Fall 2014/Fuller Online

TC500

Drane

TC500: THEOLOGY AND CULTURE (4 Units: 160 Hours). 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.

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 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: 1,150 pp. required.

Anderson, Ray S. An Emergent Theology of Emerging Churches. InterVarsity Press, 2006. ISBN: 978-0830833917, Pub. Price $17.00 [236 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.].

Stone, Howard. How to Think Theologically. 3rd ed. Fortress Press, 2006. ISBN: 978-0800638184, Pub. Price $16.00 [156 pp. required].

Turner, Steve. Pop Cultured: Thinking Christianly About Style, Media and Entertainment. InterVarsity, 2013. ISBN: 978-0830837687, Pub. Price $17.00 [230 pp. required].

RECOMMENDED READING: Additional reading for particular topics will be prescribed in the course syllabus online

ASSIGNMENTS & ASSESSMENT: 

1. Class activities (video lectures, presentations, etc.) [This assignment is related to learning outcomes #1, #2, #3, #4] [20 hours].

2. 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%). [This assignment is related to learning outcomes#1, #2, #4] [13 hours].

3. Local field trip in week #8 [6 hours].

4. 1,150 pp. of required reading [66 hours].

5. Two 1,000 word book reviews. (20% of final grade) [This assignment is related to learning outcome #1]. [20 hours].

6. 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 3,750 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) [This assignment is related to learning outcomes #3 and #4. [35 hours].

PREREQUISITES: None.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Option to meet the TH5 or C2 requirement in the 120 MDiv Program. Meets 144 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. Option to count in the Theology and Arts emphasis, Worship and Music Ministry emphasis, and Worship, Theology and the Arts emphasis.

FINAL EXAMINATION: None.