Fall 2013/Fuller Online
TC500
Drane
TC500: THEOLOGY AND CULTURE. John Drane.
DESCRIPTION: This online course in practical theology is an introduction to aspects of contemporary culture and the challenges and opportunities it presents for effective Christian ministry and mission.
SIGNIFICANCE FOR LIFE AND MINISTRY: Christians need to know how to contextualize the Gospel in new circumstances while remaining faithful to the inherited tradition. This course offers theological reflection on that task, together with practical tools for doing it.
LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students will (1) understand the nature of cultural change in Western societies; (2) reflect on methodological issues raised by various Christian attitudes to culture; (3) develop appropriate apologetic tools for contextualizing faith in postmodern culture; (4) develop skills in practical theology method incorporating sociological analysis of the culture with biblical and theological resources to facilitate personal discernment in a way that will enhance discipleship and ministry skills.
COURSE FORMAT: This course will be conducted online on 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 on a weekly basis through online discussions, reading, and other assignments that promote active learning. Each student will also complete a final project for the course.
REQUIRED READING:
Anderson, Ray S. An Emergent Theology of Emerging Churches. InterVarsity Press, 2006. ISBN: 978-0830833917, Pub. Price $17.00 [236 pp.].
Carter, Craig A. Rethinking Christ & Culture: A Post-Christendom Perspective. Brazos, 2006. ISBN: 978-1587431593, Pub. Price $22.00 [220 pp.].
Detweiler, Craig, and Barry Taylor. A Matrix of Meanings. Baker Academic, 2003. ISBN 978-0801024177, Pub. Price $28.00 [351 pp.].
Drane, John. The McDonaldization of the Church. Smyth & Helwys, 2001. ISBN: 978-1573123747, Pub. Price $22.00 [203 pp.].
Lynch, Gordon. Understanding Theology and Popular Culture. Routledge, 2005. ISBN: 978-1405117487, Pub. Price $36.95 [236 pp.].
Murray, Stuart. Church after Christendom. Herald Press. ISBN: 978-1842272923, Pub. Price not available [235 pp.]. ***OUT OF PRINT.
RECOMMENDED READING: Additional reading for particular topics will be prescribed in the course syllabus online
ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT:
Participation in weekly forums, consisting of an initial post of 300-400 words on the question set for that topic, followed by substantial comments on and interactions with at least two other classmates’ posts (a minimum of 250 words each). (30% of final grade) [7-8 hours reading and working on other course material each week; 2-3 hours posting/interacting each week]
Two 1000 word book reviews. (20% of final grade) [6-8 hours writing]
A project on an aspect of contemporary culture to be chosen by the student and given advance approval in writing by the professor. This may be in any medium (written – approx 3750 words or its equivalent in visual, dramatic, or digital media) but must demonstrate understanding of and skills in a practical theology methodology. (50% of final grade) [25-30 hours preparing and writing]
PREREQUISITES: None.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Meets MDiv core requirement in General Ministry/ Spirituality (MIN1). Required course for the MA in Theology (2007 Theology and Arts format). Meets the MACL in Integrative Studies requirement for an interdisciplinary course (IDPL); meets the culture (CULT) requirement in Cultural Literacy for MA programs; may meet requirements in the MDiv and MA Concentration in Worship, Theology, and the Arts.
FINAL EXAMINATION: None.