Spring 2016/Pasadena

MT501

Dryness

MT501: DOING THEOLOGY IN GLOBAL CONTEXTS (4 Units: 160 hours). William A. Dryness.

DESCRIPTION: This course provides a basic introduction to theological reflection as this has developed in various places and is currently emerging in a global context. The goal is to provide the background and terminology necessary for students to begin exploring theology as an expanding conversation about the meaning of Scripture and the Christian life that extends itself through history and around the world.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: At the end of the course students will (1) recognize the basic terminology and structure of the Christian theology; (2) be acquainted with a range of cultural and contextual matters that have shaped ecumenical debate; (3) be familiar with an influential Christian thinker or document in the history of the Church; and (4) begin to develop their own theology in in critical dialogue with various view.

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: If you have previously read any of the required texts, please select an alternative text from the recommended reading list or a book approved by the instructor.

Dyrness, William and Oscar Garcia Johnson.Theology without Borders (Baker, 2015). ISBN: 978-0801049323, Pub. Price $21.99 [208 pp.].

Dyrness, W. A., and V.-M. Kärkkäinen, eds. Dictionary of Global Theology, InterVarsity Press, 2008. ISBN: 978-0830824540, Pub. Price $50.00. [c 200 pp.].

McGrath, Alister, Christian Theology. Blackwell Publ (Fifth Edition), 2011. ISBN: 978-1444335149, Pub. Price $54.95 [c 200 pp.].

Course Reader of texts by Oduyoye, Augustine, Anselm, Beltran, Wan, Wright, and Fulljames.

Additional 400 pages selected from a bibliography of global theological books and journal articles provided in the course reader.

RECOMMENDED READING:

Kärkkäinen, V.-M. The Trinity in Global Perspectives. Westminster Press, 2007. ISBN: 978-0664428903, Pub. Price $39.95.

Rieger, Joerg. Christ and Empire: From Paul to Postcolonial Times. Fortress, 2007. ISBN: 978-0800620387, Pub. Price $22.00.

See the course syllabus for additional recommended texts.

ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT:

1. Weekly audio (and video) lectures [This assignment is related to learning outcome #1, 2]. [20 hours].

2. 300 word weekly forum posts. (10%). [This assignment is related to learning outcome #1, 2, 4]. [15 hours].

3. 250 word weekly responses. (10%). [This assignment is related to learning outcome #4]. [10 hours].

4. C. 1000 pp. of required reading [This assignment is related to learning outcome #1, 2]. [70 hours].

5. Midterm exam on week five, five questions 300 words each. (25%). [This assignment is related to learning outcome #1, 2, 4]. [10 hours].

6. 1250 word Biography of faith of a person from another tradition. (25%). [This assignment is related to learning outcome #2]. [Including one hour interview, 10 hours].

7. One final project, 3,000 word paper dealing with a major theological theme in cross cultural perspective. (30%). [This assignment is related to learning outcome #1, 2, 3, 4]. [25 hours].

PREREQUISITES: None.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: C1. Meets Seminary Core Requirement (SCR) for MATM, MACL, MAICS, and MAFS degrees (beginning Winter 2010); meets core competency for (pre 2010) MACCS degree.

FINAL EXAMINATION: None.