Winter 2019/Fuller Online

MN533

Salvatierra

MN533: ORGANIZING URBAN COMMUNITIES FOR TRANSFORMATION (4 Units: 160 Hours). Alexia Salvatierra.

DESCRIPTION: The course is designed to introduce the student to the principles and methodologies of community organizing as a way to engage churches in community transformation. Students will learn about the process of bringing urban residents together to address injustice and create more effective and humane systems and structures as well as the particular role and potential contribution of the church to this process. Various models of community organizing, including faith-based and faith-rooted efforts, will be examined. Students will also understand the biblical and theological mandate for community transformation as part of a holistic mission strategy, including community development and advocacy. Each student will develop a strategy for engagement applicable to their mission and ministry context utilizing insights gained from their study of a local organization.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Upon successful completing of this course, the student will: (1) Appreciate the knowledge base of community organizing practice, particularly the new developments in the field that are “faith-rooted”; (2) understand the major tasks, processes, issues, and technologies of organizing, in particular faith-rooted organizing; (3) identify the analytical, political, and interactional skills necessary for community organizing; (4) develop a conceptual framework for community transformation practice rooted in biblical and theological principles related to holistic mission; and (5) gain practical guidelines and experience for the integration of community organizing unto the ministry of a local church.

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: 1,208 pages of required reading. If you have previously read any of the required texts, please select an alternative text from the recommended reading or a book approved by the instructors.

Alinsky, Saul. Rules for Radicals. Vintage, 1989. ISBN: 978-0679721130, Pub. Price $15.95 [224 pp.]. Available on kindle through Amazon.

Linthicum, Robert. Transforming Power: Biblical Strategies for Making a Difference in Your Community. InterVarsity Press, 2003. ISBN: 978-0830832286, Pub. Price $22.00 [216 pp.]. Available as an ebook in the Fuller library.

Miller, Mike. Community Organizing: A Brief Introduction. Euclid Avenue Press, 2012. ISBN: 978-0615623214, Pub. Price $6.50 [64 pp.]. Available on kindle through Amazon.

Salvatierra, Alexia and Peter Heltzel. Faith-rooted Organizing: Mobilizing the Church in Service to the World. InterVarsity Press, 2014. ISBN: 978-0830836611, $16.00 [208 pp.]. Available as an ebook in the Fuller library.

Smock, Kristina. Democracy in Action: Community Organizing and Urban Change. Columbia University Press, 2004. ISBN: 978-0231126731, $35.00 [260 pp.]. Not available on ebook. Available paperback and hardcover, new and used, through Amazon.

Taylor, Adam. Mobilizing Hope: Faith-inspired Activism for a Post-Civil Rights Generation. InterVarsity, 2010. ISBN: 978-0830838370, Pub. Price $14.99 [236 pp.]. Available as an ebook in the Fuller library.

RECOMMENDED READING:

Bobo, Kimberley A., Jackie Kendall, and Steve Max. Organizing for Social Change. 4th ed. The Forum Press, 2010. ISBN: 978-0984275212, Pub. Price $39.95 [416 pp.].

Baker, Kendall Clark. When Faith Storms the Public Square. Circle Books, 2011. ISBN: 978-1846945359, Pub. Price $22.95 [227 pp.].

Gutierrez, Gustavo. The Power of the Poor in History. Wipf & Stock Publishers, 2004. ISBN: 978-1592449804, Pub. Price $30.00 [Part I].

Mann, Eric. Playbook for Progressives: 16 Qualities of the Successful Organizer. Beacon Press, 2011. ISBN: 978-0807047354, Pub. Price $17.00 [232 pp.].

Slessarev-Jamir, Helene. Prophetic Activism: Progressive Religious Justice Movements in Contemporary America. New York University Press, 2011. ISBN: 978-0814783856, Pub. Price $30.00 [Chapters 2,4 & 5].

ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT:

  1. 1,208 pp. of required reading [60 hours].
  2. Review of weekly input from the Professor in response to the weekly posted essay and comments. Professor input may include power points, videos and references to additional websites or video clips. [20 hours].
  3. 250-word weekly forum posts which consist of an essay in response to a question and the readings (30%). [This assignment is related to learning outcome #1-4] [30 hours].
  4. 3-4 weekly forum responses adding up to a total of 250-words weekly (15%). [This assignment is related to learning outcome #1-4] [10 hours].
  5. Directed Learning Activity: Choice of a local organization engaged in community organizing -- Interviews with a professional organizer and a volunteer leader, attendance at an activity of the organization. Written report and analysis of each component (500 words each) uploaded and overall final analysis of the experience in relationship to the course content (500 words) posted for review and response. At least two comments given to the other students’ posted overview analysis. (40%). [This assignment is related to learning outcomes #4, 5]. [35 hours].
  1. Final Reflection Paper: A posted 750 word reflection on the insights and lessons from the course, including potential application in their ministry. (15%). [This assignment is related to learning outcome #4]. [5 hours].

PREREQUISITES: None.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Option to meet the C2 requirement in the 120 MDiv and 80 MATM Programs (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.