Summer 2018/Fuller Online
ST572
Burton

ST572: BONHOEFFER: LIFE AND THOUGHT. (4 Units: 160 hours). Bryan D. Burton.

DESCRIPTION: This course is designed to introduce the student to the life and thought of Dietrich Bonhoeffer. The student will be able to survey the major themes and works of Bonhoeffer as they were developed during the various stages of his life. Primary attention will be given to Bonhoeffer's contribution to social and ecclesiastical existence, as well as his contribution to the development of Christian spirituality. This course will also focus on the continuing legacy of Bonhoeffer through a critical assessment and evaluation of Bonhoeffer's life and thought in relationship to contemporary society, church and theology.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students successfully completing this course will have demonstrated: (1) an understanding of what they believe Bonhoeffer taught with regard to the Christian faith, (2) an understanding of the biographical and contextual character of Bonhoeffer’s theology, (3) an understanding of how their life context and theological development are inter-related, (4) an understanding of a range of theological options and reasons for their theological development, (5) an ability to think theologically in light of their own experience and their particular church setting, and (6) an understanding of the role of cultural diversity and contextualization in theology.

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: 1200 pages of reading required.

Bonhoeffer, Dietrich.A Testament to Freedom (revised edition).Ed. Geffrey Kelly and F. Burton Nelson; HarperCollins, 2009. ISBN: 978-0060642143, Pub. Price $23.99. [565 pp.].

Bonhoeffer, Dietrich. A Year with Dietrich Bonhoeffer: Daily Meditations from His Letters, Writings, and Sermons. Harper One, 2005. ISBN: 978-0060884086, Pub. Price $24.99 [70 pp. as assigned to correspond to quarter].

DeGruchy, John W., ed.The Cambridge Companion to Dietrich Bonhoeffer.Cambridge, 1999. ISBN: 978-0521587815, Pub. Price $40.99 [170 pp. assigned].

Kelly, Geffrey and F. Burton Nelson.The Cost of Moral Leadership: The Spirituality of Dietrich Bonhoeffer.Eerdmans, 2002. ISBN: 978-0802805119, Pub. Price $28.00. [249 pp.].

Tietz, Christiane. Theologian of Resistance: The Life and Thought of Dietrich Bonhoeffer. Fortress, 2016. ISBN: 978-1506408446, Pub. Price $23.99 [150 pp.].

RECOMMENDED READING:

Bethge, Renate. Dietrich Bonhoeffer: A Brief Life. Augsburg/Fortress, 1991. ISBN: 978-0800636777, Pub. Price $22.00.

Bethge, Renate. Dietrich Bonhoeffer: A Life in Pictures. Fortress, 2006. ISBN: 978-0800638115, Pub. Price $24.99.

Bethge, Eberhard.Dietrich Bonhoeffer: A Biography.Rev. ed.; Fortress, 2000. ISBN: 978-0800628444, Pub. Price $59.00.

Dramm, Sabine. Dietrich Bonhoeffer: An Introduction to His Thought. Baker, 2007. ISBN: 978-0801046094, Pub Price $22.00.

Green, Clifford and DeJonge, Michael., ed. The Bonhoeffer Reader. Fortress, 2013. ISBN: 978-0800699451, Pub Price $39.00.

Marsh, Charles. Strange Glory: A Life of Dietrich Bonhoeffer. Vintage Reprint, 2015. ISBN: 978-0307390387, Pub. Price $17.95.

Metaxas, Eric. Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy. Nelson, 2011. ISBN: 978-1595552464, Pub Price $19.99.

Roberts. J Deotis. Bonhoeffer and King: Speaking Truth to Power. Westminster/John Knox, 2004. ISBN: 978-0664226527, Pub. Price $25.00.

Wind, Renate. Dietrich Bonhoeffer: A Spoke in the Wheel. Eerdmans, 1992. ISBN: 978-0802806321, Pub Price $18.00.

ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT:

  1. Instruction hours with class activities such as video lectures, online chats,etc. [24 hours].
  2. 5 250-word weekly discussion posts as assigned based upon reading and instructional materials (15%). [This assignment is related to learning outcome #1,2,3,4] [10 hours].
  3. 10 50-100 word weekly Spiritual Formation Posts part of weekly in class participation expectation and spiritual formation component of course. (10%). [This assignment is related to learning outcome #] [10 hours].
  1. 1200 pp. of required reading [This assignment is related to learning outcome #1,2,3,4] [72 hours].
  2. Theological reading journal (750-1000 words) which records and highlights the student’s personal observations, insights, questions, concerns, etc., which arise while reading the required texts. Your journal should demonstrate that you have read and engaged the required texts for this course. (10% of course grade). [This assignment is related to learning outcomes #1,2,3,4,5,6] [10 hours].
  3. Integrative and Interactive Learning Activities [9 hours total]

DLA #1: A 500 word Reflection Essay on “How Dietrich Bonhoeffer Changed My Mind” with response to 2 other students post. (10% of course grade). [This assignment is related to learning outcomes #4,5,6]. [2 hours].

DLA #2: A 500 word Case Study Forum Response to the Question “In light of Bonhoeffer’s commitment to pacifism and his involvement in the plot to assassinate Hitler, how do you reconcile this apparent conflict in Bonhoeffer?” with a 100 word response to 2 other student. (10% of course grade). [This assignment is directly related to               learning outcomes #1,2,3,4,5]. [4 hours].

DLA #3: An Outline of A Sermon Celebrating The Life and Witness of Dietrich Bonhoeffer: Prepare a sermon Outline (not manuscript) with Title, Introduction, Main Points and Conclusion, with one book that you would recommend/suggest for your “congregation, ministry or class” to read to learn more about D. Bonhoeffer, then respond with a 100 word to 2 other students sermon outline (10% of course grade). [This assignment is directly related to learning outcomes #1,2,3,4,5,6]. [3 hours].

  1. Signature Assignment for ST572 will be A Major Research and Critical Evaluation Paper of 2500-3000 words/10-12 pages with cover page, foot/endnotes and bibliography) focused upon a certain aspect of Bonhoeffer's life or thought and its relevance to Christian life and ministry today (35%). [This assignment is related to learning outcome #1,2,3,4,5,6]. [25 hours].

PREREQUISITES: None.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Fulfills TH4 requirement in MAT and 120 MDiv.

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.