Spring 2016/Fuller Online

CN568

Drane

CN568: THEOLOGICAL & PASTORAL PERSPECTIVES ON THE CONTEMPORARY FAMILY (4 Units: 160 Hours). Olive M. Fleming Drane.

DESCRIPTION: This course in practical theology examines diverse understandings of the family found within the broad Christian tradition, and their relationship to wider cultural concerns in a variety of different historical and contemporary settings.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students will (1) reflect on their own family stories; (2) understand the diversity of family patterns within the context of contemporary culture; (3) have the opportunity to develop pastoral skills for working with diverse family styles in the church and also in the wider community; and (4) develop skills in practical theology method incorporating biblical and theological resources with socio-cultural studies in a personally enriching environment of discipleship and Christian ministry.

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: 1,066 pp. required.

Anthony, Michael, & Michelle Anthony, Eds. A Theology for Family Ministry. B&H Academic, 2011. ISBN: 978-0805464214, Pub. Price $34.99 [304 pp. required].

Drane, John, & Olive M. Fleming Drane. Family Fortunes: Faith-Full Caring for Today’s Families. Darton, 2005. ISBN: 978-0232525427, Pub. Price $10.99 [206 pp. required].

Gallagher, Carol J. Family Theology: Finding God in Very Human Relationships. Morehouse, 2012. ISBN: 978-0819224378, Pub. Price $16.00 [144 pp. required].

Garland, David E., & Diana R Garland. Flawed Families of the Bible. Brazos Press, 2007. ISBN: 978-1587431555, Pub. Price $22.00 [selections].

Stone, Howard W. How to Think Theologically, 2^nd ed. Fortress Press, 2006. ISBN: 978-0800638184, Pub. Price $16.00 [156 pp. required].

Thatcher, Adrian. Theology and Families. Wiley-Blackwell, 2007. ISBN: 978-1405152754, Pub. Price $46.95 [256 pp. required].

Wilson, Philip B. Being Single in the Church Today. Morehouse, 2005. ISBN: 978-0819222077, Pub. Price $20.00 [selections].

Additional reading for particular topics will be provided as eReserves in the online course.

ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT:

1. Class activities (video lectures, presentations and other online resources) [20 hours].

2. Active participation in weekly forums, consisting of an initial post of 300-400 words on the question set for that topic, reflecting on and applying insights from the course materials, followed by substantial comments on and interactions with at least two other classmates’ posts (a minimum of 250 words each) (20%). [This assignment is related to learning outcomes #1 and #2] [20 hours].

3. 1066 pp. of required reading [60 hours].

4. Two 1,000 word book reviews (20%). [This assignment is related to learning outcome #2] [20 hours].

5. A report on the personal experiential processing of the course material showing evidence of ability in practical theology methodology (20%). [This assignment is related to learning outcomes #1 and #4] [5 hours].

6. A paper or practical project on a subject relevant to the concerns of the course, 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 (40%). [This assignment is related to learning outcomes #3 and #4] [35 hours].

PREREQUISITES: None.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Meets 144 MDiv core requirement in General Ministry (MIN 1). Fulfills concentration requirements in Family Life Education in MDiv and in MA in Family Life Education (prior to Winter 2010).

FINAL EXAMINATION: None.