Spring 2018/Fuller Online

CN567

Ryan

CN567: SPIRITUAL FORMATION AND THE TWELVE STEPS (4 Units: 161 Hours). Dale Ryan.

DESCRIPTION: This class provides an introduction to the twelve steps of Alcoholics Anonymous as a model for Christian spiritual formation. It will include an examination of common twelve step practices and twelve step culture with particular emphasis on spiritual disciplines. The class will also explore helpful pastoral responses to Christians who could benefit from the twelve step process as well as pastoral responses to spiritual seekers who practice the steps and who seek an increased understanding of the connections between twelve step process and Christian spiritual traditions.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: After successful completion of this course students will be able to say (1) I am well-informed about the spiritual practices of the twelve steps. (2) I have reflected deeply on the Christian spiritual traditions that inform twelve step practice and can articulate how these traditions reinforce or challenge my own spiritual formation and development. (3) I am better prepared to minister effectively to people who are a part of twelve step culture.

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: 1,200 total pages required for full credit

Anon. The Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous. AA World Services, 2001. ISBN: 978-1893007161, Pub. Price $21.95 (Available free online: http://www.whytehouse.com/big_book_search/; audio version available free: http://silkworth.net/audiobigbook/audiobigbook.html) [164 pp. assigned].

Anon. Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions. AA World Services, 2002. ISBN: 978-0916856014, Pub Price. $19.95 (Free online at: http://www.aa.org/pages/en_US/twelve-steps-and-twelve-traditions) [192 pp. assigned].

Miller, J. Keith. A Hunger for Healing: The Twelve Steps as a Classic Model for Christian Spiritual Growth. Harper One, 1992. ISBN: 978-0060657673, Pub. Price $15.00 [288 pp.].

Rohr, Richard. Breathing Under Water: Spirituality and the Twelve Steps. Franciscan Media, 2011. ISBN: 978-1616361570, Pub. Price $18.99 [147 pp.].

Ryan, Dale, and Juanita Ryan. A Spiritual Kindergarten: Christian Perspectives On The Twelve Steps. Create Space, 2008. ISBN: 978-1440444814, Pub. Price $12.95 [112 pp.].

Additional relevant reading to make a combined total of 1200 pages. A list of recommended books will be available in the syllabus. It is possible to modify the reading assignments with the approval of the faculty.

ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT:

  1. Instruction hours (20% of grade). [This assignment is related to learning outcomes #1-3]
  1. Weekly video presentations [22 hours]
  2. 250-word weekly posts [10 hours]
  3. 250-word weekly replies [10 hours].
  1. Reading Assignment. Read all required texts plus additional reading for a total of 1,200 pages (16% of grade). [This assignment is related to learning outcomes #1-3] [70 hours].
  2. Case Study Assignments. Submit 3, 700-word essays (24% of grade). [This assignment is related to learning outcomes #3] [16 hours].
  3. A 2,000 word (approx. 8 page) theological reflection paper addressing in depth an issue related to the spiritual practices of the twelve steps (40%) [This assignment is related to learning outcomes #3] [16 hours].
  4. Spiritual Practice Assignment. 15 minute daily reflection on an emailed meditation; details in syllabus) [This assignment is related to learning outcome #3] [17 hours].

PREREQUISITES: None.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Elective.

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.