen Charry, among others. [525 pgs.]

ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT:

  1. 1,200 pages of required reading. The quality and extent of readings will be assessed in the form of two short quizzes and two critical reflections. [This assignment is related to learning outcome #1] [73 hours]
  2. Watching recorded video lectures [This requirement is related to learning outcomes #1 and 3]. [10 hours].
  3. Class attendance via videoconference. [This requirement is related to learning outcomes #1 and 3]. [20 hours].
  4. Two “take home” quizzes which test the mastery of basic terms and ideas. (30%) [This assignment is related to learning outcome #3]. [2 hours]
  5. Two 1,000-word critical response essays, based on readings of key texts. The reflections must also show evidence of relevant sections of readings and lectures. (30%). [This assignment is related to learning outcome #3] [24 hours].
  6. A research essay on an assigned topic (2,500-3,000 words) (40%). [This assignment is related to learning outcome #2] [31 hours].

PREREQUISITES: None.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Option to meet the TH2 or TH4 requirement in the 120 MDiv and 80 MAT Programs (Fall 2015). Option to meet the TH2 requirement in the 80 MATM and 80 MAICS Programs (Fall 2015). Meets the STB requirement in the 144 MDiv Program.

FINAL EXAMINATION: None.

TECHNOLOGY REQUIREMENTS: To participate in an Online Live course, please make sure your computer and Internet specifications meet the requirements listed below. You may also contact the Office of Teaching and Learning to schedule a test run before the quarter begins.

Online-specific requirements:

Important Note: Students must have full administrator access to their computer. This means that students may not be able to use a company-provided computer as they often restrict some system operations necessary for online course work.

Computer Specifications:

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.