Fuller Online
MT501: Fall 2012
Dyrness
MT501: DOING THEOLOGY IN GLOBAL CONTEXTS (4 units). William A. Dyrness.
DESCRIPTION:
- This course provides a basic introduction to theological reflection
as this has developed in various places and is currently emerging in multiple
contexts. The goal is to provide the background and terminology necessary for
students to begin exploring theology as an expanding conversation about the
meaning of Scripture and the Christian life that extends itself through history
and around the world.
SIGNIFICANCE FOR LIFE AND MINISTRY:
- This course provides the student with the opportunity to reflect on
fundamental issues of the Christian faith and the witness of the Church in a
variety of cultural contexts. The readings and assignments are designed to
facilitate this kind of reflection from the point of view of a biblical and
dynamic pastoral activity in multiple cultural, ecclesial, and theological
contexts.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
- At the end of the course students will (1) recognize the basic
terminology and structure of Christian theology; (2) be acquainted with a range
of cultural and contextual matters that have shaped ecumenical debate; (3) be
familiar with an influential Christian thinker or document in the history of
the Church; and (4) begin to develop their own theology in critical dialogue
with various views.
COURSE FORMAT: Conducted online, the ten weekly lessons align with Fuller's
academic calendar. The course involves reading, writing, orientation to
resources, and interactive discussion. Each week students and the instructor
will interact with the material through journaling, threaded discussions, and
web-based research.
REQUIRED READING: If you have previously read any of the required texts, please
select an alternative text from the recommended reading list or a book approved
by the instructor.
- Dyrness, W. A., and V.-M. Kärkkäinen, eds. Dictionary
of Global Theology. InterVarsity Press, 2008. ISBN: 978-0-8308-2454-0, New
$50, used $30.00, Kindle $28.00.
- McGrath, Alister. Christian Theology. 5th ed. Oxford: Blackwell,
2011. ISBN: 978-1-4443-3514-9, New $31:50, used $30.00.
- Course Reader of texts by Oduyoye, Augustine, Anselm, Beltran, Wan, and
Wright.
- Additional 400 pages selected from a bibliography of global theological
books and journal articles provide in the course reader.
RECOMMENDED READING:
- Kärkkäinen, V.-M. The Trinity in Global Perspectives.
Westminster Press, 2007. ISBN: 9780664428903, $39.95.
- Rieger, Joerg. Christ and Empire: From Paul to Postcolonial Times.
Fortress, 2007. ISBN: 9780800620387, $22.00.
- See the course syllabus for additional recommended texts.
ASSIGNMENTS:
- Students each week will post a 200-word response to the week's reading, due
by Tuesday of each week (25% of the grade).
- A midterm quiz due on Friday of week five (20%).
- A theological biography of the faith of a Christian layperson or pastor
from an ethnic tradition other than one's own, due the end of week 8 (20%).
- One 10-12 page project/paper dealing with a major theological theme in a
tradition (or traditions) from some part of the non-Western world
(35%).
PREREQUISITES: None.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Meets Seminary Core Requirement (SCR) for MATM,
MACL, MAICS, and MAFS degrees (beginning Winter 2010); meets core competency
for (pre 2010) MACCS degree.
FINAL EXAM: None.
This ECD is a reliable guide to the course design but is subject to modification. (July 2012)