Fall 2017/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 in the Global North 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) identify appropriate apologetic approaches for contextualizing faith in post-modern culture; (4) aim for proficiency in a practical theology method that combines social science skills with biblical and theological resources in a way that will enhance discipleship and the practice of 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. 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: 1,404 pp. required.

Detweiler, Craig, and Barry Taylor. A Matrix of Meanings. Baker Academic, 2003. ISBN: 978-0801024177, Pub. Price $30.00 [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. Blackwell, 2005. ISBN: 978-1405117487, Pub. Price $46.95 [254 pp.].

Male, David (ed), Pioneers4Life: explorations in theology and wisdom for pioneering leaders. BRF, 2011. ISBN: 978-1841018270, Pub. Price $20.25 [210 pp.].

Stone, Howard. How to Think Theologically. 3rd ed. Fortress Press, 2006. ISBN: 978-0800699321, Pub. Price $19.00 [156 pp. required].

Turner, Steve. Popcultured: 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 and normally made available as eReserves.

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] [15 hours].

  3. Local field trip in week #8 [4 hours].

  4. 1,404 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 following guidelines provided in the course syllabus. 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, C2, or C3 requirement in the 120 MDiv Program. Option to meet the C2 or C3 requirement in the 80 MATM Program (Fall 2015).

FINAL EXAMINATION: None.


NOTE: This ECD is a reliable guide to the course design but is subject to modification. Textbook prices are set by publishers and are subject to change.

For your convenience, order these texts online through the Archives Bookshop.