Spring 2016/Fuller Online

FS529

Balswick/Balswick

FS529: MINISTRY ISSUES IN GENDER AND HUMAN SEXUALITY (4 Units: 160 Hours). Judy Balswick and Jack Balswick.

DESCRIPTION: This course will deal with the spiritual, psychological, sociological, and physiological aspects of gender and human sexuality. The focus will be on specific issues relevant to persons in Christian ministry.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: By the end of the course students should (1) demonstrate an integrated theological and psycho-socio-cultural understanding of gender and human sexuality, (2) be able to articulate and put in practice basic principles of authentic sexual relationships, (3) have an understanding of the development of femininity and masculinity, (4) be able to identify sexual struggles and sexual abuses that occur in our world today, and (5) be able to demonstrate the ability to provide effective preventative and or transformational services to individuals, couples, families, the church and the wider community in the area of gender and sexuality. Graduates will be equipped with insights from Christian theology regarding their understanding of masculinity and femininity, and the relationship between genders.

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: 1,015 of required reading.

Balswick, Judith K. & Jack O. Authentic Human Sexuality: An Integrated Christian Approach. 2nd ed. InterVarsity Press, 2008. ISBN: 978-0830828838, Pub. Price: $30.00 [367 pp.].

Balswick, Jack. Men at the Crossroads:Beyond Traditional Roles and Modern Options. InterVarsity Press, 1992. ISBN: 978-0830813858, Pub. Price: $8.00 [218 pp.].

Bilezikian, Gilbert. Beyond Sex Roles: What the Bible Says about a Women’s Place in Church and Family. 3rd ed. Baker Academic, 2006. ISBN: 978-0801031533, Pub. Price: $24.00 [270 pp.].

Paris, Jenell. The End of Sexual Identity: Why Sex Is Too Important to Define Who We Are. InterVarsity Press, 2011. ISBN: 978-0830838363, Pub. Price: $16.00 [160 pp.].

ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT:

1. Instruction hours with video lectures and PowerPoint presentations [20 hours].

2. 250-word weekly forum posts (15%). [This assignment is related to learning outcomes #1-4] [10 hours].

3. 250-word weekly forum responses (15%). [This assignment is related to learning outcomes #1-4] [10 hours].

4. 1,015 pp. of required reading. [This assignment is related to learning outcomes #1-5] [58 hours].

5. Four 2-page papers analyzing influences on students’ views on gender and sexuality (20%). [This assignment is related to learning outcome #1-4] [17 hours].

6. A midterm exam. This assignment is related to learning outcomes #1-3. Exam questions will consist of case studies in which students will draw from the readings to analyze and reflect upon hypothetical issues regarding gender and sexuality in ministry settings (24%). [This assignment is related to learning outcomes #1-3] [20 hours].

7. A 10-12 page outline final project. This assignment is related to learning outcome #5 in which the student develops a practical ministry program on an aspect of gender or sexuality suitable for a church or community setting. Examples of project topics include sex and singleness; gender issues in ministry; interpersonal relationships; dating & courtship; pornography, etc. (26%). [This assignment is related to learning outcomes #5] [25 hours].

PREREQUISITES: None.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: This course will NOT meet the core requirements of the MAFS and MSMFT programs. Note it is ONLY available to SOP students not on Pasadena campus.

FINAL EXAMINATION: None.