Spring 2013/Fuller Online
MT501
Segura
MT501: DOING THEOLOGY IN GLOBAL CONTEXTS. Osias Segura-Guzman.
DESCRIPTION: This course provides a basic introduction to theological reflection as this has developed in various places and is currently emerging in a global context. 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.
LEARNING OUTCOMES: By the end of this course, students will have demonstrated (1) a recognition of the basic terminology and structure of Christian theology; (2) an acquaintance with a range of cultural and contextual matters that have shaped ecumenical, global, and cultural diversity in Christians’ understanding of theology; (3) familiarity with an influential Christian thinker or document in the history of the church; (4) a foundational ability to develop one’s own theology in critical dialogue with various views.
COURSE FORMAT: This course will be conducted online using a ten-week schedule aligned with Fuller’s academic calendar. 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: 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 faculty.
Dyrness, William and Veli-Matti Kärkkäinen, eds. Global Dictionary of Theology. InterVarsity Press, 2008. ISBN: 978-0830824540, Pub.price $50.00 [996 pp.].
McGrath, Alister. Christian Theology. 5th ed. Blackwell, 2011. ISBN: 978-1444335149, Pub.price $49.95 [400 pp.].
Kwok, Pui-lan. Hope Abundant: Third World and Indigenous Women's Theology. Orbis Books, 2010. ISBN: 978-1570758805, Pub.price $25.00 [134 pp.].
Bevans, Stephen B. An Introduction to Theology in Global Perspective. Maryknoll, NY: Orbis Books, 2009. ISBN: 978-1570758522, Pub.price $30.00 [384 pp.].
ASSIGNMENTS:
Weekly homework based on Bevan’s or McGrath’s books (15%)
Weekly Forums discussion (15%)
Interview of the faith of a woman pastor or woman lay leader from a Christian congregation from an ethnic tradition other than one’s own, in 800 words (10%)
Three Written Responses to each section of Pui-lan Kwok edited volume, 1000 words each (30%)
A 2000-word Research/Reflection Paper on a global theological topic (30%)
PREREQUISITES: None.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Seminary core requirement (SCR) for MATM, MAICS, MAFS, MACL (effective Winter 2010).
FINAL EXAMINATION: None.