Fall 2014/Fuller Online

SP508

Thacker

SP508: THE SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINES (4 Units: 160 Hours). Kimberly Thacker.

DESCRIPTION: With the renewal of interest in spiritual formation there has also been a new interest in the classic disciplines that promote spiritual growth. The aim of this course is to discuss spiritual disciplines in the context of the ancient understanding of the spiritual journey and in the light of various Christian spiritualities that have flourished down through the ages.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Upon the successful completion of the course, students will have; (1) developed an initial understanding of the nature of the spiritual journey and how the spiritual disciplines assist in our growth; (2) explored and experienced various spiritual disciplines and practices and been equipped with resources to continue learning; (3) developed a deeper understanding of one particular spiritual discipline, school of spirituality, or person who is a model of spirituality; (4) developed entry-level skills as a Minister of Spiritual Formation and resources for furthering understanding and practice; and (5) experienced a silent retreat.

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, which is outlined below in the assignment and assessment section. 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: approx. 1,300 pp. required.

Allen, Diogenes. Spiritual Theology. Cowley Publications, 1997. ISBN: 978-1561011308, Pub. Price $16.95 [160 pp.].

Chittister, Joan. Wisdom Distilled from the Daily: Living the Rule of St. Benedict Today. HarperCollins, 1991. ISBN: 978-0060613990, Pub. Price $13.99 [200 pp.].

Foster, Richard. Celebration of Discipline. Rev. ed. HarperOne, 1988. ISBN: 978-0060628390, Pub. Price $24.99 [200 pp.].

Peace, Richard. Contemplative Bible Reading. NavPress, 1998. ISBN: 978-1576831083, Pub. Price $9.99 [100 pp.].

__________. Meditative Prayer. NavPress, 1998. ISBN: 978-0891099018, Pub. Price $8.99 [100 pp.].

Sire, James. Learning to Pray Through the Psalms. InterVarsity Press, 2006. ISBN: 978-0830833323, Pub. Price $15.00 [215 pp.].

Theibodeaux, Mark. Armchair Mystic. St. Anthony Messenger Press, 2001. ISBN: 978-0867164305, Pub. Price $13.95 [170 pp.].

Further articles assigned (available on Moodle) on specific spiritual disciplines, Christian mystics, and theology of spirituality [350 pp.].

ASSIGNMENTS & ASSESSMENT: 

1. Instruction hours through video lectures, outlines, PowerPoint presentations [20 hours; other instructional hours are weekly connecting discussions and personal weekly interaction with professor in journals].

2. Weekly threaded discussions and other online interactive assignments (1,500-2,000 words per week) (35%) [These assignments involve interaction with the professor and small group discussion with other students and 20 hours are part of instructional hours] [This assignment is related to learning outcome #s 1, 2, 4]. [35 hours].
3. Reading assigned texts and completing a reading log (5%) [approx. 1,300 pp. of required reading] [This assignment is related to learning outcomes # 1, 2, 4]. [65 hours].
4. Attendance at a silent retreat (6 hrs) plus reflection paper (4-5 pgs) (15%) [This assignment is related to learning outcome #5]. [10 hours].
5. Personal engagement in spiritual exercises (15 hrs) plus two reflection papers (3-4 pgs each) (25%) [This assignment is related to learning outcome #2]. [20 hours total].
6. Research paper on an aspect of spiritual disciplines (10-12 pgs) (20%) [This assignment is related to learning outcome #3]. [10 hours].

PREREQUISITES: None.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Meets MA spirituality requirements (FSP, SP2, or SPIR).

FINAL EXAMINATION: None.